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Lifeline Program Expansion Urged Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Congressional leaders and advocacy groups are pressing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to work directly with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services to inform millions of Americans who are newly eligible for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) or Medicaid of their eligibility for the FCC's Lifeline program. The Lifeline program provides financial assistance to help low-income families obtain broadband and telephone services.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented financial hardships, with at least 26 million Americans filing for unemployment benefits in the past month alone, and a surge in applications for SNAP benefits. Medicaid enrollment is also expected to increase significantly. Non-essential businesses and schools have closed, leaving families to rely on the internet to access public benefits, search for employment, learn from home, or access telehealth services.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Lifeline program is crucial for low-income families to access broadband and telephone services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • At least 26 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits in the past month, and SNAP and Medicaid enrollment is expected to increase significantly.
  • Non-essential businesses and schools have closed, leaving families to rely on the internet for basic needs.
  • The FCC's Lifeline program can help struggling families afford basic internet and telephone connectivity.
  • Only 7 million out of 38 million eligible people were enrolled in the Lifeline program even before the pandemic.
  • The FCC has traditionally issued guidelines for states and telecommunications providers to advertise the Lifeline program, but congressional leaders urge a more direct coordination with USDA and HHS to inform people in need of their eligibility.
  • The FCC is requested to provide data on the number of people newly eligible for the Lifeline program and how many have enrolled since the onset of the pandemic.

Statistics:

  • At least 26 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits in the past month alone.
  • Applications for SNAP benefits surged due to the pandemic.
  • Medicaid enrollment is expected to increase significantly due to job losses and health coverage needs.
  • Only 7 million out of 38 million eligible people were enrolled in the Lifeline program before the pandemic.
  • The Lifeline program can help struggling families afford basic internet and telephone connectivity at a time when they need it most.

Sources:

  • United States House of Representatives
  • Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04)
  • U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Richard Durbin (D-IL)
  • Representatives Marcia Fudge (D-OH) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA)
  • Public Knowledge
  • National Consumers Law Center
  • United Church of Christ
  • OC Inc.
  • Third Way
  • FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks
  • Chris Lewis, President and CEO, Public Knowledge
  • Congressional letter to the FCC, signed by Rep. Johnson, Senators Klobuchar and Durbin, and Representatives Fudge and Eshoo.

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