SPIN #143050436:
Spectrum Enterprise is authorized by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide broadband and telecom services under USAC’s Rural Health Care Program.
Your partner to help maximize funds
We offer a suite of eligible services and a team of dedicated Rural Health Care Program specialists to help you navigate the program. We’re committed to helping you improve the quality of healthcare and expand services for rural and underserved communities by enabling you to make the most of program funds.
What is the Rural Health Care Program?
The Universal Service Administrative Company’s (USAC’s) Rural Health Care (RHC) Program includes the Healthcare Connect Fund and Telecommunications Program.1 They provide funding to eligible healthcare providers (HCPs) to obtain broadband networks and telecom services that serve rural and underserved communities.2
What is the Healthcare Connect Fund?
The Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) provides discounts of up to 65 percent off broadband services. It expands HCP access to broadband services and encourages the creation of state and regional broadband healthcare networks. From telehealth to quickly sending large files like MRIs and CT scans to a distant hospital, these networks can be used for a variety of purposes. The program is administered by the Rural Health Care Division of USAC.
Deep expertise with the Rural Health Care Program
100+ experienced professionals
We have a dedicated healthcare team that will help you navigate the application process to transition your facility into an integrated community healthcare network.
Industry insights
We stay up-to-date on the latest USAC administrative rules and procedures and can help you access information to qualify for RHC funding.
Rural Health Care Program eligible services*
Empower clinicians to provide exceptional care with a dedicated, high-performance fiber Internet connection. Scalable bandwidth supports multi-device facilities and expands access to online and digital content.
Protect confidential patient data with secure, high-capacity and low-latency WAN connectivity.
*Eligibility of products and services for Rural Health Care Program discounts is determined by the FCC and administered by the Rural Health Care Division of USAC.
Rural Health Care Program FAQs
To be eligible for Rural Health Care (RHC) subsidies, you must qualify as one of the types of healthcare providers listed below:
- Post-secondary educational institutions offering healthcare instruction, such as teaching hospitals and medical schools
- Community health centers or health centers providing healthcare to migrants
- Local health departments or agencies
- Community mental health centers
- Not-for-profit hospitals
- Rural health clinics
- Consortia of Health Care Providers (HCP) consisting of one or more of the above entities
- Dedicated emergency departments of rural for-profit hospitals
- Skilled nursing facilities
More information on eligibility requirements can be found here.
Once USAC approves your Form 462 (Funding Request Form) and issues your Funding Commitment Letter (FCL), then you must submit Form 463 (Invoice and Request for Disbursement Form). Spectrum Enterprise will retrieve your Form 463 from USAC’s “My Portal,” and issue a disbursement credit to your account. If you need assistance with the Form 463 submission, please contact DL-GSP-RHC@charter.com.
To apply for USAC’s RHC Program, apply online at USAC’s My Portal. We are happy to assist you in obtaining your eligible RHC discounts, and in transforming your organization into an integrated and enhanced community healthcare network.
Eligible broadband services are discounted up to 65 percent. Discounts are applied to your monthly broadband services bill. A list of eligible services can be found here.
All of the forms, deadlines and supporting documentation are discussed in detail on the USAC website. You can get specific information on how to complete individual forms by reviewing form user guides and watching video tutorials. In addition, the reference area of the website contains information on deadlines, sample letters and other useful documents. The USAC Client Service Bureau is also available to answer questions by telephone, at 800-453-1546, during normal business hours. USAC has provided a detailed chart with links to forms and other descriptions.
Dig deeper with these helpful resources
E-Book
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Guide
Navigating the FCC Rural Health Care Program
In this guide, you’ll find information on the Rural Health Care Program and guidance for selecting essential connectivity solutions.
Fact sheet
Provider or partner? Consortia don't have to choose
Spectrum Enterprise is a partner with a dedicated rural healthcare team to help consortia leaders fulfill their members' needs in the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program.
Related external resources
Program resource
Program application
1. Please be advised that, starting in FY2024, Charter Communications will no longer participate in the Telecommunications Program component of the Rural Health Care Program. We will not be bidding on the Request for Service Form (FCC Form 465 - Telecom), nor will we process government subsidized discounts related to this program for any services provided during FY2024 or subsequent funding years. However, you can still purchase telecommunications services from Charter Communications, but may not apply for funding under the Telecommunications Program with respect to any such services that we provide. We will also continue to participate in the Healthcare Connect Fund component of the Rural Health Care Program.
Please contact your Charter Communications account representative if you have any questions.
2. Funding is provided to individual HCPs and consortia, which can include non-rural HCPs (if the consortium has a majority of rural sites).