Technology Funding for Healthcare Organizations

Through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (PPPCHE), the Provider Relief Fund allows qualified healthcare, services, and support providers to apply for funds for healthcare-related expenses. This includes information technology, such as: 

• Telehealth software and hardware
• Improved internet services to support increased telehealth or remote working

The American Rescue Plan Act provides one-time funding for projects that support health centers to enhance healthcare services and infrastructure. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) offers guidance on allowable uses of funds, and applicants must align their proposed application of funds to the approved use case through a justification narrative. Examples may include:

• Limiting viral spread by using video communications to provide access to telehealth services, such as primary care, specialty care, chronic condition care, mental health and substance abuse treatment, counseling, and support services, so patients can continue to receive care at home
• Providing virtual training to healthcare professionals on COVID-19 vaccine administration and subsequent observation

The RUS-DLT grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development and Rural Utilities Services, supports and improves telemedicine and distance learning services in rural communities by funding capital expenditures like:

• Audio, video, and interactive video equipment
• Broadband facilities that support telemedicine and distance learning
• Computer hardware, network components, and software
• Instructional programming
• Technical assistance and instruction for using eligible equipment