JANUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER

As we move into 2026, Palmetto Care Connections is grateful for the partnerships that continue to advance access to healthcare services for rural communities across South Carolina. Guided by our mission and strengthened through collaboration, our work across telehealth, technology, broadband, and education is helping support providers and connect people to the care they need.

With strong partnerships and clear direction, this year brings new opportunities to expand our impact and strengthen the connections that matter most. Thank you for being part of this work.

Kathy Schwarting, MHA

CEO, Palmetto Care Connections

Thank You, Rich Rogers

We extend our sincere thanks to Rich Rogers for his nine years of dedicated service on the Palmetto Care Connections Board of Directors. Throughout his tenure, Rich was a valued member of our Executive Committee and a strong advocate for PCC’s mission. He has served South Carolina with distinction, and we are grateful for his many contributions. We wish Rich all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Federal telehealth policy remains in focus as efforts continue to make Medicare telehealth permanent and extend key flexibilities to support patient access to care.

Stay informed on key federal telehealth policy updates:

AMA Urges Congress to Make Medicare Telehealth Permanent

DEA Extends Telemedicine Flexibilities

View grant details:

Digital Health Technology Derived Biomarkers and Outcome Assessments for Remote Monitoring and Endpoint Development

Deadline: June 26, 2026

Using Innovative Digital Healthcare Solutions to Improve Quality at the Point of Care

Deadline: July 31, 2026

SC NEWS

CMS Rural Health Funding-

SC getting $200 Million

South Carolina has received $200 million in federal funding to expand healthcare access in rural communities. Led by SCDHHS, the investment will support telehealth, mobile services, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements to strengthen care delivery and improve health outcomes statewide.

SC Wins $551M to expand broadband under federal

BEAD Program

South Carolina has received $551 million in federal funding to expand high-speed internet access statewide. Through the BEAD program, the investment will prioritize rural areas and local providers, supporting infrastructure expansion and improving reliable broadband access for communities with limited connectivity.

SC BEAD Program

UPCOMING EVENTS

View event details and registration for several upcoming events:

Telehealth Policy in 2026

January 15, 2026

Virtual Webinar

Telehealth Implementation Bootcamp:

Chronic Disease Management

Application Deadline: January 15, 2026

Cohort Duration: February - April 2026

In-Person Capstone: April 6-7, 2026

Bloomington, Minnesota

Net Inclusion 2026

February 3-5, 2026

Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago, Illinois

National Telehealth & Virtual Care

Conference

March 26-27, 2026

Loews Vanderbilt Hotel

Nashville, Tennessee

Alliance for Healthier SC Health for All Summit

April 14, 2026

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

Columbia, South Carolina

ATA Nexus 2026

May 12-15, 2026

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Hotel

Orlando, Florida

SC Thrive Annual Training

October 19-20, 2026

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

SCORH Conference

October 20-22, 2026

Spartanburg, South Carolina

PCC IN ACTION

2025 Staff Retreat

In December, our team gathered in Charleston for our Staff Retreat to align on 2026 goals and enjoy a meaningful time together.

Aging in Rural

South Carolina Event

PCC’s Davia Smith and Liz Saitz were honored to join Paola Gutierrez of the South Carolina Office of Rural Health at the Aging in Rural event on December 16, 2025, focused on supporting seniors in rural communities.

Behind the Scenes

Keeping technology running smoothly behind the scenes—our Managed IT Services team handles critical updates so healthcare teams can focus on patient care.

IN THE NEWS

Urgent Specialist Care?

It's Possible with Telehealth

6 Telehealth Visits

Losing Preferred Pricing

My Telehealth:

A resource for mothers facing mental health challenges

PALMETTO CARE CONNECTIONS

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