What I Need to Know About the
HEALTHCARE CONNECT FUND (HCF)
The Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Program is the newest component of the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program. The
program supports health care providers (HCPs) by providing funding for broadband connectivity, including Internet
access or equipment, at a 65-percent discount. HCPs have the option of participating in the program as a member of a
consortium or as a stand-alone entity. Funding will be available beginning on January 1, 2014, for new applicants.
RHC Pilot Program participants may transition to participation in the HCF Program as their sites exhaust funding. This
funding will be available beginning July 1, 2013, for Pilot Program consortia.
WHAT’S CHANGING?
WHAT’S NEW?
Although the HCF Program will replace the
Internet Access Program as of July 1, 2014, the
Telecommunications Program will remain available. HCPs
will be able to choose between the two programs based
on which best suits their needs.
The following elements are unique to the HCF Program:
• HCPs can apply as individuals or as part of a
consortium.
• Support for broadband services, including Internet
access, is a flat rate (65-percent discount).
• The application and form filing processes are
simpler and easier.
• Equipment necessary to make broadband services
functional is eligible for funding.
• Connections to off-site data centers and
administrative offices are eligible.
• Non-rural HCPs are eligible if participating in a
consortium with a majority rural HCPs.
• Cloud-based connectivity services are supported.
• HCPs can receive support for multi-year
commitments for up to three years.
Internet Access Support
The Internet Access Program, which provides applicants
a 25-percent discount off the cost of monthly Internet
access, will be replaced by the HCF Program, which
provides a 65-percent discount. Although HCPs can
continue to participate in the Internet Access Program
until the end of Funding Year (FY) 2013 (June 30, 2014),
they will be eligible to begin receiving HCF Program
discounts starting on January 1, 2014. After July 1, 2014,
all HCPs requesting Internet access support must apply
for support through the HCF Program.
Telecommunications Services Support
HCPs can continue to participate in the
Telecommunications Program and receive support for
telecommunications services based on the urban/rural
rate differential. Alternatively, an HCP could decide to
participate in the HCF Program, through which support is
provided at a flat 65-percent discount.
In the HCF Program, applicants can request funding for
up to three funding years on a single funding request.
The HCP also has the choice to participate as part of a
consortium or as an individual HCP.
What’s the application process like?
The application process will be familiar to existing RHC
Program participants. The process includes determining
eligibility, submitting a request for services, participating
in the competitive bidding process, selecting the most
cost-effective bid, starting services, and then invoicing
for those services. There are new forms, but there are
also fewer forms, and the filing process is entirely online
through the new RHC application management system
called My Portal.
WHERE DO I START?
For new applicants, the filing window will open late summer 2013 (for funding starting on January 1, 2014).
To prepare, applicants should:
• Read the HCF Order (FCC 12-150);
• Consider whether to apply as an individual HCP or as
a member of a consortium;
• Review the eligibility criteria and eligible
services; and
• Review the new forms and instructions to become
familiar with the application process.