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Jul 18
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Telehealth Gets a Boost from New Federal Law

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

A new tax package signed into law on July 11, 2025, is a big win for telehealth access across the country. The legislation makes first-dollar coverage for telehealth permanent for people with High-Deductible Health Plans and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). This means patients can now have virtual visits without meeting their deductible first—removing a major cost barrier.
Why it matters for PCC and our communities:
  •  Long-term certainty – This isn’t a temporary extension—it’s a permanent policy, giving providers and patients peace of mind.
  •  Better benefit options – Employers can now include telehealth in their plans without added costs to employees.
However, some other telehealth flexibilities—like hospital-at-home and Medicare virtual care—are still set to expire later this year. PCC will continue advocating to keep those services available.
📖 Read the full article:
https://www.chiefhealthcareexecutive.com/view/telehealth-gets-a-win-in-trump-s-tax-package

Jul 02
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Supreme Court Backs FCC Program That Helps Expand Rural Internet and Phone Access

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a key FCC program that helps fund phone and internet service in rural, low-income, and underserved areas. The 6–3 decision keeps the Universal Service Fund (USF) in place—a major win for broadband access in communities like the ones PCC serves. (Read the original article from The Gazette)

What is the Universal Service Fund?

The USF is a fund the federal government uses to make sure people in all parts of the country—especially rural areas—can get access to phone and internet at an affordable rate. Telecom companies contribute to the fund and often pass the cost on to customers as a small line item on their phone bills. The funds support:

  • Rural homes and businesses
  • Tribal lands
  • Schools and libraries
  • Health clinics and telehealth programs

Why Did the Court Get Involved?

Some groups argued the FCC did not have the authority to collect these fees and give the money to the Universal Service Fund. They claimed it was an unconstitutional tax.
However, the Supreme Court disagreed, ruling that Congress had granted the FCC the authority to manage the program and that the process was lawful and necessary. (Read more from Reuters)

What This Means for Rural South Carolina

This ruling protects funding that helps people in rural areas stay connected to doctors, schools, and family. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez said it best: ending the fund would hurt millions of Americans. However, she also suggested that Congress should explore ways to modernize the program. (Read More from TV Technology)

Why PCC Cares

As the nation’s leading broadband consortium aiding our healthcare providers across eleven states  Palmetto Care Connections serves communities that depend on adequate and reliable broadband access for telehealth, Education and other connected services.  The Supreme Court’s ruling protects critical funding that helps our most vulnerable and primarily underserved stay connected and accessing critical services they require. PCC will continue to advocate for practical solutions that strengthen connectivity across rural South Carolina and beyond.

Jul 01
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Expanding Access and Skills: PCC Hosts Digital Literacy Training in Lee County

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC
Bishopville, SC — On June 24th, Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) hosted a free Digital Literacy Training in Bishopville, welcoming 19 participants from Lee County and surrounding areas. Held at the Bishopville City/County Complex, the session was made possible through funding from the South Carolina Telehealth Alliance (SCTA) and is part of PCC’s broader mission to improve digital access and telehealth readiness across rural South Carolina.
The training offered attendees hands-on experience with internet-enabled tablets and covered key skills like navigating a touchscreen device, sending emails, accessing telehealth services, and using video calling for personal and medical needs.
Thanks to SCTA funding, each participant received a tablet with one year of free cellular service, helping eliminate the barriers of device access and internet connectivity that often stand in the way of rural telehealth use.
Due to the strong turnout and positive feedback, PCC is excited to announce a second Digital Literacy Training course scheduled for July 30th in Bishopville.  To learn more or register for the upcoming session, call 803-450-1027.
Jun 25
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Bringing Telehealth to Bamberg: PCC Connects with Local Seniors

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

Bamberg, SC — On Thursday, June 12th, Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) visited the Bamberg County Office on Aging to demonstrate how telehealth is helping transform rural healthcare. The event, made possible through support from the South Carolina Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare, was part of PCC’s continued effort to empower older adults with access to digital tools and virtual care options.
Approximately 25 to 30 seniors gathered for the presentation, where PCC’s Caroline Warren teamed up with Bretta Kittrell, FNP from Bamberg Family Practice. Together, they shared valuable information about how seniors can use telehealth to connect with providers—especially for Medicare wellness visits, medication reviews, and chronic condition management.
Attendees received educational flyers and watched a hands-on demonstration with PCC’s telehealth cart, giving them a closer look at how easy and convenient remote care can be.
Bretta offered insight into how Bamberg Family Practice is already using telehealth with local patients, helping make routine care more accessible for those with transportation challenges or mobility limitations.
Events like these allow PCC to bridge the gap between technology and trust, showing seniors how telehealth works and encouraging them to take an active role in their health from the comfort of home or local access points.
This community outreach is part of PCC’s broader mission to expand digital health solutions across South Carolina’s rural and underserved areas—one demonstration, one conversation, and one connection at a time.

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Jun 19
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Empowering the Orangeburg Community Through Digital Literacy

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

Orangeburg, SC — On Tuesday, June 17, Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) hosted a free Digital Literacy Training at the Orangeburg County Library, welcoming 20 participants from Orangeburg and surrounding areas. The event is part of PCC’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to telehealth and technology in rural South Carolina.
Made possible through funding from the South Carolina Telehealth Alliance, each attendee left with more than just new skills—they received an internet-enabled tablet and one year of free cellular service.
The hands-on training covered essential technology skills, including navigating touchscreen devices, sending emails, using video calls for both personal and telehealth use, and accessing reliable online health resources. For many participants, it was their first time using a smart device independently.
“It’s about more than learning how to use a tablet,” said Davia Smith, Chief Community Relations Officer. “It’s about building confidence and opening doors—to telehealth, to family connections, to the information people need to stay healthy and informed.”
To help participants stay connected beyond the free service period, PCC also shared information about the Lifeline Program, a federal initiative that offers discounted internet and phone service for qualifying low-income households. Resources like Lifeline help ensure that the benefits of digital literacy and telehealth access are sustainable long after the training ends. (Learn more at fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers).
PCC continues to deliver digital literacy and telehealth access to communities across the state—one training at a time. The Orangeburg County Library was a welcoming and supportive host, offering an ideal space for learning, connection, and growth.

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Jun 09
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Celebrating Community Health Improvement Week: June 9–13

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

Community Health Improvement Week (CHIW), observed June 9–13, is a national opportunity to recognize the people, partnerships, and programs that are making communities healthier. At Palmetto Care Connections (PCC), this week holds special meaning as we reflect on the progress we’ve made—alongside our partners—to close healthcare gaps across rural South Carolina through innovation, collaboration, and heart.

Our mission has always been rooted in one simple but powerful belief: where you live shouldn’t determine if—or how—you get care. This year’s CHIW theme, “We Are Healthcare”, is a reminder that improving community health isn’t just about hospital systems or medical charts. It’s about neighbors checking in, local libraries hosting telehealth visits, and older adults learning to use tablets to speak with their doctors from home.

What PCC Is Doing to Improve Community Health

During CHIW and every week of the year, our team is focused on building digital bridges to better health:

  • Telehealth Access Points: We’ve partnered with libraries, schools, and community centers to install telehealth equipment in places people already go—making healthcare more convenient, especially in rural areas.

  • Digital Literacy Training: Through statewide training programs, we teach seniors, caregivers, and underserved populations how to safely use technology for telehealth and other essential services.

  • Broadband Advocacy: We work alongside government agencies, internet service providers, and nonprofit partners to expand broadband infrastructure—because no one should have to choose between gas money and a doctor’s visit.

  • Support for Providers: By offering technology solutions and technical assistance to rural clinics and hospitals, we help providers stay connected and patients stay informed.

Get Involved

Community Health Improvement Week is also a call to action. Whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare worker, or just someone who wants to help, here are a few ways to get involved:

  • Help a neighbor or family member sign up for school-based telehealth.

  • Volunteer to support one of our digital literacy events.

  • Share our resources with someone who might not know about them.

  • Advocate for broadband and telehealth access in your local community.

Together, we can continue creating a future where care is more accessible, more connected, and more personal—no matter where you live.

Jun 05
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Palmetto Care Connections Celebrates 15 Years of Advancing Health Care Access in South Carolina

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Columbia, S.C. — On Thursday, May 29, Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) celebrated a major milestone—15 years of bridging the gap between rural communities and health care through telehealth, technology, broadband, and education. The celebration was held at the Pastides Alumni Center on the campus of the University of South Carolina in Columbia, bringing together nearly 100 guests for an evening of gratitude, reflection, and recognition.

The event welcomed some of PCC’s original founding board members, current board members, community partners, and longtime supporters who have championed PCC’s mission since its beginning in 2010. Together, they honored the organization’s journey and celebrated the partnerships that have made statewide progress in telehealth and digital inclusion possible.

In recognition of their service, PCC board members were presented with commemorative watercolor paintings of the organization’s headquarters in Bamberg—each a meaningful symbol of PCC’s roots and continued growth. Lively conversation, heartfelt moments, and plenty of laughter filled the room as colleagues and friends reconnected and reflected on the impact of PCC’s work across South Carolina.

The event was a great reminder to everyone why PCC’s mission matters. From expanding broadband access to launching digital literacy classes and supporting rural providers with telehealth solutions, PCC’s accomplishments over the past 15 years are a testament to collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to improving health care access in rural and underserved communities.

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Jun 04
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PCC Team Attends Nexus 2025 to Explore Telehealth Innovation

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) recently attended Nexus 2025, the American Telemedicine Association’s Annual Conference and Expo, held in New Orleans. The event brought together approximately 1,500 healthcare professionals, clinicians, and telehealth leaders from across the country to explore the future of virtual care. 

PCC was represented by four team members: 

  • Matt Hiatt, Chief Technology Officer 
  • Liz Saitz, IT Director for Community Engagement 
  • Caroline Warren, Telehealth Coordinator 
  • Bretta Kittrell, Family Nurse Practitioner at Bamberg Family Practice 

Key sessions included: 

  • “Cracking the Code” – focused on billing, coding, and expanding access to virtual care. 
  • “The Business of Humanizing Virtual Care” – discussed how to improve patient experience while keeping care high-quality and convenient. 

The conference gave PCC valuable insight into new tools and strategies that can help improve healthcare delivery in rural South Carolina. It also gave the team a chance to connect with other organizations working to solve similar challenges in telehealth and digital access. 

Events like Nexus help PCC stay informed and inspired as we continue using technology to bring better care to the communities that need it most. 

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Jun 03
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Palmetto Care Connections Attends National Net Inclusion Conference

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) proudly represented South Carolina at the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) Net Inclusion Conference, held May 20–22, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. The conference welcomed over 800 leaders from across the country—including practitioners, advocates, academics, internet service providers, and policymakers—focused on closing the digital divide and increasing access to technology in underserved communities.
PCC’s Chief Community Relations Officer, Davia Smith, and IT Director of Community Engagement, Liz Saitz, attended the event to share insights and learn from national best practices. Davia also co-presented during the workshop “Building a Digital Health Navigator Program,” highlighting PCC’s leadership in combining digital literacy with access to healthcare in rural areas.
In addition to the co-presentation, Davia and Liz participated in several sessions addressing key issues in digital access, including:
  • Applying Systems Thinking to Expanding Computer Ownership
  • Bridging Health & Technology
  • AI for All: Transforming Digital Skills Training & Navigation
  • AI Skills Are Digital Skills
  • Outputs vs. Impacts: Measuring Long-Term Success in Expanding Digital Access
These sessions explored evolving strategies around sustainability, funding, outreach in rural and Tribal areas, and integrating AI into efforts to bring more people online and connected.
“Attending Net Inclusion allowed us to bring home new ideas, tools, and energy to further support our communities,” said Smith. “From telehealth to digital literacy, we’re seeing just how essential this work is to improving access to care across South Carolina.”
Since 2016, the Net Inclusion Conference has been a key event for those working to expand digital opportunities. This year’s focus on AI, digital healthcare access, and community-driven programming offered a valuable platform for collaboration and innovation.
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Jun 02
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Health Leaders Gather in Columbia to Discuss the Future of Medicaid in South Carolina

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

On May 28, 2025, Congressman James E. Clyburn brought together a few of South Carolina’s top health care leaders and advocates for a Medicaid Roundtable at the South Carolina Hospital Association in Columbia. The discussion focused on the potential impact of proposed federal health care funding changes, including nearly $1 trillion in reductions passed in a recent reconciliation bill. 

Participants examined how these changes could impact access to care for Medicaid recipients, hospitals, and healthcare providers—particularly in rural and underserved areas of the state. 

Among the panelists was Kathy Schwarting, CEO of Palmetto Care Connections (PCC), who addressed how funding reductions could threaten the sustainability of telehealth services. PCC supports rural providers across South Carolina in using telemedicine to connect patients with critical care. 

Congressman Clyburn highlighted the scope of Medicaid’s reach in South Carolina, where more than one million residents depend on the program—including over 105,000 children and 20,000 seniors in his district. He also underscored the importance of telemedicine in expanding access for underserved communities.  

“PCC is deeply concerned,” Schwarting said. “If funding disappears, it’s not just telehealth that goes away—access to care, especially for people in rural areas, becomes nearly impossible.” 

In South Carolina, Medicaid supports 4 out of every 9 children, 5 out of every 8 nursing home residents, 3 out of every 10 working-age adults with disabilities, and 1 out of every 6 adults ages 19 to 64. Behind those numbers are real people—families, seniors, and workers—whose health and well-being depend on stable, reliable coverage. 

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