Rural Healthcare Workshop

Thursday, October 8, 2026
09:50 - 12:10 PM
Room: TBD

Rural Health Care in 2026: Examining Program Reform and Priorities for the Future:

Join us for a two-hour interactive workshop examining the FCC’s current review of the Rural Health Care (RHC) program, including proposed changes to program rules, stakeholder perspectives, and opportunities to improve program administration. 

Session 1: Examining the FCC’s Review of the RHC Program 
The first session will explore the FCC’s current RHC rulemaking and the questions it raises about clarifying and strengthening program rules. Discussion will focus on the potential creation of an eligible services and entities list, what healthcare networks need to maintain reliable and resilient secondary connectivity and services, and how the FCC and USAC can ensure the program remains efficient, predictable, and streamlined for participating healthcare providers.  

Session 2: From USAC Conversations to Action 
The second session will provide an interactive debrief of conversations attendees held with USAC during the Wednesday roundtable. Participants will share what they heard, identify common concerns and unanswered questions, and highlight issues that require additional clarification or follow-up. The discussion will also consider the FCC’s current rulemaking around USAC administration of the USF and what stakeholders should be watching as the rulemaking process moves forward.