Schatz Statement On FCC Vote To Move Forward With New $100 Million Telehealth Program

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to move ahead with a $100 million telehealth pilot program. The Connected Care Pilot Program would expand broadband access for veterans and patients in low-income communities to connect them to telehealth services.

“I’ve seen firsthand how telemedicine can make it easier for patients to see their doctors, bring specialized care to more places, and literally save lives. I thank Commissioner Carr and the FCC for looking at new ways to extend the benefits of telehealth to more veterans and families who are still struggling to get the care they need,” said Senator Schatz, lead Democrat on the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation and the Internet.

Sen. Schatz is the author of the CONNECT for Health Act, bipartisan legislation that would expand telehealth services in Medicare, improve care outcomes, make it easier for patients to connect with their health care providers, and help cut costs for patients and providers. Provisions in Schatz’s bill have been included in comprehensive health care legislation.
 

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