Telehealth can connect you with VA health care from anywhere, making VA care more convenient for you. But did you know that if you want to use telehealth as a part of your VA care but don’t have internet service or an internet-connected device, VA’s Digital Divide Consult can help you?
What Is the Digital Divide Consult?
Through the Digital Divide Consult process, your VA provider can refer you to a VA social worker. The social worker can determine whether you are eligible for programs that can help you get the internet service or technology needed for VA telehealth.
The Digital Divide Consult can determine if you are eligible for a discount on your home internet or phone service through two Federal Communications Commission (FCC) programs: the Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline.
The Affordable Connectivity Program provides discounts for broadband service and internet-connected devices such as a laptop or tablet. Lifeline provides discounts on your phone or internet bill.
VA can also lend you an internet-connected tablet if you need one for telehealth care. The Digital Divide Consult can help determine if you are eligible for this program.
VA has already helped more than 100,000 Veterans across the country through the Digital Divide Consult process.
Facilitating connections to care
In the last three fiscal years, VA has provided more than 22 million video telehealth visits into Veterans’ homes through VA Video Connect, VA’s secure videoconferencing app.
Many Veterans can use the VA Video Connect app on their mobile devices without cellular data charges. AT&T, SafeLink by TracFone, T-Mobile and Verizon help Veteran subscribers avoid data charges when using VA Video Connect on their networks. This enables Veterans to access their VA care teams through telehealth with fewer worries about data fees.
VA has also partnered with the FCC to make it easier for VA pension recipients to get internet access without submitting extra paperwork. If you receive a VA pension, you likely qualify for internet service discounts through Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Veterans can check if they qualify by visiting GetInternet.gov. And, if you want further assistance, speak with your VA care team about the Digital Divide Consult.
For more information, visit the Bridging the Digital Divide page.
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