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Public‑health experts tell task force broadband affects telemedicine access and outcomes
Summary
University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute analysts told the task force that broadband access and adoption shape telemedicine use and health outcomes; they cited evidence of benefits across chronic disease and behavioral health and noted broadband remains a 'super determinant' of health.
County Health Rankings & Roadmaps analysts told the Governor's Task Force that broadband access is a key enabler of telemedicine and can improve health outcomes when paired with adoption and supportive services.
"Telemedicine uses information and communication technologies to provide service between patients and providers," said Kirsten Frambaugh, senior executive analyst at the Population Health Institute. She summarized decades of research showing telemedicine can improve outcomes in asthma, diabetes, heart failure and mental‑health treatment when technology and adoption supports are in place.
Kirsten emphasized that broadband is only one part of the equation. "It's becoming more widespread that broadband implementation considers the three A's: access, affordability and adoption together," she said, adding that programs that combine discounted service, training and local tech support—such as digital navigators—are most effective in increasing meaningful use.
Kirsten cited Wisconsin data showing roughly 88.6% of households and businesses had access to at least 100/20 Mbps as of December 2024 but warned that access alone does not guarantee uptake. She pointed to studies finding that neighborhoods with low broadband adoption continue to show reduced telehealth use even after infrastructure is available.
On policy, presenters noted that Medicare telehealth flexibilities had been extended through December 2027, which reduces uncertainty for providers considering telehealth investments. They also highlighted the continuing role of universal service programs and flagged recent changes to some discretionary federal grants.
Why it matters: Task force members are developing broadband strategies that explicitly connect infrastructure investments to public‑health goals. The presentation reinforced that investments in networks should be paired with programs to increase adoption and digital skills so telemedicine can reach patients who would otherwise face geographic or transportation barriers.
What’s next: The presenters said updated County Health Rankings resources and 'what works' implementation strategies would be posted and shared with the task force. Task force members raised follow‑up questions on aligning deployment maps with telehealth need and whether Medicaid/Medicare can subsidize subscriptions.
