Summary: The Healthcare Connect Fund Program offers discounts on broadband services, network equipment, and more. This program provides a flat 65% discount on eligible broadband connectivity expenses.
Description: The purpose of this funding stream is to support healthcare facilities in bringing world class medical care to rural areas through increased connectivity. Applicants can apply as an individual health care provider (HCP) or as a consortium of HCPs (both rural and non-rural). Applicants can request multi-year funding for up to three years. The Rural Health Care division of the FCC also offers funding for voice and data through the Telecommunications Program; applicants can apply for both programs at the same time.
Link to Application: https://www.usac.org/rural-health-care/healthcare-connect-fund-program/
The FY 2021 application cycle is currently open beginning on January 4, 2021 through April 1, 2021. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application forms (FCC Form 462 and 466) as early as possible in the filing window.

FCC — Telecommunications Program

Summary: The Telecommunications Program offers discounts on voice, data, and other telecommunication services. Voice and Data services discount is determined using the urban/rural differential.
Description: The purpose of this funding stream is to support healthcare facilities in bringing world class medical care to rural areas through increased connectivity. Individual health care providers are eligible to apply. Applicants must seek a new funding commitment for each funding year. The Rural Health Care division of the FCC also offers funding for broadband through the Healthcare Connect Fund program; applicants can apply for both programs at the same time.
Link to Application: https://www.usac.org/rural-health-care/telecommunications-program/
The FY 2021 application cycle is currently open beginning on January 4, 2021 through April 1, 2021. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application forms (FCC Form 462 and 466) as early as possible in the filing window.

USDA — Community Connect Program

Summary: The Community Connect grant provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide broadband service in rural, economically-challenged communities where service does not exist. Matching funds of at least 15% from non-federal sources are required and can be used for operating costs.
Description: The purpose of this funding stream is to help rural communities extend access where broadband service is least likely to be commercially available, but where it can make a tremendous difference in the quality of life for people and businesses. Eligible applicants include incorporated organizations, federally-recognized tribes, and state and local governments among others. Funds can be used for the cost of providing broadband service free of charge to critical communities facilities.
Link to Application: https://www.usac.org/rural-health-care/telecommunications-program/
The FY 2021 application cycle is currently open beginning on January 4, 2021 through April 1, 2021. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application forms (FCC Form 462 and 466) as early as possible in the filing window.

FCC — COVID-19 Telehealth Program

Summary: This program provides immediate support to eligible health care providers by fully funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services.
Description: The COVID-19 Telehealth Program helps health care providers provide connected care services to patients at their homes or mobile locations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Telehealth Program is limited to non-profit and public eligible health care providers in rural and non-rural areas.
Link to Application: https://www.fcc.gov/covid-19-telehealth-program
An additional $250 million was allocated for this program in December 2020 under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act of 2021. More details will follow as new information is released.

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Broadband For Human Services Providers