At the end of May, a critical lifeline for 23 million low-income American households was cut when the American Connectivity Program expired. This $14.2 billion initiative introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic was more than just a subsidy – it was a bridge to essential services, providing many families with a reliable high-speed internet connection. With the program’s $30-per-month subsidy no longer available, 82,000 families in Rhode Island are left grappling with the consequences.
The expiration of the ACP is especially troubling given that telehealth services, which were significantly expanded under the program, have been shown to significantly improve access to health care. In fact, according to a report published by Public Opinion Strategies in March, “two-thirds of Americans say access to medical care is a problem where they live, up from 58% in February 2021.” These figures highlight the crucial role that internet access plays in maintaining health and reducing costs.
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Peter Marino[/caption]
Sadly, we saw a similar impact with past expirations of appropriations from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and the American Rescue Plan Act, which included wage, rent and food assistance, as well as the extension of Medicaid health benefits eligibility. Today, with inflation impacting the price of food, housing and other daily essentials, people are struggling even more to choose between necessities.
In the face of this crisis, it’s imperative that the community comes together and partners across the business and nonprofit sectors in a shared mission to create equity for all. The need for such collective action is evident when we consider the vital services affected by the end of the ACP.
Organizations such as Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island work hard to support families in our community to navigate the barriers low-income individuals face. As a nation-leading Medicaid health plan, Neighborhood offers safety net services to its members through their health insurance benefits. This includes food programs, transportation to health appointments, connections to housing assistance, and support in finding a primary care provider to ensure families receive preventative services such as prenatal care, immunizations and health screenings for overall well-being.
Cox Communications Inc. is leading efforts to bridge the digital divide many low-income households experience. Many of us take for granted the world of opportunity a high-speed internet connection enables from online education to completing job applications and working remotely. Still, for 1 in 5 Rhode Island households, the end of the ACP leaves them having to juggle between groceries, rent and digital connectivity.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Medicaid and Medicare populations have the highest rates of telehealth utilization, accounting for 28.3% and 26.8% of telehealth visits, respectively. So, it’s critically important that internet connectivity remains available for these families, as it’s often their most reliable lifeline to medical care. This digital access benefits patients by saving them time, ensuring continuity of care and easing the workload for health care providers. Virtual visits allow practitioners to reach more patients efficiently, manage their schedules better and provide care without geographical limitations.
The expiration of the ACP leaves many facing difficult choices between paying for groceries or rent, accessing health care or continuing education. What can we do? First, if you know someone struggling to access basic health care needs for themselves or their family, direct them to call (401) 459-6075 or email howtojoin@nhpri.org. For those who could benefit from low-cost internet services, Cox Communications offers several options based on a family’s needs. For more information about the available programs, visit cox.com/ACP.
There’s no question that access to reliable internet is a necessity in our increasingly digital world and we all have the responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind. It’s time to leverage our collective resources and commitment to create a fair and inclusive environment where every individual has the chance to thrive. Let’s work together to bridge the gaps and build a more equitable future for all.
Peter Marino is CEO and president of Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island. Ross Nelson is the New England market vice president of Cox Communications Inc.