FCC Proposes Changes to Rural Health Care Program to Enhance Telehealth Access
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a draft Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) to review its Rural Health Care (RHC) Program. This program provides financial support to rural healthcare providers for telecommunications and broadband services, crucial for telehealth delivery. The draft FNPRM aims to reassess how support payments are calculated and documented, potentially altering the responsibilities of the Universal Service Administrative Company. The FCC's initiative seeks to reduce costs for program participants while safeguarding the Universal Service Fund from waste and abuse. The program's FY2026 cap is set at $744.2 million, reflecting its significant role in connecting remote areas to healthcare services. 
