CO Receives Federal Fund Match for Telemedicine, Health Projects

DENVER, CO—The Center for Medicaid & Medicare Services approved a COVID-19 emergency funding request for $7.9 million from the Office of eHealth Innovation, in the Lt. Governor’s Office, and Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing.

“Our administration is doing everything we can to ensure Coloradans have access to health care in safe and convenient ways during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a news release Wednesday. “This funding will go toward innovations that include telemedicine and telemonitoring. This technology will help slow the spread of COVID-19 and provide Coloradans an effective and safe alternative to in-person care.”

According to state officials, the $7.9 million federal fund match will support Colorado’s health information exchange infrastructure and emergency response innovations necessary for COVID-19 pandemic response. The money will go toward telemedicine and other critical health innovation and infrastructure projects to ensure clinicians and patients are safe and healthy during this uncertain time.

“Taking care of yourself and loved ones during a pandemic can be challenging. Especially when it comes to accessing health care for physical or emotional needs,” said Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera. “Helping families connect with a doctor, counselor or nurse in the comfort of their own home is a top priority.”

State officials said innovative telemedicine approaches and upgrades will help connect Coloradans to their health care providers without an in-person visit. This new funding will also help increase access to health care and slow the spread of COVID-19.

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