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
FCC Waives Certain RHC Program Rules in Response to Typhoon Sinlaku
Apr 24, 2026
On April 23, 2026, the FCC released order DA 26-396 waiving the following Rural Health Care Program (RHC) rules for participants and service providers located in areas affected by Typhoon Sinlaku:
- Deadline for Appeals and Requests for Waiver – The FCC waives the 60-day deadlines for requests for review...
RHC Connect Outage Due to System Maintenance: April 26, 2026
Apr 24, 2026
RHC Connect will be unavailable on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 7 p.m. until midnight ET due...
Read MoreRHC Connect Outage Due to System Upgrade: April 17, 2026
Apr 17, 2026
RHC Connect may be unavailable on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 7:00 p.m.- midnight ET due to...
Read MoreRHC Connect Outage Due to System Maintenance: April 5, 2026
Apr 2, 2026
RHC Connect will be unavailable on Sunday, April 5, 2026, from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. ET...
Read More