Rural Health Care

Health Care Providers that participate in the program

The Rural Health Care Program of the Universal Service Fund makes discounts available to eligible rural health care providers for telecommunications services and monthly Internet service charges.

The program was authorized by Congress under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and was designed by the Federal Communications Commission to enable rural health care providers to obtain services at rates no higher than their urban counterparts.

 

Step 1 Determine Eligibility

The first step is to determine if your organization is eligible to participate in the Rural Health Care program. Participants to the program must be rural and public or non-profit health care providers.

Step 2Submit a Service Request

HCP completes Form 465 and submits it to USAC.
All health care providers (HCPs) must complete Form 465 (Description of Services Requested and Certification Form). Form 465 is the means by which HCPs request bids from service providers for services to be used for the provision of health care. Applicants indicate on a single Form 465 whether they are applying for support for telecommunications service or Internet access discounts or both. Form 465 also serves as the HCP's certification that it meets program eligibility requirements.

Step 3Evaluating and Accepting a Bid for Service

Once USAC reviews a Form 465 and determines it is complete, it is posted on the USAC website and a letter is sent to the HCP to confirm the posting. The posting invites service providers to bid to provide services. See Search 465 Postings.  The posting date starts the 28-day competitive bidding process. All HCPs expecting support must complete the 28-day posting requirement before entering into an agreement to purchase services with a service provider. See Step 3 for further information regarding the guidelines for evaluating a bid for service.

Step 4 Sign a Contract for Service

After evaluating all bids, the health care provider will sign a contract for the service they requested on Form 465. Guidelines for year to year contracts as well as "evergreen contracts" are discussed in step 4.

Step 5 Submit a Service Agreement Form

Form 466 and/or Form 466-A

Once the service provider(s) and service(s) are selected, the HCP completes and submits Form 466 (Funding Request and Certification Form) and/or Form 466-A (Internet Service Funding Request and Certification Form). The Forms 466 and 466-A specify the type(s) of service ordered, the cost, the service provider(s), the terms of any service agreements, and certifies that the selections were the most cost-effective offers received. HCP's must also submit a bill for this service along with the Form 466 and together these documents are referred to as a "packet".

Step 6Receive Funding Commitment Letter

Upon packet approval, USAC mails to the HCP a Funding Commitment Letter (FCL) and a copy of Form 467. A copy of the FCL is also sent to the service provider. (In some circumstances, zero support FCLs may be issued, such as multi-bill circuits where the first circuit segment is under the urban rate, so support does not accrue until the next circuit segment.)

Step 7Submit Confirmation of Service

After the HCP begins to receive service from the service provider, it submits Form 467 (Receipt of Service Confirmation Form) to USAC. The HCP must submit Form 467 in order to receive discounted services. USAC cannot process Form 467 unless a Funding Commitment Letter has been issued to the HCP. Form 467 is also available for e-certification, which allows USAC to receive the form immediately.

Step 8Receive Support Schedule

Once Form 467 is received, reviewed, and approved, RHCD will send the HCP and its service provider(s) an HCP Support Schedule (HSS). At this point, the service provider can begin crediting the HCP's bill with the monthly recurring support amount or issue a check for the discount. As soon as the service provider has issued a credit or check to the HCP, it invoices USAC for that amount.

Step 9Receive Credit for Service

For telecommunications carriers, USAC will then credit or reimburse the carrier's Universal Service Fund account. For Internet service providers who have a USF account a credit will given. Those who do not have such an active account and have not been issued a SPIN number, you must fill out a FCC Form 498 and then reimbursement will be by check or direct deposit as you designate.


Last modified on 4/3/2006