On May 7, the American Hospital Association (AHA) sent a letter to a bipartisan group of senators, urging Congress to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program. This program offers important benefits to support access to high-speed internet, which is essential for patients to receive crucial healthcare services such as telehealth, hospital at home, patient portals, electronic patient records, virtual scheduling, and remote patient monitoring.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is administered by the Federal Communications Commission and 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 will decrease to $14 this month before completely expiring in June.
The AHA highlighted the critical role that affordable high-speed internet plays in supporting equitable access to healthcare and emphasized that Congress should extend the program. Ensuring continued access to high-speed internet is especially important now that telehealth has become increasingly important during the current environment.
According to AHA’s letter, disruptions in patient care could occur if Congress does not take immediate action to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program. The association urged lawmakers not only to extend the program but also increase its funding so that more households can benefit from it.
In conclusion, ensuring continued access to affordable high-speed internet is crucial for patients receiving quality healthcare services. The AHA’s letter serves as a reminder of this need and urges Congress to act swiftly and decisively on this issue.