CTC’s Ongoing Advocacy Efforts

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.

What’s Happening with the Universal Service Fund?

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:

  • E-Rate (focuses on connectivity for schools and libraries)
  • Rural Health Care (includes the HCF, which provides subsidies for broadband networks like those CTC members rely on)
  • Lifeline (offers discounts on phone and internet services for low-income households)
  • High Cost (ensures broadband access in rural and remote areas with higher connectivity costs)

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:

  • Working with the SHLB Coalition: CTC works closely with the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, an organization dedicated to promoting broadband access nationwide. SHLB is currently collecting success stories about the USF to present to Congress. CTC has already contributed multiple stories and will continue to support SHLB’s advocacy efforts.
  • Peer Interest Group Advocacy: Jim Rogers and other HCF participants have formed a Peer Interest Group focused on direct advocacy for USF and HCF programs. This group brings together stakeholders who understand the challenges of rural healthcare and broadband. By working together, this group hopes to complement the work SHLB is doing with a more specific focus on rural healthcare connectivity.
  • Meeting with Members of Congress: Advocacy often requires direct conversations with lawmakers. CTC representatives have spent time in Washington, D.C., meeting with legislators to discuss the critical role of USF funding. These meetings allow us to share firsthand how HCF subsidies improve healthcare services and why continued support is essential. Historically, these efforts have helped protect and expand funding for rural healthcare, and we remain optimistic about their impact moving forward.
  • NTCA Membership: As a member of the NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association, CTC collaborates with other organizations advocating for rural broadband funding. NTCA provides additional resources and influence to amplify our efforts. Together, we are addressing the challenges posed by the 5th Circuit decision and working to safeguard funding for programs like the HCF.

Looking Forward

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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