The Rural Health Care (RHC) Program is not something that “opens” annually like a seasonal application window. Instead, it operates on funding years, each with a specific period. To understand when the program was active for the 2019-2020 year, it’s important to understand how the RHC program funding cycle works.
Established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Rural Health Care Program aims to improve healthcare access in rural communities across the United States. It achieves this by providing financial support to eligible healthcare providers for telecommunications and broadband services. This funding ensures that these providers can access the necessary technology to deliver quality healthcare, often through telemedicine and advanced communication networks.
The program is composed of two key components:
- Healthcare Connect Fund Program: Launched in 2012, this program focuses on providing substantial support for high-capacity broadband connectivity. It encourages the development of state and regional healthcare provider networks to enhance broadband access specifically for healthcare purposes in rural areas.
- Telecommunications Program: This older program, created in 1997, addresses the cost disparities between urban and rural telecommunications services. It subsidizes the difference, ensuring that rural healthcare providers can access telecommunications services at rates comparable to those in urban areas.
Regarding the specific timeframe of “2019-2020”, this refers to Funding Year 2019. The FCC’s funding years for the Rural Health Care Program run from July 1st to June 30th. Therefore, Funding Year 2019 spanned from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020. During this period, the Rural Health Care Program was active and providing funding under the guidelines and cap set by the FCC.
It’s also crucial to note the funding cap for the program. Recognizing the increasing demand for broadband funding, the FCC has taken steps to ensure the program’s sustainability. Starting with Funding Year 2017 (July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018), the annual funding cap was set at $571 million and adjusted annually for inflation. This increase, formalized in the Rural Health Care Program Funding Cap Order of June 25, 2018, ensured a more predictable and sufficient source of funds to support rural healthcare initiatives. This cap and the carry-forward process of unused funds help maintain the program’s effectiveness year after year, including the 2019-2020 funding year.
For healthcare providers looking to understand the current status or future funding years, it’s essential to consult the official FCC website and resources for the most up-to-date information and program details.
