Rural Health Care
About Rural Health Care:
- Overview of the Program
- Overview of the Process
- Monthly Conference Calls
- Individual Outreach
- Understanding Audits
- Training Events
- Filing Appeals
- Rural Health Care Pilot Program
Rural Health Care Tools:
2001 Latest News Archive
Holiday Announcement
So our employees can enjoy family and friends during the Thanksgiving Holiday, the Rural Health Care Customer Service Center will be closed on Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23, 2001. The Customer Service Center will resume normal operations on Monday, November 26, 2001 at 8:00 a.m., EST.
Packet Status Report Updated
To help you determine the status of your Form 466/468 packet, the RHCD will post a monthly packet status report. The packet status report will be posted to the web site on or about the first of each month. Applicants may visit the web site to determine whether their Form 466/468 packet has been received and whether RHCD has all of the information it needs to make a funding commitment decision.
Rural Health Care Division Address Change Reminder!
The support mechanism administered by Rural Health Care Division of USAC requests all correspondence, including completed forms, be mailed to the new location listed below:
Rural Health Care Division
80 S. Jefferson
Whippany, NJ 07981
Outreach Conference Call Minutes Now Available
Minutes of the monthly outreach conference call held on October 11, 2001 are now available. View minutes for October 11th Conference Call.
Web Site Maintenance to Occur
Please be advised, due to server maintenance the Schools and Libraries and Rural Health Care sites will be inaccessible between the hours of 12 A.M. - 5 A.M. Eastern Time on October 11 and October 12.
Access to the site will be completely inaccessible and may result in a PAGE or SERVER not found error message. This maintenance will not affect the main USAC web site and other division sites. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
September 13 Conference Call Reminder!
The RHCD hosts a monthly outreach conference call for applicants and service providers on the second Thursday of each month at 2 P.M., EST. The next conference call is scheduled for September 13, 2001. The RHCD provides an agenda for the calls, followed by a general question and answer period. RHC officials moderate the calls.
Note! Please visit the Conference Call schedule before participating to obtain the phone number, call agenda and the Conference Call Guidelines.
Packet Status Report Updated
To help you determine the status of your Form 466/468 packet, the RHCD will post a monthly packet status report. The packet status report will be posted to the web site on or about the first of each month. Applicants may visit the web site to determine whether their Form 466/468 packet has been received and whether RHCD has all of the information it needs to make a funding commitment decision.
Holiday Announcement
The Rural Health Care Customer Service Center will be closed on Monday, September 3, 2001 in observance of Labor Day. The Customer Service Center will resume normal operations on Tuesday, September 4, 2001 at 8:00 a.m., EDT.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the support mechanism administered by the RHCD of USAC, our Customer Service Support Center is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., EDT, 1-800-229-5476.
Outreach Conference Call Minutes Now Available
Minutes of the monthly outreach conference call held on August 9, 2001 are now available. View minutes for August 9th Conference Call.
August 9 Conference Call Reminder!
The RHCD hosts a monthly outreach conference call for applicants and service providers on the second Thursday of each month at 2 P.M., EST. The next conference call is scheduled for August 9, 2001. The RHCD provides an agenda for the calls, followed by a general question and answer period. RHC officials moderate the calls.
Note! Please visit the Conference Call schedule before participating to obtain the phone number, call agenda and the Conference Call Guidelines.
Packet Status Report Updated
To help you determine the status of your Form 466/468 packet, the RHCD will post a monthly packet status report. The packet status report will be posted to the web site on or about the first of each month. Applicants may visit the web site to determine whether their Form 466/468 packet has been received and whether RHCD has all of the information it needs to make a funding commitment decision.
Rural Health Care Division Address Change Reminder!
The support mechanism administered by Rural Health Care Division of USAC requests all correspondence, including completed forms, be mailed to the new location listed below:
Rural Health Care Division
80 S. Jefferson
Whippany, NJ 07981
We anticipate that the result of this address change will be increased efficiency in USAC's form processing operation. We look forward to continuing our work to support rural health care telecommunications and ask for your patience during this transition. We have sent this announcement to RHCD's point of contact for all past and current program applicants. We also want to remind all rural health care providers that we are now accepting applications (Form 465) for Funding Year 4 (July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002), and we invite you to apply online from our Program Forms section, or by calling customer service at 1-800-229-5476.
Thank you in advance for your patience. Please feel free to call customer service if you have questions or concerns.
July 12 Conference Call Reminder!
The RHCD hosts a monthly outreach conference call for applicants and service providers on the second Thursday of each month at 2 P.M., EST. The next conference call is scheduled for July 12, 2001. The RHCD provides an agenda for the calls, followed by a general question and answer period. RHC officials moderate the calls.
Note! Please visit the Conference Call schedule before participating to obtain the phone number, call agenda and the Conference Call Guidelines.
Packet Status Report Updated
To help you determine the status of your Form 466/468 packet, the RHCD will post a monthly packet status report. The packet status report will be posted to the web site on or about the first of each month. Applicants may visit the web site to determine whether their Form 466/468 packet has been received and whether RHCD has all of the information it needs to make a funding commitment decision.
Holiday Announcement
The Rural Health Care Customer Service Center will be closed on Wednesday, July 4, 2001 in observance of Independence Day. The Customer Service Center will resume normal operations on Thursday, July 5, 2001 at 8:00 a.m., EDT.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the support mechanism administered by the RHCD of USAC, our Customer Service Support Center is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., EDT. View Contact Information.
Fund Year 3 Form 465 Reminder
June 26 is the deadline to submit Fund Year 3 Form 465's. Forms submitted after June 26 will not be posted and RHC will be unable to provide funding. View Forms.
Rural Health Care Division Address Change
The support mechanism administered by Rural Health Care Division of USAC requests all correspondence, including completed forms, be mailed to the new location listed below:
Rural Health Care Division
80 S. Jefferson
Whippany, NJ 07981
We anticipate that the result of this address change will be increased efficiency in USAC's form processing operation. We look forward to continuing our work to support rural health care telecommunications and ask for your patience during this transition. We have sent this announcement to RHCD's point of contact for all past and current program applicants. We also want to remind all rural health care providers that we are now accepting applications (Form 465) for Funding Year 4 (July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002), and we invite you to apply online from our Program Forms section, or by calling customer service at 1-800-229-5476.
Thank you in advance for your patience. Please feel free to call customer service if you have questions or concerns.
June 14 Conference Call Reminder!
The RHCD hosts a monthly outreach conference call for applicants and service providers on the second Thursday of each month at 2 P.M., EST. The next conference call is scheduled for June 14, 2001. The RHCD provides an agenda for the calls, followed by a general question and answer period. RHC officials moderate the calls.
Note! The phone number and passcode have changed. Please visit the Conference Call schedule before participating to obtain the new phone number, call agenda and the Conference Call Guidelines.
Packet status Report
To help you determine the status of your Form 466/468 packet, the RHCD will post a monthly packet status report. The packet status report will be posted to the web site on or about the first of each month. Applicants may visit the web site to determine whether their Form 466/468 packet has been received and whether RHCD has all of the information it needs to make a funding commitment decision.
Tips for Year 3
Based on Forms 466/468/467 and invoices processed so far, RHCD made suggestions for completeing Year 3 forms.
Suggestions for Completing Year 3 Packets (Forms 466/468), Form 467 and Invoices.
1. Applications cannot be processed until a complete packet is received. A complete packet consists of a 466 for each service, a 468 for each service provider and service, and support documents if necessary, including contracts, tariff references, and urban rate documentation. Incomplete packets delay processing.
2. Urban rate documentation is missing from most applications that make a Comprehensive Rate Comparison Request (Block 7 of Form 466). This information is required. HCPs should obtain urban rate documentation from their service provider(s). Signed statements on telco letterhead, a tariff rate sheet, or rate listing from the state PUC are examples of acceptable rate documentation.Other similar documentation may be acceptable.
3. If tariffed service is selected (the service is not under a long term contractual commitment), put "T" for the Contract Expiration Date on the 466 so RHCD need not investigate whether contract documentation was omitted from the packet. This is noted on the 466 but not on the 468, and many telcos put a date that HCPs copy onto the 466, which delays processing.
4. When HCPs submit tariffs or bills as rate documentation, there are frequently many numbers on the documentation, none of which exactly match data on the 468. The telco (or HCP) should CLEARLY indicate which rates apply to the service listed on the 468.
5. Mileage charges should be entered ONLY in Block 5 of the 468 (Block 6 of the 466), which is for Mileage-based Charge Discounts. If a Comprehensive Rate Comparison Request is made, mileage charges must not be included in Block 6 of the 468 (Block 7 of the 466). If there is no indication that the mileage charges were excluded from Block 6, processing will be delayed until the telco replies to RHCD's request to confirm that mileage was excluded from Block 6.
6. On Form 466 Block 4 Line 21, HCPs must specify the percent the circuit is used for telehealth/telemedicine. Health care administrative uses (such as billing and record keeping) are eligible telehealth use, so the percent need not be reduced for such. (The percent would be reduced for non-telehealth use, such as non-health care related distance learning).
7. HCPs should always use the pre-printed Form 467 issued with the Funding Commitment Letter (FCL), or substantial delay may result.
8. HCPs should verify that all items are completed on Form 467. The most common omissions are Block 5 Items 16 and 17 (Actual Start and End of Service Dates) and Block 6 Items 18 and 19 certifications. Statements should be read and both boxes checked off.
9. Most required information for telcos to complete invoices can be found on the HCP Support Schedule issued to telcos.
Outreach Conference Call Minutes Now Available
Minutes of the monthly outreach conference call held on May 10, 2001 are now available. View minutes for May 10th Conference Call.
2000 Annual Report Now Available
The Universal Service Administrative Company 2000 Annual Report is now available for viewing on our web site. View 2000 Annual Report!
Whistleblower Hotline (Code 9 Calls)
In efforts to assure effective stewardship of the universal service support mechanism, the Rural Health Care Division has created a Whistleblower Hotline. The Whistleblower Hotline allows applicants, service providers, and others to alert us-anonymously, if desired-to instances where universal service funds are being misapplied or where potential program rule violations may exist.
Memorial Day
The Rural Health Care Customer Service Center will be closed on Monday, May 28, 2001 in observance of Memorial Day. The Customer Service Center will resume normal operations on Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 8:00 a.m., EDT.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the RHCD program, our Customer Service Support Center is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., EDT. View Contact Information.
May 10 Conference Call Reminder!
The RHCD hosts a monthly outreach conference call for applicants and service providers on the second Thursday of each month at 2 P.M., EST. The next conference call is scheduled for May 10, 2001. The RHCD provides an agenda for the calls, followed by a general question and answer period. RHC officials moderate the calls.
Note! The phone number and passcode have changed. Please visit the Conference Call schedule before participating to obtain the new phone number, call agenda and the Conference Call Guidelines.
Outreach Conference Call Minutes Now Available
Minutes of the monthly outreach conference call held on April 12, 2001 are now available. View minutes for April 12th Conference Call. View Conference Call schedule.
New Contribution Methodology and Carrier Reporting Requirements
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently modified the Universal Service Fund (USF) contribution methodology to reduce the interval between the accrual of revenues and the assessment of universal service contributions based on those revenues. Currently, contributions to the USF are based on a carrier's interstate and international end-user revenue generated 12 months prior. The new methodology shortens the lag from 12 months to six months.
In order to administer this change, the Order modifies reporting requirements for USF contributors. Going forward, the FCC eliminated the semi-annual September 1 FCC Form 499-S. However, in addition to the annual FCC Form 499-A due each April, four quarterly FCC Form 499-Q worksheets will be filed throughout the year. Form due dates, revenue data reported and invoicing time period are summarized below:
|
FCC Form 499-Q Due Date: |
Revenue Reported on Form: | Utilized to meet USF contributions: |
|
May 11, 2001* |
1Q: January - March 2001 |
July - September 2001 |
|
August 1, 2001 |
2Q: April - June 2001 |
October - December 2001 |
|
November 1, 2001 |
3Q: July - September 2001 |
January - March 2002 |
|
February 1, 2002 |
4Q: October - December 2001 |
April - June 2002 |
|
April 1, 2002 |
Annual: January - December 2001 |
July 2002 True-up |
*For subsequent years, the first quarter revenue reporting will be due on May 1.
Telecommunications providers qualifying for the USF De Minimis Exemption (using process outlined on page 5 of the Form 499-Q instructions) do not need to complete the Form 499-Q. However, for all other USF contributors, the first Form 499-Q must be submitted to USAC by Friday May 11, 2001. We advise each carrier to review the instructions prior to completing the form. The FCC has made significant changes in the format and content of customer information reported.
Funding Year 4 Reminder!
The Rural Health Care Division began accepting applications for Funding Year 4 on March 26, 2001. The program has not changed for Year 4, but all Year 4 forms have been redesigned. It is important that applicants use the Year 4 forms, otherwise there may be a delay in processing the Forms. View Year 4 Forms.
Conference Call Reminder!
The RHCD hosts a monthly outreach conference call for applicants and service providers on the second Thursday of each month at 2 P.M., EST. The next conference call is scheduled for April 12, 2001. View Conference Call Schedule.
Outreach Conference Call Minutes Now Available
Minutes of the monthly outreach conference calls will be posted to the Rural Health Care web site within 7 business days following the call. Click here for the schedule.
Funding Year 4
The Rural Health Care Division (RHCD) will begin accepting applications for Funding Year 4 on March 26, 2001. Funding Year 4 begins on July 1, 2000 and ends on June 30, 2002. The program has not changed for Year 4, but all Year 4 forms have been redesigned. It is important that applicants use the Year 4 forms, otherwise your application cannot be processed. You should complete FCC Form 465 on line, and then print a copy to sign and mail to RHCD. RHCD must receive a signed original from the applicant before its Form 465 can be posted to the web site. All applicants must submit FCC Form 465 in order to participate in the program.
Monthly Conference Call
The Rural Health Care Division will begin hosting a monthly outreach conference call for applicants and service providers on Thursday, March 8, 2001 at 2 P.M., EST. The call will be scheduled for the second Thursday of each month at 2 P.M., EST. The calls are a forum in which applicants and service providers can raise issues and concerns or seek clarification of program rules or requirements. The RHCD provides an agenda for the calls, followed by a general question and answer period. RHC officials moderate the calls.
Participants may begin calling in 10 minutes before the call begins.
Phone Number: 1-800-447-0521
Once participants dial in an operator will answer and request the name of
the call and the host name or the confirmation number.
Name of Cal: RHC
Outreach Host: Mel Blackwell
Confirmation #: 3644425
Click here to view Conference Call Schedule.
Important Reminder to Return FCC Form 467 Immediately
All program year two (7/1/99-6/30/00) FCC Forms 467 (Health Care Providers Universal Service Connection Certification) must be completed and returned to RHCD immediately in order for health care providers to receive the appropriate support for telecommunications services necessary for the provision of health care. If Form 467 is not completed and returned to RHCD, the health care provider will not receive support.
RHCD has issued all funding commitments for year two. Completing and returning the FCC Form 467 is the final step health care providers must take in order to receive support. A pre-filled FCC Form 467 was mailed with every funding commitment letter issued and health care providers need only to enter the date that the requested telecommunications service was connected, provide the BTN, sign, date and return the Form to RHCD in order to receive support. Unless this is done immediately, RHCD's funding commitment to you will be forfeited.
If you have any questions or need RHCD to send another form to you, please call RHCD at 1-800-229-5476.
Holiday Hours Announcement
The Rural Health Care Customer Service Center will be closed on Monday, February 19, 2001 in observance of President's Day. The Customer Service Center will resume normal operations on Tuesday, February 20, 2001 at 8:00 a.m., EST.
Rural Health Care New Look
The new Millennium release of the Rural Health Care Program web site introduces a new design and modified organizational structure. These changes result from extensive usability testing and customer feedback. USAC has performed a range of usability testing on all sites including formal and informal user questioning. The new design retains many elements of the previous site, but now features four noticeable changes.
Consistent Navigation Layout and Color Scheme Throughout
Consistent navigation and layout is critical to the usability of a site. The Rural Health Care web site now features a global navigation system. The use of a global navigation system enables visitors to more easily locate the information they are looking for and reduces the likelihood of getting lost. The Rural Health Care navigation system is consistent across all pages and can be located in the same place on each page. The top navigation bar enables visitors easy access to other USAC programs while down the right side of each page the seven Rural Health Care categories are listed and sub-categories that change to reflect category specific information. To reduce the need to scroll side-to-side, every page on the Rural Health Care site, except for the home page, is now "auto-adjusting", meaning that the width of the top banner and body content will shrink or expand to your browsers width.Four New "Assistance areas" available from every page
The following four Assistance areas are found in the gold navigation area at the top of the home page:
- Site Tour - This area of the web site was created to offer our Rural Health Care Program participants assistance in navigating the Rural Health Care area of the USAC web site.
- FAQs - More commonly known as "Frequently Asked Questions." Responses to the Rural Health Care Program FAQs are located here.
- Contacts - Contact information for the Rural Health Care Division is provided here. (E-mail, fax numbers, toll free numbers and mailing addressees)
- Get Help! - A new section of the web site that can be used for obtaining programmatic or technical support. Contact information such as toll free numbers and fax support can be found here for obtaining programmatic help. The online form found on this page is used only for reporting technical problems with the web site, such as "page not found" errors and typo's.
A search box on every page
Most web sites offer a search box on their pages and usability testing showed that customers expect this feature, especially on the home page. The Search function enables you to find records by entering keywords or phrases.Consolidation of the funding years
The Rural Health Care Division has consolidated program information for funding years two, three and four into one location. This eliminates the need for users to choose between funding years prior to obtaining program information. Information that is specific to a funding year will be flagged with one of the following icons:
Indicates information is specific to funding year 4 participants
Indicates information is specific to funding year 3 participants
Indicates information is specific to funding year 2 participants
