The Pilot Care Program represents a significant initiative aimed at bolstering healthcare services through enhanced connectivity. Funded by up to $100 million from the Universal Service Fund (USF) over a three-year period, this program, established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is designed to support the provision of connected care services across the nation. The final rules for the Pilot Program were adopted on April 2, 2020, marking a crucial step in leveraging technology to improve healthcare access and delivery.
The core objective of the Pilot Program is to fund selected projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to connected care. It provides financial support to cover 85% of the eligible costs associated with broadband connectivity, essential network equipment, and information services. These components are vital for delivering connected care services effectively to patients, particularly in underserved communities. It’s important to note that the program is specifically structured to fund the infrastructure of connected care, and does not cover end-user devices like tablets or smartphones, or medical equipment directly used in patient care.
While the application window for the Pilot Program has now closed, concluding on December 7, 2020, the impact of the program is already being realized. The FCC announced the application period through Public Notice DA 20-1315, which was open from November 6, 2020. Applications were submitted via an online system managed by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Successful applicants chosen to participate in the Pilot Care Program have been notified by the Commission and are moving forward with their projects.
As of October 27, 2021, the Commission reported the selection of 93 Pilot projects. These initiatives are set to serve patients across 35 states, including the District of Columbia, with a total funding allocation exceeding $69 million. This substantial investment underscores the commitment to expanding connected care and its potential to transform healthcare delivery. Detailed lists of the selected projects are publicly available in both PDF and Excel formats, offering transparency and allowing stakeholders to understand the scope and reach of the Pilot Care Program.
For those interested in delving deeper into the program’s specifics, comprehensive documentation, including all applications filed, can be accessed through the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) under Docket No. WC 18-213. This public access to information ensures accountability and allows for thorough review of the program’s implementation and impact. The Pilot Care Program stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to integrate technology into healthcare, aiming to create a more connected and accessible healthcare system for all Americans.
