Federal Communications Commission	"FCC  XX-XXX"


STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER JESSICA ROSENWORCEL
Re:	Promoting Telehealth for Low-Income Consumers, WC Docket No. 18-213.
We are in the midst of a public health emergency.  There have been nearly 23 million cases of the novel coronavirus in the United States and more than 375,000 lives cut short during this cruel pandemic.  These numbers are so daunting, it’s difficult to comprehend the magnitude of the loss and the depth of the changes that this virus will leave in its wake.
However, we know that telehealth technology is here to stay.  That’s because this pandemic has demonstrated that there are lots of opportunities to expand its reach.  So right on cue, today the Federal Communications Commission announces its early selections for its Connected Care Pilot Program.  This Public Notice details funding for projects that will help assist with care in the ongoing pandemic.  In addition, we award funding to a project that includes connected care initiatives that may help with maternal healthcare.  That’s important because in recent years the United States is the only industrialized nation that has seen an increase in maternal mortality.  I hope that as this program evolves we can do more to explore how expanded obstetric care can be made available through connected care.  
This Public Notice, however, is only the beginning.  That’s because in the most recent appropriations legislation Congress provided the agency with additional funding to extend the agency’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program.  I look forward to doing so and more importantly, look forward to the good that can be done to expand telehealth across the country.  



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