News
2021
Deadline Approaching: FY2021 Filing Window Closes June 1
May 3, 2021
The filing window period for FY2021 closes on Tuesday, June 1! This means that you must submit your funding requests (FCC Forms 462 or 466 ) before 11:59 p.m. ET June 1, 2021 to be considered for RHC program support. Any funding requests submitted after this time will not be considered. We highly encourage you to be mindful of federal holidays and submit your funding requests as soon as possible. Learn more about filing window periods.
Filing Window for Round 2 of COVID-19 Telehealth Program to Open 4/29 and Available Training
April 20, 2021
On April 15, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that the application window for the Round 2 of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program will open on April 29 and close on May 6. Previously, on March 30, the FCC released a Report and Order detailing the application process for its COVID-19 Telehealth Program’s second round of funding (Round 2). Health care providers (HCPs) must have an approved eligibility determination from USAC to receive Round 2 funding.
The application filing window will open on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. ET, and will close on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. ET. USAC will host a series of trainings, including a Tribal training, in the lead up to the window opening to help HCP prepare to apply. Register below to join these trainings and visit the COVID-19 Telehealth resources page to watch recordings after the trainings:
COVID-19 Telehealth Overview on April 21 at 1 p.m. ET: Register
COVID-19 Telehealth Eligibility on April 26 at T2 p.m. ET: Register
COVID-19 Telehealth Program Training for Prospective Tribal Applicants on April 26 at 4:30 p.m. ET: Register
COVID-19 Telehealth Application Process on April 28 at 1 p.m. ET: Register
Filing Window for Round 2 of COVID-19 Telehealth Program to Open 4/29
The application filing window for the second round of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program will open on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 12:00 PM ET. The filing window will last seven calendar days and close on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 12:00 PM ET
For more details, see: https://www.fcc.gov/document/filing-window-round-2-covid-19-telehealth-program-open-429
WCB Waives RHC Rates Database and Certain Administrative Rules
By this Order, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) waives sections 54.604(a) and 54.605(a) of the Commission’s rules,1 the requirements that health care providers and service providers participating in the Telecommunications (Telecom) Program of the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program use the database of rates (Rates Database) to calculate urban and rural rates for funding years 2021 and 2022. We also waive section 54.626(a),2 the RHC Program service delivery deadline, and section 54.627(a),3 the invoice filing deadline, in addition to providing relief with respect to the deadline to respond to information requests from the Universal Administrative Service Company (USAC).
For more details, see: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-21-394A1.pdf
Deadline Approaching! FY2021 Filing Window Deadline Closes on June 1: Register for Office Hours
The FY2021 filing window opened on January 4 and will now close 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 1. This means that you must submit your funding requests (FCC Forms 462 or 466) no later than 11:59 p.m. ET June 1, 2021. We highly encourage you to submit your application forms as early as possible in the filing window period. Other forms for FY2021 (FCC Forms 460, 461, or 465) were accepted prior to January 4 to begin the application process. Learn more about filing window periods.
Join the RHC outreach team on Friday, April 30 for Funding Request Office Hours. Join any time between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. ET to ask your questions about completing and submitting your funding request form(s): April Funding Request Office Hours – Friday, April 30 – Register (Please note that the session is limited to 75 registrants)
RHC Program Inflation-Adjusted Cap Announced
The RHC program funding cap for funding year 2021 is $612,016,418. The internal cap for upfront payments and multi-year commitments under the HCF program is $154,532,400. These new caps represent a 1.2% inflation-adjusted increase in the $604,759,306 RHC program funding cap and the $152,700,000 internal cap on multi-year commitments and upfront payments from funding year 2020. Read the announcement.
Watch the Service Provider Best Practices Webinar
On March 31, RHC held a webinar for service providers participating in the RHC program covering tips and best practices at every stage of the process. Watch the webinar and download the slides.
New Certifications Requirements for National Supply Chain
When service providers log in to My Portal beginning April 30, 2021, they will see two new supply chain certifications included in the FCC Form 463 and Telecom invoice.
FCC Adopts Report and Order to Implement Round 2 of Covid-19 Telehealth Program
WASHINGTON, March 30, 2021—Today, the FCC voted to formally adopt a Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration to establish Round 2 of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, a $249.95 million federal initiative that builds on the $200 million program established as part of the CARES Act. The FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program supports the efforts of health care providers to continue serving their patients by providing telecommunications services, information services, and connected devices necessary to enable telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. The application window is expected to open within 30 days of release of the Order and the FCC will provide notice in advance of that date.
For more details, see: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-371187A1.pdf
Wireline Competition Bureau Announces E-RATE and RHC Programs’ Inflation-Based Caps For Funding
The RHC Program funding cap for funding year 2021 is $612,016,418. 7 The internal cap for upfront payments and multi-year commitments under the Healthcare Connect Fund Program is $154,532,400. These new caps represent a 1.2% inflation-adjusted increase in the $604,759,306 RHC Program funding cap and the $152,700,000 internal cap on multi-year commitments and upfront payments from funding year 2020.
For details, see: https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/031903759877/DA-21-332A1.pdf
Kellogg & Sovereign Consulting and K&S RHC Consulting Acquired by Sigma Technology Fund to Assist Rapid Growth
Oklahoma City, March 1, 2021 - Kellogg & Sovereign Consulting and K&S RHC Consulting (collectively “K&S”) are pleased to announce that as of February 19, 2021 they were acquired by Sigma Technology Fund, leading to changes in the firm’s ownership structure and positioning it for significant future growth.
Jason Ramey, from Sigma Technology Fund, announced they will retain the name K&S and is stepping into the role of Chief Executive Officer. He will be supported by existing team members Deborah Sovereign, who now assumes the position of Senior Advisor, and both Shannon Tice, who continues as Director of RHC and Riley Harpole, as Director of E-Rate.
View the full press release here.
FY2021 Filing Window Deadline Extended to June 1
On February 12, 2021, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released Order 21-168, waiving section 54.621(a)(1) of the Commission’s rules and extending the close of the funding year 2021 application filing window for the Rural Health Care (RHC) program until June 1, 2021.
The FY2021 filing window opened on January 4 and will now close 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 1. This means that you must submit your funding requests (FCC Forms 462 or Forms 466 ) no later than 11:59 p.m. ET June 1, 2021. We highly encourage you to submit your application forms as early as possible in the filing window period. Other forms for FY2021 (FCC Forms 460, 461, or 465) were accepted prior to January 4 to begin the application process. Learn more about filing window periods.
Effective March 15, 2021: FCC DA 20-1420 Certain Rule Changes to be Implemented in FY2020
FCC Order DA 20-1420 implemented certain rule changes mid-funding year (FY) 2020 that were previously slated for FY2021. The FCC recognizes that making these rules effective mid-FY2020 will provide helpful flexibility to health care providers during the current funding year. Please note, this Order will become effective on March 15, 2021, read more in the Federal Register. The Order accelerates the effective dates of the following rule changes:
Service Provider Best Practices Webinar March 31
Join the RHC program team on Wednesday, March 31 for a Service Provider Best Practices Webinar for the FY2021 filing window. This webinar will cover tips and best practices for service providers participating in the RHC program.
FY2019 HCF Invoicing Deadlines Approaching
In 2020, the FCC released two invoicing deadline waivers to HCF program applicants, resulting in many FY2019 FRNs having March or June invoicing deadlines (read Order 20-345 and Order 20-1092).
To see if your HCP has an upcoming FY2019 invoicing deadline, use the Invoice Deadline Lookup Tool or view your deadline in My Portal. As a reminder, the HCF invoicing process is a joint process between the HCP and its service provider. For information on how to file your FCC Form 463, watch the FY2019 Invoicing Best Practices Webinar.
2020
FCC Releases Order DA 20-1233: All Qualifying FY2020 Funding Requests to be Funded in Full
On October 19, 2020, the FCC released Order DA 20-1233, waiving section 54.619(a) of the Commission’s rules to eliminate the cap on upfront payments and multi-year commitments for Funding Year (FY) 2020 to ensure that all approved RHC Program funding requests will be funded in full! RHC started issuing decisions on FY2020 funding requests in September and will continue to do so on a rolling basis.
To view the order please see: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-20-1233A1.pdf
9/17/20
In March 2020, the Oklahoma Universal Service Fund (OUSF) Administrator announced that eligible schools, libraries, mental health facilities, and healthcare facilities receiving OUSF funding for broadband services may temporarily increase their entity’s bandwidth, without extra cost, to aid in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the continued challenges facing our beneficiaries throughout the State, and to align with the various federal funding programs, the OUSF Administrator is extending the temporary emergency funding through June 30, 2021.
For details, see: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/OKOCC/bulletins/2a132de
RHC FY2021 Funding Year Overview
Funding year (FY) 2021 will take place from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. New for FY2021 and forward, the competitive bidding period will begin on July 1 of the prior calendar year, allowing RHC Program applicants more time to complete and submit their FCC Forms 461 and Forms 465 for the purposes of competitive bidding. For FY2021, applicants can begin the competitive bidding process as early as July 1, 2020.
For details, see: https://www.usac.org/rural-health-care/additional-program-guidance/funding-year-overview/
9/3/20
FCC Extends Waiver of Gift Rules to 12-31-2020
The FCC extended the waiver of the gift rules for RHC and E-rate plus extended deadline for certain USAC information requests.
Due to the ongoing disruptions caused by COVID-19 to program participants and the continued need for robust connectivity, we find good cause to extend our waivers of the RHC and E-Rate program gift rules through December 31, 2020. In addition, we waive the RHC deadline for responding to information requests from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) through December 31, 2020. Finally, we direct USAC to provide a 30-day extension to E-Rate program participants impacted by the pandemic that request an extension to respond to certain USAC information requests, including those related to Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) requests, issued through December 31, 2020.
For details, see: http://www.kelloggllc.com/docs/fcc/GiftRulesOrder_DA-20-1021A1_2020-09-03.pdf
4/21/20
K&S RHC Consulting’s RHC Director, Shannon Tice, provides an overview of the FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Funding:
COVID-19 Telehealth Program April 2020 Webinar
Slides
FCC Approves Second Set of COVID-19 Telehealth Program Applications
The FCC's Wireline Competition Bureau approved an additional five funding applications for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. To date, the FCC's COVID-19 Telehealth Program has funded 11 health care providers in 8 states for a total of $6.94 million.
https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-approves-second-set-covid-19-telehealth-program-applications
Waiver of the Red Light Rule for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program
OMD and WCB issue this limited waiver of the FCC's "red light" rule for applicants to the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to ensure that otherwise worthy telehealth projects are not unnecessarily turned away due to a delinquent debt with the FCC
https://www.fcc.gov/document/waiver-red-light-rule-covid-19-telehealth-program
4/16/20
FCC Announces COVID-19 Telehealth Funding
The FCC announced on April 16, 2020, the Wireline Competition Bureau approved funding applications for the COVID-19 Telehealth program, for a total of $3.23 million to six providers in Georgia, New York, Ohio, Louisiana and Pennsylvania. Commissioner Carr issued a statement.
4/9/20
Order on COVID-19 Telehealth, Connect Care Programs Effective May 11
The report and order adopting a $200 million COVID-19 telehealth program and a Connected Care pilot program to provide up to $100 million of support from the USF to help defray health care providers’ costs was published in the Federal Register on April 9, 2020. The order is effective May 11, 2020. The COVID–19 Telehealth program information collection requirements are effective April 9, 2020, and the Connect Care pilot program requirements will not become effective until approved by the OMB.
4/2/20
FCC Fights COVID-19 with $200M; Adopts Long-Term Connected Care Study. Read the full news release here.
3/26/20
As a part of the Commission’s continuing efforts to ensure that health care providers have the resources they need to effectively respond to the coronavirus pandemic,1 we grant on our own motion additional relief to assist Rural Health Care (RHC) Program participants in addressing this ongoing public health emergency. Telemedicine will play a significant role in combating the ongoing pandemic, especially in rural areas. Specifically, we take the following actions: (1) issue an extension of the RHC Program application filing window until June 30, 2020.. Read the full news release here.
3/23/20 OUSF Provides COVID- Emergency Response Process
The Administrator of the Oklahoma Universal Service Fund (OUSF) is supporting an FCC waiver that allows healthcare entities throughout Oklahoma to increase their site’s bandwidth during this pandemic as needed at no extra cost to the entity. To temporarily increase your site’s bandwidth, please contact your service provider. Your service provider will in turn provide the change request to the OUSF Administrator for approval. The OUSF Administrator will make the necessary adjustments after the designated emergency to ensure no double recovery occurs based on Federal or other supports received.
https://www.occeweb.com/pu/OUSF/OUSF_COVID19.htm
If you have any questions, please contact me at brandy.wreath@occ.ok.gov.
3/18/20 FCC Waives Gift Rules for RHC and E-Rate
The FCC announced today that they are waiving the gift rules for RHC and E-Rate. This is wonderful and welcome good news!
The news release states: “Commission rules prohibit entities eligible for the RHC and E-Rate programs from soliciting or accepting any thing of value from a service provider participating or seeking to participate in those programs. Today’s waiver will allow health care providers, schools, and libraries to accept improved capacity, Wi-Fi hotspots, networking gear, or other equipment or services to support doctors and patients, teachers and students, and librarians and patrons during the coronavirus outbreak. For example, some providers have expressed interest in providing free network upgrades for hospitals that need more robust connections to treat patients via telemedicine and free connected devices and hotspots for students who will be taking classes at home. This waiver will enable them to do such things.” Read the full order here.
2019
12/10/2019
Wireline Competition Bureau provides guidance on the implementation schedule for reforms adopted by the Rural
Health Care Program promoting Telehealth Report and Order. Read here.
8/1/2019
SHLB news article: http://www.shlb.org/news/shlb/2019/08/FCC-Telehealth-Order-Makes-Progress-But-Creates-More-Uncertainty-/
2019
Breaking News:
FCC Announces Tentative Agenda for August Open Meeting scheduled for Thursday, August 1, 2019:
Promoting Telehealth in Rural America - The Commission will consider a Report and Order that would overhaul the Rural Health Care Program by streamlining and simplifying the way health care providers apply for and calculate universal service support amounts, promoting transparency and predictability in the program, and taking new steps to guard against waste, fraud, and abuse. (WC Docket No. 17-310)
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-358431A1.pdf
2019
RFP: RHC Business and Operations Assessment
6/10/2019 - Wireline Competition Bureau announces the availability of unused funds to increase Rural Health Care Program funding for funding year 2019. Read here.
3/27/2019 - The SHLB Coalition released a statement urging the FCC to leave the USF programs as they stand today without creating an overall USF cap. K&S supports SHLB's statement and urges the FCC to leave each program individually capped with the current annual inflation factor increase. K&S also requests that the FCC continue addressing questions and comments from the December 2017 NPRM seeking Healthcare Connect Fund and Telecommunications Program reform and a more substantial funding cap increase to address the needs of RHC Program recipients. Read the full SHLB statement here.
3/15/2019 - K&S participated with the SHLB Coalition in the submission of a letter to the FCC regarding the current state of the RHC Programs. The letter outlines areas if concern and the impact on the participating healthcare providers who rely heavily on the crucial funding that the program provides. Read the entire letter here.
3/8/2019 - The RHC Program funding cap for funding year 2019 will be set at $593.7M, a 2.2% increase over funding year 2018. The FCC calculates the cap each fund year using the GDP-CPI measure of inflation. Participating Health Care Providers should note that the $150M cap on one-time costs and multi-year requests does not change with the inflation factor. Read the entire public notice here.
2/15/2019 - The FCC Wireline Competition Bureau issued a guidance document to provide certainty and assist service providers and rural health care providers in complying with the FCC Rural Health Care Program rules, including rules for determining rural rates in the Telecommunications Program. Read the full document here.
2018
FY2019 Filing Window Dates Announced
The initial filing window period for FY2019 is February 1 – May 31, 2019. This means that you must submit your funding requests (FCC Forms 462 and/or 466) between February 1 and 11:59 p.m. ET May 31, 2019 for funding consideration. We highly encourage you to submit your funding requests as early as possible in the filing window period. You can begin the application process and submit all other application forms for FY2019 (FCC Forms 460, 461, or 465) before February 1.
12/4/2018 - The FCC announced they are seeking additional comments on the determination of urban and rural rates in the Rural Health Care Program. Click here to read the full release from December 4, 2018.
6/25/2018 - The FCC signed an order eliminating the Pro Rata for FY2017 and increased the funding cap to $571 Million with an inflation factor going forward. The FCC stated that the Commission will assess the need for any future increases to ensure they address future RHC Program demands. Read the full order and individual statements from each Commissioner here.
6/6/2018 - FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai has drafted a proposed order to increase the current Rural Health Care Program funding cap from $400M to $571M. The $571M represents an inflation adjustment since the original $400M was established in 1997. Click here to read the entire press release from the FCC.
5/24/2018 - The SHLB Coalition Commends the bipartisan group of Senators who are urging the FCC to increase the Rural Health Care program funding cap to accommodate the changes in the healthcare marketplace and growth of telemedicine that has occurred since the $400 M cap was established over 20 years ago. Read the entire press release and letter from the Senators here.
5/14/2018 - Senator Heidi Heitkamp leads 30 senators in urging the FCC to expand the Rural Health Care program. The FCC's Rural Health Care Program hasn't seen a funding cap increase in more than 20 years. For the past two fund years, requests by eligible healthcare providers have exceeded the $400 million cap. In FY2017, requests topped $567 million, resulting in drastic funding cuts that were issued well into the fund year. Read the full press release and text of Senator Heitkamp's letter here.
5/8/2018 - Chairman Pai releases letter to Alaska Communications regarding services provided to participants in the Rural Health Care program. In the letter, Commissioner Pai emphasizes that Alaska Communications must continue to provide services to the rural healthcare providers and that services to any existing rural healthcare providers must not be denied or cut off for lack of payment of any charge higher than the urban rate. Click here to see the full text of the letter.
2/2/2018 - Kellogg and Sovereign Consulting Submits Comments on Rural Healthcare NPRM in proceeding 17-130
K&S listed five key points that are important to ensuring the future viability and success of the FCC's RHC Program:
2/2/2018 - SHLB Coalition Urges the FCC to Reform and Increase Funding for Rural Health Care Program
SHLB asked the FCC for an increase in funding for the Rural Health Care (RHC) program to improve the quality of health care in rural markets across the United States. The RHC program is currently facing an unprecedented crisis. Applications for funding exceeded the funding cap for both FY2016 and FY2017. This funding shortage has resulted in health providers canceling or downgrading broadband connections and reducing services to the public. The backlog of applications is becoming worse than ever -- USAC has not yet released its decisions for FY2017 applications. Several telehealth networks put their plans to expand into rural markets on hold due to the uncertainty around future funding.
Deadline Approaching: FY2021 Filing Window Closes June 1
May 3, 2021
The filing window period for FY2021 closes on Tuesday, June 1! This means that you must submit your funding requests (FCC Forms 462 or 466 ) before 11:59 p.m. ET June 1, 2021 to be considered for RHC program support. Any funding requests submitted after this time will not be considered. We highly encourage you to be mindful of federal holidays and submit your funding requests as soon as possible. Learn more about filing window periods.
Filing Window for Round 2 of COVID-19 Telehealth Program to Open 4/29 and Available Training
April 20, 2021
On April 15, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that the application window for the Round 2 of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program will open on April 29 and close on May 6. Previously, on March 30, the FCC released a Report and Order detailing the application process for its COVID-19 Telehealth Program’s second round of funding (Round 2). Health care providers (HCPs) must have an approved eligibility determination from USAC to receive Round 2 funding.
The application filing window will open on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. ET, and will close on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. ET. USAC will host a series of trainings, including a Tribal training, in the lead up to the window opening to help HCP prepare to apply. Register below to join these trainings and visit the COVID-19 Telehealth resources page to watch recordings after the trainings:
COVID-19 Telehealth Overview on April 21 at 1 p.m. ET: Register
COVID-19 Telehealth Eligibility on April 26 at T2 p.m. ET: Register
COVID-19 Telehealth Program Training for Prospective Tribal Applicants on April 26 at 4:30 p.m. ET: Register
COVID-19 Telehealth Application Process on April 28 at 1 p.m. ET: Register
Filing Window for Round 2 of COVID-19 Telehealth Program to Open 4/29
The application filing window for the second round of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program will open on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 12:00 PM ET. The filing window will last seven calendar days and close on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 12:00 PM ET
For more details, see: https://www.fcc.gov/document/filing-window-round-2-covid-19-telehealth-program-open-429
WCB Waives RHC Rates Database and Certain Administrative Rules
By this Order, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) waives sections 54.604(a) and 54.605(a) of the Commission’s rules,1 the requirements that health care providers and service providers participating in the Telecommunications (Telecom) Program of the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program use the database of rates (Rates Database) to calculate urban and rural rates for funding years 2021 and 2022. We also waive section 54.626(a),2 the RHC Program service delivery deadline, and section 54.627(a),3 the invoice filing deadline, in addition to providing relief with respect to the deadline to respond to information requests from the Universal Administrative Service Company (USAC).
For more details, see: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-21-394A1.pdf
Deadline Approaching! FY2021 Filing Window Deadline Closes on June 1: Register for Office Hours
The FY2021 filing window opened on January 4 and will now close 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 1. This means that you must submit your funding requests (FCC Forms 462 or 466) no later than 11:59 p.m. ET June 1, 2021. We highly encourage you to submit your application forms as early as possible in the filing window period. Other forms for FY2021 (FCC Forms 460, 461, or 465) were accepted prior to January 4 to begin the application process. Learn more about filing window periods.
Join the RHC outreach team on Friday, April 30 for Funding Request Office Hours. Join any time between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. ET to ask your questions about completing and submitting your funding request form(s): April Funding Request Office Hours – Friday, April 30 – Register (Please note that the session is limited to 75 registrants)
RHC Program Inflation-Adjusted Cap Announced
The RHC program funding cap for funding year 2021 is $612,016,418. The internal cap for upfront payments and multi-year commitments under the HCF program is $154,532,400. These new caps represent a 1.2% inflation-adjusted increase in the $604,759,306 RHC program funding cap and the $152,700,000 internal cap on multi-year commitments and upfront payments from funding year 2020. Read the announcement.
Watch the Service Provider Best Practices Webinar
On March 31, RHC held a webinar for service providers participating in the RHC program covering tips and best practices at every stage of the process. Watch the webinar and download the slides.
New Certifications Requirements for National Supply Chain
When service providers log in to My Portal beginning April 30, 2021, they will see two new supply chain certifications included in the FCC Form 463 and Telecom invoice.
FCC Adopts Report and Order to Implement Round 2 of Covid-19 Telehealth Program
WASHINGTON, March 30, 2021—Today, the FCC voted to formally adopt a Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration to establish Round 2 of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, a $249.95 million federal initiative that builds on the $200 million program established as part of the CARES Act. The FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program supports the efforts of health care providers to continue serving their patients by providing telecommunications services, information services, and connected devices necessary to enable telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. The application window is expected to open within 30 days of release of the Order and the FCC will provide notice in advance of that date.
For more details, see: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-371187A1.pdf
Wireline Competition Bureau Announces E-RATE and RHC Programs’ Inflation-Based Caps For Funding
The RHC Program funding cap for funding year 2021 is $612,016,418. 7 The internal cap for upfront payments and multi-year commitments under the Healthcare Connect Fund Program is $154,532,400. These new caps represent a 1.2% inflation-adjusted increase in the $604,759,306 RHC Program funding cap and the $152,700,000 internal cap on multi-year commitments and upfront payments from funding year 2020.
For details, see: https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/031903759877/DA-21-332A1.pdf
Kellogg & Sovereign Consulting and K&S RHC Consulting Acquired by Sigma Technology Fund to Assist Rapid Growth
Oklahoma City, March 1, 2021 - Kellogg & Sovereign Consulting and K&S RHC Consulting (collectively “K&S”) are pleased to announce that as of February 19, 2021 they were acquired by Sigma Technology Fund, leading to changes in the firm’s ownership structure and positioning it for significant future growth.
Jason Ramey, from Sigma Technology Fund, announced they will retain the name K&S and is stepping into the role of Chief Executive Officer. He will be supported by existing team members Deborah Sovereign, who now assumes the position of Senior Advisor, and both Shannon Tice, who continues as Director of RHC and Riley Harpole, as Director of E-Rate.
View the full press release here.
FY2021 Filing Window Deadline Extended to June 1
On February 12, 2021, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released Order 21-168, waiving section 54.621(a)(1) of the Commission’s rules and extending the close of the funding year 2021 application filing window for the Rural Health Care (RHC) program until June 1, 2021.
The FY2021 filing window opened on January 4 and will now close 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 1. This means that you must submit your funding requests (FCC Forms 462 or Forms 466 ) no later than 11:59 p.m. ET June 1, 2021. We highly encourage you to submit your application forms as early as possible in the filing window period. Other forms for FY2021 (FCC Forms 460, 461, or 465) were accepted prior to January 4 to begin the application process. Learn more about filing window periods.
Effective March 15, 2021: FCC DA 20-1420 Certain Rule Changes to be Implemented in FY2020
FCC Order DA 20-1420 implemented certain rule changes mid-funding year (FY) 2020 that were previously slated for FY2021. The FCC recognizes that making these rules effective mid-FY2020 will provide helpful flexibility to health care providers during the current funding year. Please note, this Order will become effective on March 15, 2021, read more in the Federal Register. The Order accelerates the effective dates of the following rule changes:
- Extending site and service substitutions to Telecom program applicants
- Amending the SPIN change process to allow for corrective and operational changes across both the HCF and Telecom programs
- Establishing a service delivery deadline of June 30 while permitting a one-year extension of the service delivery deadline for non-recurring services
- Permitting a one-time 120-day invoice filing extension
Service Provider Best Practices Webinar March 31
Join the RHC program team on Wednesday, March 31 for a Service Provider Best Practices Webinar for the FY2021 filing window. This webinar will cover tips and best practices for service providers participating in the RHC program.
- Wednesday, March 31 at 2:00 -- 3:00 p.m. - Register
FY2019 HCF Invoicing Deadlines Approaching
In 2020, the FCC released two invoicing deadline waivers to HCF program applicants, resulting in many FY2019 FRNs having March or June invoicing deadlines (read Order 20-345 and Order 20-1092).
To see if your HCP has an upcoming FY2019 invoicing deadline, use the Invoice Deadline Lookup Tool or view your deadline in My Portal. As a reminder, the HCF invoicing process is a joint process between the HCP and its service provider. For information on how to file your FCC Form 463, watch the FY2019 Invoicing Best Practices Webinar.
2020
FCC Releases Order DA 20-1233: All Qualifying FY2020 Funding Requests to be Funded in Full
On October 19, 2020, the FCC released Order DA 20-1233, waiving section 54.619(a) of the Commission’s rules to eliminate the cap on upfront payments and multi-year commitments for Funding Year (FY) 2020 to ensure that all approved RHC Program funding requests will be funded in full! RHC started issuing decisions on FY2020 funding requests in September and will continue to do so on a rolling basis.
To view the order please see: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-20-1233A1.pdf
9/17/20
In March 2020, the Oklahoma Universal Service Fund (OUSF) Administrator announced that eligible schools, libraries, mental health facilities, and healthcare facilities receiving OUSF funding for broadband services may temporarily increase their entity’s bandwidth, without extra cost, to aid in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the continued challenges facing our beneficiaries throughout the State, and to align with the various federal funding programs, the OUSF Administrator is extending the temporary emergency funding through June 30, 2021.
For details, see: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/OKOCC/bulletins/2a132de
RHC FY2021 Funding Year Overview
Funding year (FY) 2021 will take place from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. New for FY2021 and forward, the competitive bidding period will begin on July 1 of the prior calendar year, allowing RHC Program applicants more time to complete and submit their FCC Forms 461 and Forms 465 for the purposes of competitive bidding. For FY2021, applicants can begin the competitive bidding process as early as July 1, 2020.
For details, see: https://www.usac.org/rural-health-care/additional-program-guidance/funding-year-overview/
9/3/20
FCC Extends Waiver of Gift Rules to 12-31-2020
The FCC extended the waiver of the gift rules for RHC and E-rate plus extended deadline for certain USAC information requests.
Due to the ongoing disruptions caused by COVID-19 to program participants and the continued need for robust connectivity, we find good cause to extend our waivers of the RHC and E-Rate program gift rules through December 31, 2020. In addition, we waive the RHC deadline for responding to information requests from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) through December 31, 2020. Finally, we direct USAC to provide a 30-day extension to E-Rate program participants impacted by the pandemic that request an extension to respond to certain USAC information requests, including those related to Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) requests, issued through December 31, 2020.
For details, see: http://www.kelloggllc.com/docs/fcc/GiftRulesOrder_DA-20-1021A1_2020-09-03.pdf
4/21/20
K&S RHC Consulting’s RHC Director, Shannon Tice, provides an overview of the FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Funding:
COVID-19 Telehealth Program April 2020 Webinar
Slides
FCC Approves Second Set of COVID-19 Telehealth Program Applications
The FCC's Wireline Competition Bureau approved an additional five funding applications for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. To date, the FCC's COVID-19 Telehealth Program has funded 11 health care providers in 8 states for a total of $6.94 million.
https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-approves-second-set-covid-19-telehealth-program-applications
Waiver of the Red Light Rule for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program
OMD and WCB issue this limited waiver of the FCC's "red light" rule for applicants to the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to ensure that otherwise worthy telehealth projects are not unnecessarily turned away due to a delinquent debt with the FCC
https://www.fcc.gov/document/waiver-red-light-rule-covid-19-telehealth-program
4/16/20
FCC Announces COVID-19 Telehealth Funding
The FCC announced on April 16, 2020, the Wireline Competition Bureau approved funding applications for the COVID-19 Telehealth program, for a total of $3.23 million to six providers in Georgia, New York, Ohio, Louisiana and Pennsylvania. Commissioner Carr issued a statement.
4/9/20
Order on COVID-19 Telehealth, Connect Care Programs Effective May 11
The report and order adopting a $200 million COVID-19 telehealth program and a Connected Care pilot program to provide up to $100 million of support from the USF to help defray health care providers’ costs was published in the Federal Register on April 9, 2020. The order is effective May 11, 2020. The COVID–19 Telehealth program information collection requirements are effective April 9, 2020, and the Connect Care pilot program requirements will not become effective until approved by the OMB.
4/2/20
FCC Fights COVID-19 with $200M; Adopts Long-Term Connected Care Study. Read the full news release here.
3/26/20
As a part of the Commission’s continuing efforts to ensure that health care providers have the resources they need to effectively respond to the coronavirus pandemic,1 we grant on our own motion additional relief to assist Rural Health Care (RHC) Program participants in addressing this ongoing public health emergency. Telemedicine will play a significant role in combating the ongoing pandemic, especially in rural areas. Specifically, we take the following actions: (1) issue an extension of the RHC Program application filing window until June 30, 2020.. Read the full news release here.
3/23/20 OUSF Provides COVID- Emergency Response Process
The Administrator of the Oklahoma Universal Service Fund (OUSF) is supporting an FCC waiver that allows healthcare entities throughout Oklahoma to increase their site’s bandwidth during this pandemic as needed at no extra cost to the entity. To temporarily increase your site’s bandwidth, please contact your service provider. Your service provider will in turn provide the change request to the OUSF Administrator for approval. The OUSF Administrator will make the necessary adjustments after the designated emergency to ensure no double recovery occurs based on Federal or other supports received.
https://www.occeweb.com/pu/OUSF/OUSF_COVID19.htm
If you have any questions, please contact me at brandy.wreath@occ.ok.gov.
3/18/20 FCC Waives Gift Rules for RHC and E-Rate
The FCC announced today that they are waiving the gift rules for RHC and E-Rate. This is wonderful and welcome good news!
The news release states: “Commission rules prohibit entities eligible for the RHC and E-Rate programs from soliciting or accepting any thing of value from a service provider participating or seeking to participate in those programs. Today’s waiver will allow health care providers, schools, and libraries to accept improved capacity, Wi-Fi hotspots, networking gear, or other equipment or services to support doctors and patients, teachers and students, and librarians and patrons during the coronavirus outbreak. For example, some providers have expressed interest in providing free network upgrades for hospitals that need more robust connections to treat patients via telemedicine and free connected devices and hotspots for students who will be taking classes at home. This waiver will enable them to do such things.” Read the full order here.
2019
12/10/2019
Wireline Competition Bureau provides guidance on the implementation schedule for reforms adopted by the Rural
Health Care Program promoting Telehealth Report and Order. Read here.
8/1/2019
SHLB news article: http://www.shlb.org/news/shlb/2019/08/FCC-Telehealth-Order-Makes-Progress-But-Creates-More-Uncertainty-/
2019
Breaking News:
FCC Announces Tentative Agenda for August Open Meeting scheduled for Thursday, August 1, 2019:
Promoting Telehealth in Rural America - The Commission will consider a Report and Order that would overhaul the Rural Health Care Program by streamlining and simplifying the way health care providers apply for and calculate universal service support amounts, promoting transparency and predictability in the program, and taking new steps to guard against waste, fraud, and abuse. (WC Docket No. 17-310)
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-358431A1.pdf
2019
RFP: RHC Business and Operations Assessment
6/10/2019 - Wireline Competition Bureau announces the availability of unused funds to increase Rural Health Care Program funding for funding year 2019. Read here.
3/27/2019 - The SHLB Coalition released a statement urging the FCC to leave the USF programs as they stand today without creating an overall USF cap. K&S supports SHLB's statement and urges the FCC to leave each program individually capped with the current annual inflation factor increase. K&S also requests that the FCC continue addressing questions and comments from the December 2017 NPRM seeking Healthcare Connect Fund and Telecommunications Program reform and a more substantial funding cap increase to address the needs of RHC Program recipients. Read the full SHLB statement here.
3/15/2019 - K&S participated with the SHLB Coalition in the submission of a letter to the FCC regarding the current state of the RHC Programs. The letter outlines areas if concern and the impact on the participating healthcare providers who rely heavily on the crucial funding that the program provides. Read the entire letter here.
3/8/2019 - The RHC Program funding cap for funding year 2019 will be set at $593.7M, a 2.2% increase over funding year 2018. The FCC calculates the cap each fund year using the GDP-CPI measure of inflation. Participating Health Care Providers should note that the $150M cap on one-time costs and multi-year requests does not change with the inflation factor. Read the entire public notice here.
2/15/2019 - The FCC Wireline Competition Bureau issued a guidance document to provide certainty and assist service providers and rural health care providers in complying with the FCC Rural Health Care Program rules, including rules for determining rural rates in the Telecommunications Program. Read the full document here.
2018
FY2019 Filing Window Dates Announced
The initial filing window period for FY2019 is February 1 – May 31, 2019. This means that you must submit your funding requests (FCC Forms 462 and/or 466) between February 1 and 11:59 p.m. ET May 31, 2019 for funding consideration. We highly encourage you to submit your funding requests as early as possible in the filing window period. You can begin the application process and submit all other application forms for FY2019 (FCC Forms 460, 461, or 465) before February 1.
12/4/2018 - The FCC announced they are seeking additional comments on the determination of urban and rural rates in the Rural Health Care Program. Click here to read the full release from December 4, 2018.
6/25/2018 - The FCC signed an order eliminating the Pro Rata for FY2017 and increased the funding cap to $571 Million with an inflation factor going forward. The FCC stated that the Commission will assess the need for any future increases to ensure they address future RHC Program demands. Read the full order and individual statements from each Commissioner here.
6/6/2018 - FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai has drafted a proposed order to increase the current Rural Health Care Program funding cap from $400M to $571M. The $571M represents an inflation adjustment since the original $400M was established in 1997. Click here to read the entire press release from the FCC.
5/24/2018 - The SHLB Coalition Commends the bipartisan group of Senators who are urging the FCC to increase the Rural Health Care program funding cap to accommodate the changes in the healthcare marketplace and growth of telemedicine that has occurred since the $400 M cap was established over 20 years ago. Read the entire press release and letter from the Senators here.
5/14/2018 - Senator Heidi Heitkamp leads 30 senators in urging the FCC to expand the Rural Health Care program. The FCC's Rural Health Care Program hasn't seen a funding cap increase in more than 20 years. For the past two fund years, requests by eligible healthcare providers have exceeded the $400 million cap. In FY2017, requests topped $567 million, resulting in drastic funding cuts that were issued well into the fund year. Read the full press release and text of Senator Heitkamp's letter here.
5/8/2018 - Chairman Pai releases letter to Alaska Communications regarding services provided to participants in the Rural Health Care program. In the letter, Commissioner Pai emphasizes that Alaska Communications must continue to provide services to the rural healthcare providers and that services to any existing rural healthcare providers must not be denied or cut off for lack of payment of any charge higher than the urban rate. Click here to see the full text of the letter.
2/2/2018 - Kellogg and Sovereign Consulting Submits Comments on Rural Healthcare NPRM in proceeding 17-130
K&S listed five key points that are important to ensuring the future viability and success of the FCC's RHC Program:
- Increase the funding cap to meet the present demand and project for future demand
- Provide predictable funding by implementing established filing windows
- Increase transparency of the Program by requiring USAC to provide access to data in downloadable format
- Phase out the Telecommunications Program, allowing for simplification and administrative efficiencies
- Continue Healthcare Connect Fund principals that have made it so popular and valuable since its inception in 2014
2/2/2018 - SHLB Coalition Urges the FCC to Reform and Increase Funding for Rural Health Care Program
SHLB asked the FCC for an increase in funding for the Rural Health Care (RHC) program to improve the quality of health care in rural markets across the United States. The RHC program is currently facing an unprecedented crisis. Applications for funding exceeded the funding cap for both FY2016 and FY2017. This funding shortage has resulted in health providers canceling or downgrading broadband connections and reducing services to the public. The backlog of applications is becoming worse than ever -- USAC has not yet released its decisions for FY2017 applications. Several telehealth networks put their plans to expand into rural markets on hold due to the uncertainty around future funding.