FCC beefs up rural health care investment

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to raise the cap on the Universal Service Fund’s Rural Health Care Program by $171 million. This new investment brings the cap for this fund to $571 million, which helps provide access to high speed internet for rural health care providers. In 2016, Loebsack worked to get legislation signed into law that made skilled nursing facilities eligible to receive funds through this program.

“I am pleased that the FCC voted to raise the amount of funding available through the Rural Health Care Program, which has not seen an increase since 1997. It is essential that all the different components of the USF are fully supported, and ensuring rural healthcare providers and their facilities have access to broadband internet is necessary for both patients and doctors. The demand has exceeded the amount of funding available through the Rural Health Care Program and this increase will allow more providers in our rural communities to have access to broadband to better treat patients.”

high-speed internet, Loebsack, Pen City Current, Rural Health Care program, skilled nursing facilities

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