Rural Health Care
Supporting healthcare facilities in bringing world class medical care to rural areas through increased connectivity
Upcoming Dates
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.
Determine your eligibility
Develop evaluation criteria and request services
Evaluate bids and select a service provider
Submit a funding request
Certify service start and end dates
Work with your service provider to invoice USAC
Announcements
USAC System Maintenance on October 10
Oct 5, 2026
USAC will perform system maintenance on Saturday, October 10, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.
During the maintenance, USAC systems may be unavailable for an extended period. Users will not see system changes following the maintenance.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
... Read MoreDon’t Miss Your RHC Program Invoice Filing Deadline!
Oct 2, 2026
The deadline for applicants and service providers in the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) and the Telecommunications (Telecom)...
Read MoreBegin Draft FY2027 Funding Requests on October 1!
Oct 1, 2026
In preparation for Funding Year (FY) 2027, applicants can draft funding requests in RHC Connect beginning on...
Read MoreNew! Program Recovery Payments System
Sep 25, 2026
Beginning today, all users will be directed to USAC’s One Portal dashboard when they click the blue...
Read MoreRHC Connect System Maintenance: September 13, 2026
Sep 11, 2026
USAC will be performing system maintenance in RHC Connect on Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 7:00 p.m....
Read More