Welcome to RHC Connect – FCC Form 460
RHC Connect is the web-based system used to host the form and was updated for Funding Year (FY) 2022 to improve user experience. This modernized portal is easier to navigate and allows RHC program reviewers to approve funding requests faster, so that participants can benefit from the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) and Telecommunications (Telecom) Program sooner.
RHC Connect bridges the gap between our external stakeholders and the resources to obtain Universal Service Fund (USF) funding. This funding helps to connect rural communities with healthcare services, and represents USAC’s commitment to transparency, customer service, and communication with our applicants. Providing these connections is the sum total of what the RHC program supports: healthcare provider (HCP) applicants, service providers, and the rural communities they represent.
Updates to the FCC Form 460
Although the platform has changed, the FCC Form 460 itself did not. To determine eligibility of your site (FCC Form 460), you are asked the same questions and need to provide the same information as in years past. No preparation for the platform change is required by you.
Please note the following changes per FCC Order 23-110:
- The FCC Form 460 will now be used to determine eligibility in both the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Program and the Telecommunications (Telecom) Program. This eliminates the need for Telecom Program participants to seek an eligibility determination every time they engage in competitive bidding. The FCC Form 465 will be used for competitive bidding purposes only.
- Health care providers are now permitted to be granted conditional eligibility, thus allowing them to initiate competitive bidding and request funding while awaiting a final eligibility determination.
For more information, read FCC Order 23-110.
For a step-by-step walkthrough of how to submit the FCC Form 460 in RHC Connect, utilize the RHC Connect User Guide. Account holders should respond to all Information Requests through RHC Connect only. Please use the Information Request tip sheet as a resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changes were made to RHC Connect?
RHC Connect has a new look and feel that is more intuitive and user-friendly. It is easier to navigate the form for submission, and it is easier for RHC program reviewers to review and approve forms.
No, the FCC Form 460 itself did not change – only the platform is changed. The questions on the form and the information required of applicants remain the same. There are two additions to the FCC Form 460. See the information under the Updates to the FCC Form 460 section above.
Who is impacted by this change?
RHC Connect is used for FY2022 and future funding years for the HCF Program and FY2024 and future funding years for the Telecom Program. Applicants who participate in the Connected Care Pilot Program (CCPP) are not impacted unless they also participate in the HCF or Telecom Programs. CCPP projects will continue to use My Portal to submit their forms.
Can I still make updates or changes to my FCC Forms 460 in My Portal?
Moving forward, please submit all new FCC Form 460 Revisions in RHC Connect.