The Federal Communications Commission is launching a $100 million pilot program to connect veterans and others living in rural areas with tele-health.
It will provide grants to healthcare and broadband providers to establish a solid connection for telemedicine services.
U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) hosted the FCC commissioner recently in Hancock County to highlight the need for this investment.
"We learned on that visit about the opportunities to bridge the gap between providers by using the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies," says Young.
The technology can be used to diagnosis, treat and follow up with patients.
Young says the Connected Care Pilot Program can be especially helpful for veterans.
"The Veterans Health Administration indicates that, according to the population they’ve already served using remote monitoring, there’s a roughly 20 percent reduction in hospital admissions," says Young.
Many communities across the country, including in Indiana, have difficulty using the technology because of poor broadband.