The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau has announced that up to $226.42 million in unused Rural Health Care Program funding from prior years will be carried forward to satisfy FY2026 program demand. As a result, all eligible Rural Health Care Program funding requests, including Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) applications, can be fully funded without prioritization.

What does this mean for healthcare providers?

The Rural Health Care Program operates under an annual funding cap. If demand exceeds available funding, requests may be prioritized. Because unused funding from previous years is available, eligible FY2026 applications can receive full funding without reductions due to funding limitations.

Organizations must still meet all program eligibility and application requirements for funding.

If you have questions about what this announcement means for your organization or need assistance with your Healthcare Connect Fund application, contact the HealthConnect Networks team at info@healthconnectnetworks.com.

Read the full FCC announcement here.