The Need for Congress to Extend Affordable Connectivity Program for Quality Healthcare Services Amid the Telehealth Revolution

The American Hospital Association (AHA) has called on Congress to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program. In a letter submitted on May 7, the AHA emphasized the importance of affordable high-speed internet for patients to access important healthcare services. The program, administered by the Federal Communications Commission, provides eligible households with discounts of $30 per month towards internet service. Additionally, qualifying households in tribal lands can receive up to $75 per month in benefits. However, without legislative action, these benefits would decrease to $14 this month before completely expiring in June.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is crucial for patients to access important healthcare services such as telehealth, hospital at home, patient portals, electronic patient records, virtual scheduling, and remote patient monitoring. These services are increasingly important in the current environment where telehealth has become increasingly popular.

Without continued access to affordable high-speed internet, patients will face disruptions in their care. The AHA emphasized the critical role that the Affordable Connectivity Program plays in supporting equitable access to healthcare and urged Congress to extend the program to prevent these disruptions.

Extending the Affordable Connectivity Program will ensure that patients have access to the technology they need to receive quality care. It will also help reduce health disparities by ensuring that all Americans have equal access to essential healthcare services.

In conclusion, it is crucial that Congress extends the Affordable Connectivity Program. Without this extension, millions of Americans will lose access to affordable high-speed internet and face significant barriers in receiving quality healthcare services.