FCC Telehealth Program Funding Second Release

Background

The FCC will release a second round of funding of up to $250M under the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. The funding application period release date has yet to be set, however the FCC has indicated it should be opened in March. In anticipation of the impending release, see below for the expected application process and applicant criteria and prioritization.

Application process

• If this is your first application

  • The application process will be administered by Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and can be completed online or via fax or mail.
  • Applicants will no longer be required to file FCC Form 460 for eligibility.
  • In addition to the application, agencies must also submit documentation demonstrating that funding requests are for equipment and services eligible for program support and their estimated costs.
  • The final release by the FCC will include a list of equipment and services that are eligible and ineligible for funding.

• If you applied in the initial round of FCC Covid-19 Telehealth Funding Program

  • Received funding
    • It is anticipated that if an agency received the full amount of funding available in the initial round, they are not eligible to participate in this round of funding
      • If an agency received partial funding, they must resubmit a new application for funding, the application from the initial round will not carry forward.
        • Agencies will be eligible to receive up to the difference from award received and $1M.
  • Did not receive funding
    • It is anticipated that agencies who were declined in the initial round must resubmit for funding in round 2 through the process defined above.
• Changes in funding usage must be approved with the FCC prior to any utilization amendments
• Reporting of fund distribution is required within 1 year of receipt of funds

Applicant Qualification Criteria and Prioritization

• To ensure an equitable distribution of funding, the FCC is planning to fund at least one applicant in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
• Prioritization of applications:
  • Agencies serving indigenous populations, low-income communities, and rural communities will be prioritized.
    • Although the definition criteria for these populations has yet to be defined, qualification criteria will be determined by patient reported demographic data and geographic census reports.

Pivot Point Consulting Program Assistance

To support provider organizations seeking to participate in the FCC COVID-19 Telehealth Program funding, Pivot Point Consulting is offering pro bono advisory and regulatory insight on the program and upcoming application process. Use the form below to contact our telehealth experts directly.