Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who is Eligible?

A. Non-profit or public health care providers in Hurricane Katrina disaster area, including Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, plus counties in Arkansas contiguous with Louisiana or Mississippi, and designated counties in Texas, Florida, and Tennessee (see Areas Eligible for Support).   Health care providers outside these areas whose patient load increased at least 10% as a result of Hurricane Katrina may request eligibility from the Federal Communications Commission.

Q. What is eligible?
A. 50% of the cost of Advanced Telecommunications or Information Services.

Q. How do I apply?

A. File FCC Form 465 (Description of Services Requested and Certification) by December 13, 2005, followed by FCC Form 466A by March 1, 2006.

Q. How long is support available?

A. Support may cover the period August 29, 2005 – June 30, 2006.

Q. Can I apply for this support and for support that would have been available in the regular program?

A. Rural health care providers eligible in the regular program and under this special provision can apply for support either way.  Thus, if the urban/rural difference for an advanced telecommunication service delivered by an eligible telecommunications carrier is more than 50% of the cost of the service, the applicant would receive more under the regular program. 

Q. I’m not sure if I’m eligible.  What should I do?

A. Call USAC at 800-229-5476.