Tips for Year 3 (05/22/01)
Based on Forms 466/468/467 and invoices processed so far, RHCD made suggestions
for completeing Year 3 forms.
Suggestions for Completing Year 3 Packets (Forms 466/468), Form 467 and
Invoices.
1. Applications cannot be processed until a complete packet is received.
A complete packet consists of a 466 for each service, a 468 for each service
provider and service, and support documents if necessary, including contracts,
tariff references, and urban rate documentation. Incomplete packets delay
processing.
2. Urban rate documentation is missing from most applications that make a
Comprehensive Rate Comparison Request (Block 7 of Form 466). This information
is required. HCPs should obtain urban rate documentation from their service
provider(s). Signed statements on telco letterhead, a tariff rate sheet, or
rate listing from the state PUC are examples of acceptable rate documentation.Other
similar documentation may be acceptable.
3. If tariffed service is selected (the service is not under a long term
contractual commitment), put "T" for the Contract Expiration Date on the 466
so RHCD need not investigate whether contract documentation was omitted from
the packet. This is noted on the 466 but not on the 468, and many telcos put
a date that HCPs copy onto the 466, which delays processing.
4. When HCPs submit tariffs or bills as rate documentation, there are frequently
many numbers on the documentation, none of which exactly match data on the
468. The telco (or HCP) should CLEARLY indicate which rates apply to the service
listed on the 468.
5. Mileage charges should be entered ONLY in Block 5 of the 468 (Block 6
of the 466), which is for Mileage-based Charge Discounts. If a Comprehensive
Rate Comparison Request is made, mileage charges must not be included in Block
6 of the 468 (Block 7 of the 466). If there is no indication that the mileage
charges were excluded from Block 6, processing will be delayed until the telco
replies to RHCD's request to confirm that mileage was excluded from Block
6.
6. On Form 466 Block 4 Line 21, HCPs must specify the percent the circuit
is used for telehealth/telemedicine. Health care administrative uses (such
as billing and record keeping) are eligible telehealth use, so the percent
need not be reduced for such. (The percent would be reduced for non-telehealth
use, such as non-health care related distance learning).
7. HCPs should always use the pre-printed Form 467 issued with the Funding
Commitment Letter (FCL), or substantial delay may result.
8. HCPs should verify that all items are completed on Form 467. The most
common omissions are Block 5 Items 16 and 17 (Actual Start and End of Service
Dates) and Block 6 Items 18 and 19 certifications. Statements should be read
and both boxes checked off.
9. Most required information for telcos to complete invoices can be found
on the HCP Support Schedule issued to telcos.
Outreach Conference Call Minutes Now Available (5/22/01)
Minutes of the monthly outreach conference call held on May 10, 2001 are
now available. View minutes
for May 10th Conference Call.
View Conference Call schedule.
2000 Annual Report Now Available (05/21/01)
The Universal Service Administrative Company 2000 Annual Report is now available
for viewing on our web site. View
2000 Annual Report!
Whistleblower Hotline (Code 9 Calls) (5/21/01)
In efforts to assure effective stewardship of the universal service support
mechanism, the Rural Health Care Division has created a Whistleblower Hotline.
The Whistleblower Hotline allows applicants, service providers, and others
to alert us-anonymously, if desired-to instances where universal service funds
are being misapplied or where potential program rule violations may exist.
Read more about the Whistleblower
Hotline.
Memorial Day (5/21/01)
The Rural Health Care Customer Service Center will be closed on Monday, May
28, 2001 in observance of Memorial Day. The Customer Service Center will resume
normal operations on Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 8:00 a.m., EDT.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the RHCD program, our Customer
Service Support Center is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00
p.m., EDT. View Contact Information.
May 10 Conference Call Reminder! (5/02/01)
The RHCD hosts a monthly outreach conference call for applicants and service
providers on the second Thursday of each month at 2 P.M., EST. The next conference
call is scheduled for May 10, 2001. The RHCD provides an agenda for the calls,
followed by a general question and answer period. RHC officials moderate the
calls.
Note! The phone number and passcode
have changed. Please visit the Conference
Call schedule before participating to obtain the new phone number, call
agenda and the Conference Call Guidelines.
Below are links to past announcements posted on this web site. Access previous
announcements by clicking on a month listed below.
