Apply Soon for COVID-19 Telehealth Program, FCC and Hospital Rep Say

An agency official and hospital executive urged applying soon for the FCC COVID-19 telehealth program. Speaking on an FCBA webinar Thursday, American Hospital Association Director-Health Information Technology Policy Samantha Burch wanted to see another round of congressional funding, saying additional demand could demonstrate need. Congress allocated $200 million (see 2004010042). Through Wednesday, the FCC had approved releasing just over $50 million. "Time is of the essence for this program," said Chas Eberle, senior counsel for the FCC Wireline Bureau's Telecommunications Access Policy Division. The program is to end when the entire $200 million fund is extinguished, which Eberle expected to occur before the emergency ends. "Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good" when preparing a program application, he told FCBA. Bureau staff will work with applicants and seek clarification as needed, Eberle said. "Hospitals are grateful for this iterative process," Burch said. Keep in mind the program isn't a grant program but a reimbursement program, Eberle said. Awardees need to track and submit paperwork to get funding, he said. AHA wants the FCC to include for-profit hospitals (see 2004270044). "COVID doesn't discriminate based on the tax status," she said.