How It Works

The Rural Health Care program funds two types of services.

You can apply for funding for Voice and Data, Broadband, or both.

Voice and Data

If you need voice and other telecommunication services, you may be eligible for funding through the Telecommunications Program.


Discount Rate: Determined using the urban/rural differential.

Broadband

If you need broadband services, network equipment, etc., you may be eligible for funding through the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Program.


Discount Rate: Flat 65% discount on eligible expenses.

The Process

These steps will help you navigate the process to get funding.

1

Determine your eligibility

2

Develop evaluation criteria and request services

3

Evaluate bids and select a service provider

4

Submit a funding request

5

Certify service start and end dates

6

Work with your service provider to invoice USAC

Get Started or sign in to RHC Connect.

Announcements

RHC Connect System Maintenance: October 22, 2026

USAC will be performing system maintenance in RHC Connect on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. During this time, users may be unable to log in to and use RHC Connect. Once maintenance is complete, users will not experience any changes to RHC Connect. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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RHC Program News

View the October 2026 Newsletter.

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RHC Connect System Maintenance: October 9, 2026

USAC will be performing system maintenance in RHC Connect on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. until...

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USAC System Maintenance on October 10

USAC will perform system maintenance on Saturday, October 10, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.

The deadline for applicants and service providers in the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) and the Telecommunications (Telecom)...

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