AHA supports FCC proposal for new telehealth pilot program

The AHA today voiced support for a Federal Communications Commission proposal to create a $100 million pilot program to support telehealth for low-income Americans, calling the Connected Care Pilot Program “a critical next step towards delivering affordable telehealth services to those Americans who need it the most.” In particular, AHA said the agency “should explore how the Connected Care Pilot Program can support costs for remote patient monitoring, including the cost of equipment, as an eligible expense,” citing the potential for improved outcomes and decreased costs. AHA also said the program should not impose unnecessary administrative burdens and barriers to participation; use realistic metrics to measure success; receive adequate funding; and incentivize community-focused projects.