Unwinding of the Public Health Emergency (PHE)
The Unwinding of the Affordable Connectivity Program
I’m Kathy Wibberly, Director of the Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center, reaching out to share critical information regarding the Wind-Down of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
Established by Congress in 2021, the ACP has been instrumental in aiding households grappling with the financial strains of accessing internet services. However, as of yesterday (February 7, 2024), enrollment in the program has officially closed. Without further action from Congress to allocate funding, the existing resources for the ACP are projected to deplete by the end of April 2024.
Over the course of its tenure, the ACP has provided support to over 30 million households. Many of these households, including those reliant on telehealth services, have benefited from this program. As healthcare providers serving low-income communities, it’s imperative to recognize the potential impact this winding down may have on some of your patients.
To assist you in navigating the implications of the ACP’s wind-down, we’ve included links to some important resources. These resources aim to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to address some of the challenges that may arise for your patients.