The Biden administration said Thursday it was funneling $19 million to rural communities to expand telehealth innovation and quality nationwide. The money will be awarded to 36 different healthcare organizations, telehealth resource centers and other organizations through the Health Resources Services Administration in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“Telehealth is crucial to providing convenient and sustained care for patients,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said. “This funding demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s strong commitment to expanding access to quality health care for everyone, including in rural and underserved communities. I will continue to support innovative solutions that will strengthen our health care system.”
Since the pandemic, home healthcare agencies have joined other providers offering virtual visits, wellness checks, wound care and other services through telemedicine technology.
The money will be used in a variety of ways, including training providers in rural areas on the use of telehealth, education, and assessing the effectiveness of telehealth care for patients.
The funding is part of the administration’s Build Back Better initiative to improve healthcare in rural communities. The plan also includes $52 million to train healthcare workers, expand electronic record keeping and telehealth systems.
