Welcome to RHC Connect – FCC Form 461

RHC Connect is the web-based system used to host the form, and was updated for Funding Year 2022 to improve user experience. This modernized portal is easier to navigate and allows RHC program reviewers to approve funding requests faster, so that you can benefit from the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) 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.

New Look, Same Form

Although the platform has changed, the FCC Form 461 itself did not. To submit your request for services (FCC Form 461), 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.

For a step-by-step walkthrough of how to submit your FCC Form 461 in RHC Connect, utilize the RHC Connect User Guide. For forms that have been migrated to RHC Connect, an auto-generated email will be sent directing account holders to log-into RHC Connect to respond. Account holders should respond 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.

Did the FCC Form 461 change?
No, the FCC Form 461 itself did not change – only the platform is changed. The questions on the form and the information required of applicants remain the same.

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. To submit FCC Forms 465 and the Telecom Invoice, please continue to use My Portal.

Can I still make updates or changes to my FCC Forms 460 in My Portal?

Please submit all material changes to your FCC Forms 460 in RHC Connect using an FCC Form 460 revision. Once the FCC Form 460 revision is approved, USAC will import this data to pre-populate the FCC Forms 461, 462 and 463.

For more information, please visit the Welcome to RHC Connect – FCC Form 460 webpage.