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
Service Provider Payment System Unavailable December 13
Dec 4, 2025
Service providers will not be able to make payments using E-File on Saturday, December 13 from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. ET due to maintenance on the Pay.gov system. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Read MoreSubmit your FY2026 Funding Requests Now!
Dec 1, 2025
The Funding Year (FY) 2026 filing window opened today, on December 1, 2025. Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF)...
Read MoreBegin Draft FY2026 Funding Requests on November 1!
Nov 3, 2025
In preparation for Funding Year (FY) 2026, applicants can draft funding requests in RHC Connect beginning on...
Read MoreResolved: Call Center Disruption
Oct 20, 2025
Thank you for your patience - this issue has been resolved. The phones for USAC’s Customer Service...
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