The FCC voted July 10 to approve a $100 million connected care pilot program that aims to provide telehealth services to low-income patients in rural America.
The proposed pilot program would offer an 85 percent discount on connectivity for telehealth services powered by broadband internet access. The virtual care services would connect patients directly to their physicians through audio and video technology.
The commission is seeking comment on the notice of proposed rule making, which calls for the establishment of a new program, built from the FCC's existing rural healthcare program authority, to cover the costs of broadband internet access for low-income patients and veterans.
The FCC also seeks comment aspects such as budget, duration and healthcare provider eligibility, among others.