The Ad Hoc Healthcare Group– a coalition of nonprofit healthcare organizations, hospital associations, and consulting firms working to expand broadband access for healthcare providers–has filed an Amicus Brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the preservation of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Universal Service Fund (USF). The Amicus filing fills an important gap in the legal debate over whether Congress has provided the FCC with “intelligible principles” under which to operate the USF—the principal legal issue before the Supreme Court. The case outcome will shape future essential funding for universal broadband access for healthcare institutions, schools, and libraries across the country.
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The Ad Hoc Healthcare Group’s brief argues:
- The FCC’s oversight of the Universal Service Fund is consistent with Congressionally delegated authority which encompasses both Section 254 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and Section 201 of the Communications Act of 1934.
- Universal Service Funding should be preserved in its current state.
The USF’s Rural Health Care program provides subsidies to ensure that hospitals, clinics, and telehealth providers can afford medical-grade broadband services. From 2021 to 2023, this program funded over $1.6 billion in broadband support across all 50 states. Without the USF, many healthcare providers would face crippling connectivity costs, leading to reduced telehealth access, fewer specialist consultations, and challenges in managing patient care remotely.
“Many hospitals struggle with rising costs for staffing, supplies, and cybersecurity. USF subsidies keep broadband costs manageable, ensuring healthcare providers deliver essential, life-saving care,” said Rob Jenkins, Colorado Hospital Association Broadband Services and initiator of the amicus brief.
Without the USF, hospitals, clinics, and telehealth networks—particularly those serving rural and low-income communities—will struggle to maintain vital broadband access. “The USF is a lifeline for healthcare,” said Jim Rogers, President of HealthConnect Networks.
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With North Carolina having one of the largest rural populations nationwide, Dr. John Graham, President of the NC Telehealth Network Association, emphasized local impact:
“USF-supported broadband enables rural providers to deliver high-quality care, conduct remote consultations, and reduce ER visits. Without this funding, rural communities will suffer.”
Ad Hoc Healthcare Group members: New England Telehealth Consortium, ADS Advanced Data Services Inc., Community Hospital Corporation, HealthConnect Networks, North Carolina Telehealth Network Association, Colorado Hospital Association, and Southern Ohio Healthcare Network. The coalition works to expand broadband access for healthcare providers participating in the USF’s Rural Health Care program.
Community Hospital Corporation offers practical solutions that help community hospitals enhance efficiencies, improve quality and strengthen financial stability. CHC owns, manages and consults with hospitals through CHC Hospitals, CHC Consulting and CHC ContinueCARE, with the purpose to collaborate with partners and bring innovative solutions to support the vibrancy and accessibility of community healthcare.
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Source – PR Newswire
