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5/6/2013
– HCF Bulletin Issued
The HCF Bulletin provides bi-weekly updates as news unfolds for the Healthcare Connect Fund. Sign up in the subscription center to receive the HCF Bulletin via email every two weeks.
This issue contained:
The HCF Bulletin provides bi-weekly updates as news unfolds for the Healthcare Connect Fund. Sign up in the subscription center to receive the HCF Bulletin via email every two weeks.
This issue contained:
- HCF Search Posted Services Coming Soon - The Healthcare Connect Fund Search Posted Services page will soon be available on our website. This page allows service providers to view service request information provided by consortia of healthcare providers.
- Contact the RHC Program About the HCF - The RHC Program has dedicated an email address, RHC-assist@usac.org, and phone number, (800) 453-1546, for questions and comments regarding the HCF.
4/19/2013
– HCF Bulletin Issued
The HCF Bulletin provides bi-weekly updates as news unfolds for the Healthcare Connect Fund. Sign up in the subscription center to receive the HCF Bulletin via email every two weeks.
This issue contained:
The HCF Bulletin provides bi-weekly updates as news unfolds for the Healthcare Connect Fund. Sign up in the subscription center to receive the HCF Bulletin via email every two weeks.
This issue contained:
- HCF Search Posted Services Coming Soon - The Search Posted Services page allows service providers to view service request information provided by health care providers; it will be available on our website next week.
- HCF Forms Comments Due April 29 - The FCC issued a Public Notice seeking comments on draft HCF forms. Use the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) to file comments. Refer to the ECFS Guide to learn how.
- Register Now for RHC Training in Austin - The training session at ATA 2013, the American Telemedicine Association Meeting and Trade Show, is from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Sunday, May 5. Register Now!
- Contact the RHC Program About the HCF - The RHC Program has dedicated an email address, RHC-assist@usac.org, and phone number, (800) 453-1546, for questions and comments regarding the HCF.
4/17/2013
– Website and Application Outages Saturday, April 20
The USAC website and applications including: E-File, Rural Health Care My Portal, Schools and Libraries Apply Online and Submit a Question, online forms, and most search tools, may experience periodic outages throughout the day on Saturday, April 20 for scheduled system maintenance. During this time, users may be unable to file, certify, and search for certain forms online.
The USAC website and applications including: E-File, Rural Health Care My Portal, Schools and Libraries Apply Online and Submit a Question, online forms, and most search tools, may experience periodic outages throughout the day on Saturday, April 20 for scheduled system maintenance. During this time, users may be unable to file, certify, and search for certain forms online.
4/8/2013
– Telecom and Internet Access Programs FY2013 Window Now Open
Eligible health care providers (HCPs) in the Telecommunications and Internet Access Programs may begin the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program application process for Funding Year (FY) 2013 by filing FCC Form 465, Description of Services Requested and Certification Form, beginning today, April 8, 2013.
FY2013 is from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014; FCC Forms 466 and 466-A will be available on July 1 at 9:00 AM EDT.
Eligible health care providers (HCPs) in the Telecommunications and Internet Access Programs may begin the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program application process for Funding Year (FY) 2013 by filing FCC Form 465, Description of Services Requested and Certification Form, beginning today, April 8, 2013.
FY2013 is from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014; FCC Forms 466 and 466-A will be available on July 1 at 9:00 AM EDT.
4/5/2013
– HCF Bulletin Issued
The HCF Bulletin provides bi-weekly updates as news unfolds for the Healthcare Connect Fund. Sign up in the subscription center to receive the HCF Bulletin via email every two weeks.
This issue contained:
The HCF Bulletin provides bi-weekly updates as news unfolds for the Healthcare Connect Fund. Sign up in the subscription center to receive the HCF Bulletin via email every two weeks.
This issue contained:
- FCC Issues Public Notice, Seeks Comment on HCF Forms - a Public Notice seeking comment on the newly created Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) forms, FCC Form 460 (instructions), FCC Form 461 (instructions), FCC Form 462 (instructions), and FCC Form 463 (instructions). Comments can be filed using the FCC's ECFS, instructions are available in the ECFS Guide.
- FCC FAQs Now Available - The FCC released a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Healthcare Connect Fund.
- New HCF Resource: FY2013 Timeline - The application process timeline, available in the "Handouts and Reference" section of the HCF Trainings and Outreach page, shows the Funding Year 2013 milestones for the HCF and the Telecommunications and Internet Access programs. This resource is best viewed when printed on legal-sized paper.
- Contact the RHC Program About the HCF - The RHC Program has a dedicated email, RHC-assist@usac.org, and a dedicated phone number, (800) 453-1546, for questions and comments regarding the HCF.
4/4/2013
– FCC Seeking Comment on HCF Forms
The FCC has issued a Public Notice seeking comment on the newly created Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) forms. Comments are requested on the following forms and their accompanying instructions:
The FCC has issued a Public Notice seeking comment on the newly created Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) forms. Comments are requested on the following forms and their accompanying instructions:
- FCC Form 460, Eligibility and Registration Form: Completion of this form is required in order to obtain an eligibility determination for each health care provider site. (Form Instructions)
- FCC Form 461, HCF Request for Services Form: Completion of this form initiates the competitive bidding process and provides potential vendors with information about requested services, network equipment, and/or facilities. (Form Instructions)
- FCC Form 462, HCF Funding Request Form: This form is filed after the competitive bidding process is complete and is used to request a funding commitment. (Form Instructions)
- FCC Form 463, HCF Invoice and Request for Disbursement Form: This form is the invoice that serves as an applicant’s request to USAC for disbursement of funding from the HCF for services, equipment, and/or facilities set forth in an applicant’s funding commitment. (Form Instructions)
3/28/2013
– RHC Training at ATA 2013 in Austin, TX, on May 5
Join the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program staff this spring at the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) Meeting and Trade Show for a training about the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) and "My Portal," the RHC Program's online application management system. Learn More about this event.
Join the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program staff this spring at the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) Meeting and Trade Show for a training about the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) and "My Portal," the RHC Program's online application management system. Learn More about this event.
3/22/2013
– HCF Bulletin Issued
The HCF Bulletin provides bi-weekly updates as news unfolds for the Healthcare Connect Fund.
In this issue:
The HCF Bulletin provides bi-weekly updates as news unfolds for the Healthcare Connect Fund.
In this issue:
- Register Now for RHC Training in Austin - The Rural Health Care Program will hold a training session at ATA 2013, on Sunday, May 5.
- RHC Offers Printable HCF Resources - Three new resources are available on the HCF Trainings & Outreach page: Getting Started in the Healthcare Connect Fund, The Three Components of the Rural Health Care Program, and Compare the RHC Program Components.
- RHC to Exhibit in Minneapolis - RHC Program staff will give a presentation and participate as an exhibitor at the gpTRAC Regional Telehealth Forum in Minneapolis, Minn., April 15-16.
- Contact the RHC Program About the HCF - RHC-assist@usac.org is the dedicated email address to answer your questions and receive comments about the HCF.
3/7/2013
– RHC Program Now Processing FY2012 Invoices
The Rural Health Care (RHC) Program began processing Funding Year (FY) 2012 invoices on Thursday, March 7, 2013. Service providers should submit FY2012 Funding Request Numbers (FRNs) on a separate invoice from FY2011 (and earlier) FRNs, using the new invoice template.
FY2012-approved invoice line items will be credited to each service provider identification number (SPIN) beginning on April 8, 2013. USAC will apply credits for FY2012 two times per month, similar to the current invoice payment cycle.
RHC will launch the online service provider portal in spring 2013 to allow service providers to submit invoices online. Additional information about the portal, including registration and training, will be announced in upcoming weeks.
The Rural Health Care (RHC) Program began processing Funding Year (FY) 2012 invoices on Thursday, March 7, 2013. Service providers should submit FY2012 Funding Request Numbers (FRNs) on a separate invoice from FY2011 (and earlier) FRNs, using the new invoice template.
FY2012-approved invoice line items will be credited to each service provider identification number (SPIN) beginning on April 8, 2013. USAC will apply credits for FY2012 two times per month, similar to the current invoice payment cycle.
RHC will launch the online service provider portal in spring 2013 to allow service providers to submit invoices online. Additional information about the portal, including registration and training, will be announced in upcoming weeks.
3/7/2013
– HCF Bulletin Issued
The HCF Bulletin provides bi-weekly updates as news unfolds for the Healthcare Connect Fund.
In this issue:
The HCF Bulletin provides bi-weekly updates as news unfolds for the Healthcare Connect Fund.
In this issue:
- Visit the New Website - Highlights of the HCF Section of the RHC Program website, including Getting Started, HCF: What I Need to Know, Trainings & Outreach, the Reference Area, and the Feedback section.
- Learn About the HCF - An audio recording and presentation slides from the FCC's HCF Overview webcast are available on the Trainings & Outreach page.
- Published HCF Order - Part 54 of the FCC's rules, as amended by Appendix D, will take effect on April 1. New forms and filing requirements will not be effective until they are approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
- MATRC Conference - Mark Walker, Attorney Advisor to the FCC, will present in a breakout session about overcoming policy challenges on Monday, March 18. Learn More.
- Attend an HCF Training - The RHC Program will host a training session about the HCF at the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) Conference on Sunday, May 5, from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. More information will be posted soon on the Trainings & Outreach page.
- Contact Us About the HCF - RHC-assist@usac.org is the dedicated email address to answer your questions and receive comments about the HCF.
Sign up in the Subscription Center to receive the HCF Bulletin via email every two weeks.
3/5/2013
– Funding Year 2013 Window Opens April 8
Eligible health care providers (HCPs) may begin the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program application process for Funding Year (FY) 2013 by filing FCC Form 465, Description of Services Requested and Certification Form, beginning on Monday, April 8, 2013, at 9:00 AM EDT. FY2013 is from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014.
Eligible health care providers (HCPs) may begin the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program application process for Funding Year (FY) 2013 by filing FCC Form 465, Description of Services Requested and Certification Form, beginning on Monday, April 8, 2013, at 9:00 AM EDT. FY2013 is from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014.
3/1/2013
– Healthcare Connect Fund Order Effective April 1
The Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Order was published in the Federal Register today. This means that Part 54 of the FCC’s rules, as amended by Appendix D of the Order, will take effect April 1, 2013, thirty days after the Federal Register publication date. Potential applicants to the Healthcare Connect Fund are encouraged to review the new rules and begin assessing how to meet the new requirements.
The new forms and filing requirements set forth in the rules will not be effective until they are approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. RHC will send an email notification when the program forms are approved and available for use.
If you have questions about the Healthcare Connect Fund, contact RHC.
The Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Order was published in the Federal Register today. This means that Part 54 of the FCC’s rules, as amended by Appendix D of the Order, will take effect April 1, 2013, thirty days after the Federal Register publication date. Potential applicants to the Healthcare Connect Fund are encouraged to review the new rules and begin assessing how to meet the new requirements.
The new forms and filing requirements set forth in the rules will not be effective until they are approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. RHC will send an email notification when the program forms are approved and available for use.
If you have questions about the Healthcare Connect Fund, contact RHC.
2/28/2013
– New Fax Number for FY2011 Supporting Documentation
Due to technical difficulties, we have transitioned to a new fax number where applicants should submit supporting documentation for Funding Year 2011. Our fax new number is: (973) 599-6518.
You should make note of the new number and discontinue using the old fax number, (973) 599-6514.
When sending a fax to RHC, include your name, phone number, and email address so that we can contact you to confirm receipt of the fax. If you do not receive confirmation of receipt within five business days, please contact the RHC Help Desk at (800) 229-5476.
If you sent a fax to the old number after December 15 and received a confirmation sheet, you may wish to confirm that USAC received it. If you did not receive a confirmation receipt, scan your documents and email them to RHC Admin or re-fax them to the new number, (973) 599-6518.
Due to technical difficulties, we have transitioned to a new fax number where applicants should submit supporting documentation for Funding Year 2011. Our fax new number is: (973) 599-6518.
You should make note of the new number and discontinue using the old fax number, (973) 599-6514.
When sending a fax to RHC, include your name, phone number, and email address so that we can contact you to confirm receipt of the fax. If you do not receive confirmation of receipt within five business days, please contact the RHC Help Desk at (800) 229-5476.
If you sent a fax to the old number after December 15 and received a confirmation sheet, you may wish to confirm that USAC received it. If you did not receive a confirmation receipt, scan your documents and email them to RHC Admin or re-fax them to the new number, (973) 599-6518.
2/13/2013
– Subscribe to the HCF Bulletin Today
The HCF Bulletin is a new bi-weekly Rural Health Care (RHC) Program email publication that provides everything you need to know about the new Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF). By subscribing to this publication you will receive information about the HCF, resources for navigating new processes, information about conference calls and trainings, and much more. The RHC Program anticipates the first issue to be released in late February or early March. Subscribe now!
The HCF Bulletin is a new bi-weekly Rural Health Care (RHC) Program email publication that provides everything you need to know about the new Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF). By subscribing to this publication you will receive information about the HCF, resources for navigating new processes, information about conference calls and trainings, and much more. The RHC Program anticipates the first issue to be released in late February or early March. Subscribe now!
1/16/2013
– Website and Application Outages Due to Scheduled System Maintenance: Saturday, January 19
The entire USAC website, including all static content, will be unavailable Saturday, January 19 from 8:00 AM through 10:00 AM EST due to scheduled maintenance. In addition, certain applications will be unavailable from Friday, January 18 at 11:59 PM to Saturday, January 19 at 10:00 AM EST. These applications include E-File, My Portal, funding commitment search tools, the News Brief archives, and training archives. The Schools and Libraries "Apply Online" page, "Submit a Question" page, online forms, and other search tools will be available except during the two-hour period when the entire website is down. We apologize for any inconvenience.
The entire USAC website, including all static content, will be unavailable Saturday, January 19 from 8:00 AM through 10:00 AM EST due to scheduled maintenance. In addition, certain applications will be unavailable from Friday, January 18 at 11:59 PM to Saturday, January 19 at 10:00 AM EST. These applications include E-File, My Portal, funding commitment search tools, the News Brief archives, and training archives. The Schools and Libraries "Apply Online" page, "Submit a Question" page, online forms, and other search tools will be available except during the two-hour period when the entire website is down. We apologize for any inconvenience.
1/14/2013
– Healthcare Connect Fund Q&A on Thursday, January 24, 2013
As a follow-up to the January 10 webcast, “The FCC’s Healthcare Connect Fund,” join USAC and the FCC on Thursday, January 24, 2013, to ask questions and seek clarification about the new Healthcare Connect Fund. More information is available in the Trainings & Outreach section of the website.
As a follow-up to the January 10 webcast, “The FCC’s Healthcare Connect Fund,” join USAC and the FCC on Thursday, January 24, 2013, to ask questions and seek clarification about the new Healthcare Connect Fund. More information is available in the Trainings & Outreach section of the website.
1/10/2013
– FCC to Present Healthcare Connect Fund Webcast
This month, in place of the regularly scheduled conference call, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will present a special webcast about the Healthcare Connect Fund, a new part of the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program. FCC staff will provide an overview of the new Healthcare Connect Fund, discuss its key features, and explain the application process.
Webcast Agenda - Thursday, January 10, 2013, 2:00 PM EST
As a follow-up, RHC staff will host a conference call on Thursday, January 24, 2013, and will answer questions about the new program (more information to follow).
To verify that your computer will support the webcast, we advise that you test the system. The webcast is limited to 300 participants on a first-come, first-served basis.
Login Instructions
To receive news about future webcasts and events, subscribe to the RHC Circuit or Conference Call Reminders.
This month, in place of the regularly scheduled conference call, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will present a special webcast about the Healthcare Connect Fund, a new part of the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program. FCC staff will provide an overview of the new Healthcare Connect Fund, discuss its key features, and explain the application process.
Webcast Agenda - Thursday, January 10, 2013, 2:00 PM EST
- About the Healthcare Connect Fund
- When to Apply for Program Funds
- Supported Services
- Eligible Health Care Providers
- Unique Features: the Consortium Approach, Competitive Bidding Exemptions, Skilled Nursing Facilities Pilot Program
As a follow-up, RHC staff will host a conference call on Thursday, January 24, 2013, and will answer questions about the new program (more information to follow).
To verify that your computer will support the webcast, we advise that you test the system. The webcast is limited to 300 participants on a first-come, first-served basis.
Login Instructions
- Five minutes prior to the start of the conference (2:00 PM EST), call and enter the passcode:
Dial-in: 1 (888) 517-2513
Passcode: 6396 002#
- As a courtesy to others and to improve sound quality, press *6 to mute your phone.
- To join the web conference, click here: Begin Webcast.
- Enter all information as prompted and press "Join."
- At the end of the conference, please log out of the meeting.
To receive news about future webcasts and events, subscribe to the RHC Circuit or Conference Call Reminders.
12/21/2012
– FCC Releases Healthcare Connect Fund Report and Order
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today released the new Healthcare Connect Fund Report and Order (FCC 12-150) that will help expand access by connecting health care providers to broadband networks needed for delivery of telemedicine.
The Report and Order also includes information on the newly established competitive Pilot Program with up to $50 million in funding available over three years to test expanding broadband healthcare networks to skilled nursing facilities.
Additional information about the order will be shared via email and the Latest News section of the Rural Health Care Program website prospectively.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today released the new Healthcare Connect Fund Report and Order (FCC 12-150) that will help expand access by connecting health care providers to broadband networks needed for delivery of telemedicine.
The Report and Order also includes information on the newly established competitive Pilot Program with up to $50 million in funding available over three years to test expanding broadband healthcare networks to skilled nursing facilities.
Additional information about the order will be shared via email and the Latest News section of the Rural Health Care Program website prospectively.
12/13/2012
– FCC Establishes Healthcare Connect Fund
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced an order establishing a new Healthcare Connect Fund as part of a reform of the current Rural Health Care Program. The Healthcare Connect Fund will help expand access by connecting health care providers to broadband networks needed for delivery of telemedicine by:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced an order establishing a new Healthcare Connect Fund as part of a reform of the current Rural Health Care Program. The Healthcare Connect Fund will help expand access by connecting health care providers to broadband networks needed for delivery of telemedicine by:
- Removing artificial limitations on technology and provider type,
- Encouraging consortia between smaller rural health care providers and urban medical centers to enable remote hospitals and clinics to draw on the medical, technical, and administrative resources of larger providers,
- Requiring participants to contribute 35 percent of the costs, while affording health care providers access to lower rates through group buying,
- Supporting broadband services purchased from diverse communications providers, while also allowing health care providers to construct new broadband networks when that is the most cost-effective option, and
- Covering upgrades to higher speed service required for health care applications.
In addition, the FCC announced the establishment of a new competitive Pilot Program with up to $50 million in funding over three years to test expanding broadband healthcare networks to skilled nursing facilities.
11/26/2012
– New Version of FCC Form 498 Now Available
Beginning November 26, 2012, all service providers must use the new FCC Form 498 when applying for a new SPIN (Service Provider Identification Number) or when making changes to contact or remittance information to an existing SPIN.
USAC has posted the new FCC Form 498 and instructions on its website. No prior years’ forms will be accepted; service providers who submit an outdated form will receive notice from USAC that the form could not be processed. E-File users will automatically see the newest version of the form upon log in, and their information will pre-populate.
Features of the new FCC Form 498 include:
• an additional field in block 3 for a company's Federal Registration Number (FRN);
• a column for the Study Area Code Company Name in Block 8;
• the ability for a carrier to designate an alternate bank account for the payment of BEAR funds in Block 11;
• a box in Block 1 and a supplemental information sheet to allow respondents to include information about affiliates;
• an update to the Principal Communications Types in Block 14 to include additional business types as listed on the FCC Form 499-A;
• a box after every program on the form that will allow service providers to cease participation in the associated program without having to deactivate their entire SPIN.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the FCC Form 498 and the notice was published in the Federal Register on November 21, 2012.
Please contact USAC Customer Operations at (888)641-8722 with any questions about the new FCC Form 498.
Beginning November 26, 2012, all service providers must use the new FCC Form 498 when applying for a new SPIN (Service Provider Identification Number) or when making changes to contact or remittance information to an existing SPIN.
USAC has posted the new FCC Form 498 and instructions on its website. No prior years’ forms will be accepted; service providers who submit an outdated form will receive notice from USAC that the form could not be processed. E-File users will automatically see the newest version of the form upon log in, and their information will pre-populate.
Features of the new FCC Form 498 include:
• an additional field in block 3 for a company's Federal Registration Number (FRN);
• a column for the Study Area Code Company Name in Block 8;
• the ability for a carrier to designate an alternate bank account for the payment of BEAR funds in Block 11;
• a box in Block 1 and a supplemental information sheet to allow respondents to include information about affiliates;
• an update to the Principal Communications Types in Block 14 to include additional business types as listed on the FCC Form 499-A;
• a box after every program on the form that will allow service providers to cease participation in the associated program without having to deactivate their entire SPIN.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the FCC Form 498 and the notice was published in the Federal Register on November 21, 2012.
Please contact USAC Customer Operations at (888)641-8722 with any questions about the new FCC Form 498.
11/1/2012
– RHC Help Desk Phone Line Currently Unavailable
Due to Hurricane Sandy, the RHC Help Desk phone line is temporarily unavailable. If you need assistance, please email the RHC Help Desk. We hope to have the phone lines operational within a few days, and apologize for any inconvenience this outage has caused.
(11/4/12 Phone lines are operational.)
Due to Hurricane Sandy, the RHC Help Desk phone line is temporarily unavailable. If you need assistance, please email the RHC Help Desk. We hope to have the phone lines operational within a few days, and apologize for any inconvenience this outage has caused.
(11/4/12 Phone lines are operational.)
