Extension.oregonstate.edu article
The U.S. Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program identifies covered populations as historically disadvantaged groups. The covered population includes individuals aged 60 and above, those incarcerated, veterans, individuals with disabilities, people facing language barriers (including English learners with low literacy levels), individuals from racial or ethnic minority backgrounds, and those primarily residing in rural areas. There are numerous challenges that hinder individuals within the covered populations from utilizing broadband for health-related purposes, exacerbating healthcare disparities. This article explores the complexities and challenges encountered by these specific groups underscoring the critical need for tailored approaches to improve healthcare access and utilization through digital platforms.