Cincinnati and Detroit have been chosen as pilot communities for the Beacon Community Program. The initiative aims to use health information technology to improve health problems.

There are currently 15 other communities that are part of the program. More than 100 applications were received for the final two spots. Some of the programs funded are trying to help prevent and better manage diabetes and pediatric asthma, for example. Such conditions have been known to drive up health insurance quotes when people are looking for coverage.

Health information technology national coordinator Dr. David Blumenthal says communities nationwide are ready to embrace health technology.

"Beacon communities are designed to point the way toward maximizing community resources to address specific health goals at the local level, including quality of care, the cost of care, and the health of the whole population," said Blumenthal. "We have seen first-hand through the Beacon application process that a great many communities have promising ideas and are starting to use health IT in innovative ways."

The funding will also help create jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says unemployment remains high at 9.5 percent.

Like other initiatives by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it's hoped that the research and funding will help improve the healthcare system.