The Federal Communication Commission today agreed to issue a proposed rule that would update its Rural Health Care Program to meet the growing demand for broadband telehealth services. The agency also approved an order waiving the RHC Program’s annual cap for 2017 and allowing unused funds from previous years to support current applicants. The $400 million annual cap was exceeded in fiscal years 2016 and 2017. The proposed rule seeks comment on increasing the annual cap permanently, as advocated by the AHA, and creating a prioritization mechanism in the event demand exceeds the cap. In other action, the agency today overturned so-called “net neutrality” regulations that prevented broadband providers from charging for faster service or certain content, and will no longer regulate internet service providers as if they were a utility. The AHA will evaluate how the net neutrality changes may affect health care.

Related News Articles

Headline
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Sept. 15 announced that states can now apply for funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program created…
Headline
The AHA detailed its key health care priorities for the remainder of the year in comments to House and Senate majority and minority leaders Sept. 15. The AHA…
Headline
Health care leaders and other officials Sept. 9 shared their perspectives on issues related to health care access, particularly in rural areas, during an event…
Headline
The Department of Health and Human Services Sept. 3 announced it will increase resources to curb information blocking and take action against health care…
Blog
Every pregnant woman deserves access to high-quality maternal care — from conception through postpartum. Yet in parts of the country, some of that care is…
Headline
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released additional details on the application process for the Rural Health Transformation Program. CMS…