Telehealth and Health Information Technology in Rural Healthcare – Funding & Opportunities

Community Connect Broadband Grant Program
Grants for communities without broadband access to provide residential and business broadband service and connect facilities such as police and fire stations, healthcare, libraries, and schools.

Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program Grants
Grants to help rural communities use advanced telecommunications technology to connect to each other, and the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density.

Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program (REDL and REDG)
Loans and grants to assist in the economic development of rural areas, including funds for healthcare facilities and equipment, telecommunications networks, and job creation projects.

Telehealth Centers of Excellence Program
Funding to support incumbent academic medical centers that will implement and evaluate innovative telehealth solutions in rural populations and populations with limited access to services, serve as national models, test concepts and create proven, replicable approaches that expand access to care and improve health outcomes.

Telehealth Nutrition Services Network Grant Program
Funding to use telehealth networks to expand access to nutrition care in rural and medically underserved areas.

Quality Payment Program Exceptions
The opportunity to apply for exceptions to meeting Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) program requirements. The 2 exceptions include extreme and uncontrollable circumstances and promoting interoperability hardship.

Rural Health Care Program – Healthcare Connect Fund
Provides assistance to healthcare providers for eligible expenses related to broadband connectivity at a flat discounted rate of 65%. Participants can apply as a member of a consortium or a stand-alone entity.

Rural Health Care Telecommunications (Telecom) Program
Assistance to healthcare providers for eligible expenses related to telecommunications and voice services for the use of telemedicine and telehealth.

Certified Professional by the American Heart Association - Telehealth (CPAHA) Program
A certification program for healthcare professionals interested in demonstrating a commitment to telehealth.

Economic Development Assistance Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs
Funding to support the implementation of regional economic development, including public works projects and job creation projects. Past projects have included funding for water and wastewater projects in hospitals and healthcare facilities and road infrastructure projects that would support the expansion of healthcare facilities. Rural communities are a program priority, among others.