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

FY2025 Annual Report Due September 30!

All Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) participants receiving Rural Health Care (RHC) program funding are required to submit an annual report to USAC by September 30 following the funding year (FY) in which funding was provided. Per FCC Order 19-78, both individual and consortia applicants must submit the report to USAC. Applicants should submit their annual reports in RHC Connect prior to...

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USAC Postpones Transition to SAM.gov Banking Information

USAC will postpone the transition to SAM.gov banking information to perform additional testing and validation for a...

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FY2027 Urban and Rural Rates – Telecommunications (Telecom) Program

On August 7, 2026, the FCC released an order, FCC 26-54. This order waives the FCC’s rules...

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RHC Program News

View the August 2026 Newsletter.

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RHC Disbursements Will Be Issued August 11th

Please be advised that USAC will be issuing the first August disbursement to RHC participants on August...

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