WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, the Michigan Primary Care Association along with 11 member community health centers received funding from the Federal Communications Commission’s COVID-19 Telehealth program.
The MPCA was part of the FCC’s additional 71 applications approved for funding commitments totaling $40,468,845 for the second round of its COVID-19 Telehealth program. This is the FCC’s third funding announcement of approved Round 2 applications bringing the total to approximately $123.6 million awarded to health care providers in each state, territory and the District of Columbia.
The MPCA–the only primary care association noted on this latest listing–was awarded $990,000 on behalf of its 11 members in the application to invest in remote equipment for patients with sustained medical conditions so that health care professionals can effectively monitor patients without contracting the COVID-19 virus.
The 11 recipient health centers include Alcona Health Center, Cassopolis Family Clinic Network, Catherine’s Health Center, Family Health Center Inc., Family Medical Center of Michigan, InterCare Community Health Network, MyCare Health Center, Northwest Michigan Health Services Inc., Sterling Area Health Center, Thunder Bay Community Health Service Inc., and Traverse Health Clinic.
“We express our gratitude and thank the FCC for the funding of nearly $1 million that will go toward the purchase of remote monitoring devices for patients with chronic conditions, enabling providers to effectively monitor patients without risking exposure to COVID-19,” MPCA chief executive officer Dennis Litos stated.
“The money is very beneficial to our member community health centers that have done yeoman’s work as we all continue to navigate through difficult times during the coronavirus pandemic.”
FCC acting chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel added: “Advances in telehealth continue to help bridge the gap in health care for our most vulnerable populations and keep Americans connected with their doctors, nurses, and health care providers in the face of the pandemic. With today’s announcement, the FCC has approved more than $123 million in applications for Round 2 of its COVID-19 Telehealth program—nearly half of the amount allotted in the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act. We remain committed to helping facilitate even more innovative health care efforts in every corner of our country.”
The FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth program supports the efforts of health care providers to continue serving their patients by providing reimbursement for telecommunications services, information services, and connected devices necessary to enable telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Round 2 is a $249.95 million federal initiative that builds on the $200 million program established as part of the CARES Act. As outlined in the Round 2 Report and Order, once $150 million in funding has been committed, the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau will announce an opportunity for all remaining applicants to supplement their applications, as required by Congress. After all remaining applicants have the opportunity to supplement, the remaining program funding will be committed.
For additional information on the FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth program, visit: https://www.usac.org/about/covid-19-telehealth-program/
–Federal Communications Commission