Rural American families face an important issue: losing Internet subsidies.
According to U.S. News & World Report, more than 23 million low-income households in urban, suburban, rural and tribal areas have enrolled in the program, which was established by Congress in 2021 to bridge the digital divide. However, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) expects funding to dry up in April or May, raising concerns.
FCC Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel said that because the Internet subsidy program helps people “fully participate in modern life,” the U.S. Congress should invest $6 billion to fund it until the end of 2024.
potentially devastating effects
One of those affected by the loss of internet subsidies is Cindy Westman, 43, of Eureka, Ill., who suffers from genetic and immune system disorders, as well as her 12-year-old daughter’s cerebral palsy and autism. Autism. She uses the Internet to manage her daughter’s medical needs, including online medical records and telemedicine appointments to avoid long trips to specialized care facilities.
Losing internet subsidies would be devastating for healthcare professionals and patients. Alister Martin, an emergency physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, has seen gaps in care during the pandemic and highlighted the program’s impact on health outcomes. Massachusetts and Arkansas have launched patient registration drives.
Federal authorities claim enrollment rates are high, but enrollment remains difficult, especially in rural areas where eligibility rates are higher. A complex two-step registration process and lack of information prevent many eligible families from enrolling.
Francis Gorley, broadband program manager for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe of Idaho, said the requirement to get the paperwork right frustrates applicants and leads to rejections.
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Uninsured rural residents have less access to care and poorer health outcomes. Telemedicine, which refers to health care delivered by phone or video, has emerged as an alternative to limited local care options. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, at least 17% of rural residents lacked a broadband internet connection in 2019, compared with 1% in metropolitan areas.
Rural populations have disproportionate access to care. Rural health care access is problematic for pregnant women, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and veterans.
On January 29, 2021, 22-year-old Lucas Strange continued studying for a physics degree through an online learning course in his room at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge University, England. (Photo: Lionel/Getty Images)
Why telemedicine visits are important
In 2018, more than half of rural counties lacked hospital obstetric care. By 2030, the supply of rural obstetrics and gynecology will only meet half of demand. Rural counties without hospital obstetric care have higher rates of premature births and longer travel times, which harms the health of mothers and babies.
Additionally, one-third of VHA veterans live in rural areas. Data show that rural veterans use less intensive mental health treatment, including residential care and intensive case management, than urban veterans, highlighting access issues.
The Mayo Clinic says telemedicine is an example of how technology can improve the quality and accessibility of health care by increasing efficiency and bringing patient care closer. Its flexibility reduces travel, making healthcare more accessible to patients with limited mobility or isolation.
Telemedicine is critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing patients to get the care they need through social distancing. Providers can identify and treat COVID-19 remotely to help control its spread.
The technology also allows patients to consult with professionals who may not be nearby, increasing access to specialized treatment. However, it has advantages and disadvantages. Lack of in-person physical examination may lead to treatment gaps and affect diagnostic accuracy. Overuse of health services, incorrect medication use and unnecessary treatment are additional risks.
Additionally, telemedicine adoption is hindered by cost. Although coverage has increased, especially during the pandemic, reimbursement for telemedicine insurance varies by state and type. Patients should check with their insurance company to confirm virtual visit coverage.
As internet subsidies come to an end, rural populations and health care providers are concerned about access to important treatments, emphasizing the need for continued support to bridge the digital divide and protect health care equity in rural America.
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