Representative Angie Craig Leads Bipartisan Letter to Federal Communications Commission in Support of Telehealth-Dependent Rural Communities

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, U.S. Representatives Angie Craig and Greg Pence (R-IN) led a bipartisan letter 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.

"As Members representing rural parts of America, we strongly support the advancement of telehealth telecommunication technologies to improve access to critical care for those that live beyond the reach of brick and mortar physician service establishments," wrote the Members. "During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth technologies proved their worth in connecting patients with their providers when virus containment measures restricted access to medical services. As the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continues advancing the second round of funding through the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, we request that the Commission prioritize rural areas."

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 Consolidated Appropriations Act provided an additional $250 million in funding, which the FCC will distribute to qualified health systems. During the initial round of funding, Minnesota hospitals and clinics received over $3 million to help provide telehealth services to patients in their homes.

The letter was endorsed by the National Rural Health Association.

A copy of the letter sent to FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel can be found