Montana VA gets telehealth grant

The VA Montana Health System will receive a $300,000 grant to upgrade telehealth facilities and equipment for use by veterans, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., announced Thursday.

The equipment will help rural veterans receive health care from the VA at their homes or in local clinics, Tester’s office said in a statement.

Using telehealth technology – typically on-line audio-video connections – helps patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension live more independent lives and helps the veterans avoid traveling long distances for care, the statement said.

The grant is coming from the VA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.