Representative Greg Pence (R-IN) led a bipartisan letter along with 29 other members of Congress Monday urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to support America’s rural communities in the second round of funding for the Commission’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program.
“A person’s zip code should never be a barrier to accessing healthcare, nor should it affect the quality of care which they receive. Yet too many Hoosiers in Indiana and Americans in rural areas across the nation are facing great difficulty connecting with the critical services they need,” said Congressman Pence in a media release. “That’s why my colleagues and I are requesting FCC Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel prioritize these disadvantaged communities who need the support most, especially with the additional obstacles COVID-19 has imposed for many of our constituents who depend on telehealth telecommunication technologies.”
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, included $200 million for the Federal Communications Commission to expand telehealth capabilities. The Commission fully obligated the $200 million by issuing awards for 539 applications from April 16, 2020, through July 8, 2020.
The additional funding made available by the Trump Administration has supported the efforts of health care providers to continue serving their patients by providing telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to enable the provision of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Congressman Greg Pence represents Indiana’s 6th District, which includes Shelby County.
