PSC: Awards $1 million in telemedicine grants

MADISON – On Thursday, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) met and awarded $1 million in Medical Telecommunications Equipment Program grants to 16 recipients. 

“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has become more crucial than ever.  The ability to ensure continuity of care and speak to a doctor to receive treatment remotely is of vital importance to maintain safe social distancing practices for patients and health care staff,” said Rebecca Cameron Valcq, Chairperson of the PSC. 

Applications for the grants were due on March 12, 2020 and 19 applications were received. The PSC asked applicants to submit additional information in light of the rapidly changing circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. 15 of the 19 applicants submitted more information including three who asked for additional funding to address expanded needs due to COVID-19. All together, the total amount requested by the 19 applicants was nearly $1.2 million. The grant awards are for state fiscal years 2020 and 2021. 

A list of recipients can be found here

The Medical Telecommunications Equipment Program is a grant program under the Universal Service Fund that enables non-profit medical clinics or public health agencies to apply for funding to purchase medical telecommunications equipment. Up to $500,000 per fiscal year is available to purchase medical telecommunications equipment that will enhance access to medical care in rural or underserved areas of the state or to underserved populations or to persons with disabilities, or promote technologically advanced medical services. 

An applicant must be a nonprofit medical clinic or hospital that is governed by a board of directors, serves federally designated health professional areas, medically underserved areas, or medically underserved populations, or is a public health agency.