North Carolina Telehealth Infrastructure Grant Program

Eric Bell
eric.bell@dhhs.nc.gov
orh_hit@dhhs.nc.gov

The North Carolina Office of Rural Health is offering funding for rural healthcare providers in North Carolina for telehealth related expenses.

Funds may be used for:

• Equipment
• High-speed internet access
• Telehealth related training for staff and patients
• Technology equipment for patients
• Internet service support for patients to help facilitate telehealth access
• Other infrastructure needed to establish telehealth services

The term telehealth services refers to the use of two-way, real-time interactive audio and video, enabling healthcare providers and patients to communicate and see each other. At a minimum, awards through this program must include:

• Essential broadband internet connection of 50-100 megabits per second (Mbps) (can vary with the number of providers accessing the same connection)
• Network redundancy in case of outages
• Dedicated network for compliance needs
• Security measures to prevent data breaches

Priority will be given to independent primary care practices and independent OB-GYN practices.

Eligibility requirements for healthcare providers:

• Located in a rural area of North Carolina
• Demonstrate the ability to maintain patient safety, ensure patient privacy, and continuity of care
• Demonstrate the capacity and capability to implement telehealth infrastructure projects, including technology deployment, system integration, and workforce and patient training

To receive support, patients must meet at least one of the eligibility criteria:

• Total household income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines
• Participation in any one of these government benefit programs:
  • Lifeline
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Medicaid
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) (including Housing Choice Voucher, Section 8 Vouchers, project-based rental assistance, public housing, and affordable housing programs for American Indians)
  • Veterans pension and survivors benefit
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Free and reduced-price school lunch or breakfast program including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision
  • Federal Pell Grant (current award year)
  • Special Supplement Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Award ceiling: $250,000
Project period: 1 year with the option to renew up to 2 additional years
Estimated total program funding: $5,000,000

Links to additional guidance, application instructions, and the online application are available on the program website.