Pennsylvania Medicaid participants could see huge benefits from the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a new federal program to help low-income households pay for internet services and connected devices. Apart from the practical advantages of connecting to the internet, this initiative could also impact consumers’ health by facilitating access to telehealth and making it easier to manage their healthcare and benefits. The ACP was established as part of President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure package (the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act). Eligible households can receive a discount of up to $30 per month on their broadband service, plus a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. Additionally, some families may be able to get high-speed internet at no cost through exclusive low-cost service plans. To qualify for the ACP benefit, a household must meet any one of the following requirements listed on the FCC Website:
- Annual household income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level ($55,500 for a household of 4 in 2022)
- Have a household member receiving a Lifeline benefit
- Have a household member participating in certain government assistance programs, including Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPCA), Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, Free or Reduced-Price School Lunch
- Have a household member participating in certain Tribal Assistance Programs
Households interested in signing up for ACP benefits can go to AffordableConnectivity.gov to apply online or print out a mail-in application.