As a member of the Connections Telehealth Consortium (CTC), you have access to a variety of services, including Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) subsidy management and support. One of our most critical services, though—and one we don’t often talk about—is the advocacy work we do on your behalf.
Since our inception in 2014, CTC has been actively involved in advocacy for healthcare broadband connectivity subsidies. Jim Rogers, the president of HealthConnect Networks—CTC’s managing agent—identified gaps in federal funding for healthcare broadband networks and began advocating for reform in 2006 with local and state representatives. His efforts resulted in legislative change, including the creation of the influential Rural Healthcare Pilot Program, which became the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) program that CTC members receive subsidies through today.
CTC continued this advocacy work, helping grow the program into the $706 million initiative it is today. With the recent court decision on the Universal Service Fund, however, our advocacy efforts have become more crucial than ever.
On July 24, 2023, the 5th Circuit Court ruled that the Universal Service Fund (USF) was unconstitutional, a decision that could significantly impact programs like the HCF. Established in 1996, the USF supports initiatives that promote broadband access in underserved areas through four distinct programs:
Managed by the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC) under the oversight of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the USF plays a key role in ensuring equitable connectivity across the country. However, the 5th Circuit Court raised concerns about the USF’s structure, citing insufficient congressional oversight and delegation of responsibilities to USAC. This decision conflicts with rulings from two other circuit courts that upheld the program’s constitutionality. The U.S. Supreme Court will review the case in spring, but the current funding system will remain in place until a final decision is reached.
While the legal process unfolds, CTC is actively working to protect the funding that supports our members. We want to make sure that the HCF subsidies you rely on are not going anywhere anytime soon, and we will continue to advocate on your behalf.
Here are some of the ways we’re doing this:
At CTC, we are dedicated to ensuring that rural healthcare providers continue to have the resources they need to deliver life-changing telehealth and healthcare services. We will keep you informed on any updates related to the USF case and our advocacy work.
If you have questions, success stories to share, or concerns you’d like us to address in our next visit to D.C., please don’t hesitate to reach out at info@healthconnectnetworks.com. Together, we can continue to advocate for the funding and support that make your work possible.
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