As we work with provider organizations nationwide on their telehealth programs and their FCC COVID-19 Telehealth program applications, we’ve compiled some of their FAQs about the FCC Program and are sharing them below to help inform and expedite the application process.
Don’t see your question answered below? Contact us today or schedule time for free guidance on your FCC COVID-19 Telehealth Program application.
Q1: Can I receive CARES Act Relief Funds and participate in the FCC COVID-19 Telehealth Program?
A: Yes, both are intended as relief from the financial burden COVID-19 has caused many provider organizations. There is nothing that precludes a hospital or other provider from receiving CARES Act funding and applying for / being awarded funding through the FCC Telehealth Program.
Q2: Can Physicians / Medical Groups apply for the FCC Telehealth Funding?
A: Per the FCC Telehealth Program website, the Program is open to both rural and non-rural health providers in eight (8) eligible provider categories. This program does not include physician practices or medical groups, unless they are part of a consortia (category 8). If physicians are working for organizations in the other categories, those entities can apply.
Q3: Is it worth my effort to apply?
A: Relatively speaking, the FCC Telehealth Program application process is straightforward.The landing page for the application has a helpful Application Guidance document, detailed Application Instructions and clear FAQs.
In launching the program, the FCC specifically called out their efforts to minimize the burden and accelerate the processthrough not requiring applicants to conduct competitive bidding, a streamlined application process with allowance for some concurrent activities and rapid award decision making. To date, the FCC has lived up to this commitment — in the first 12 days of applications being received, the FCC awarded nearly $10M in funding.
Q4: What are the pre-requisites for the program?
Per the application landing page, qualified providers must:
- Obtain an FCC Registration Number (FRN) if they don’t have one
- Obtain an eligibility determination from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC); note, this can be done concurrent with the FCC Telehealth program application
- Register with System for Award Management. Note: this does not need to be completed until the applicant is notified of award
- Additionally, for invoicing (see below), awardees must ensure registration on the US. Department of the Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).
Q5: Once an organization receives an award, how does invoicing work?
A: The general process for invoicing awardees is:
- Review, prepare and gather documentation for submission, including the Request for Reimbursement Form and supporting invoice documentation
- Ensure registration on the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) and the FCC’s System for Award Management
- Review and sign certifications to ensure integrity and complianc2e with Program rules, the CARES Act, and any other applicable federal and state laws
- Upload the Request for Reimbursement Form and supporting documentation to the IPP
Notes on invoicing / payments
The FCC has not stated the turn-around time for payment, but says “This funding and disbursement process is designed to provide funds to participating eligible health care providers as soon as possible”.
Awardees will receive the FCC funds and be responsible for paying vendors-service providers.
