# Rural Health Care Support Mechanism
> **Federal Communications Commission** · Final rule. · Published 2013-03-01 · Effective 2013-04-01 · 78 FR 13936
## Document
- **Document number:** 2013-04040
- **Category:** broadband
- **Federal Register citation:** 78 FR 13936
- **CFR reference:** 47 CFR 54
- **Publication date:** 2013-03-01
- **Effective date:** 2013-04-01
- **FCC docket:** WC Docket No. 02-60
## Abstract

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission reforms its universal service support program for health care, transitioning its existing Internet Access and Rural Health Care Pilot programs into a new, efficient Healthcare Connect Fund. This Fund will expand health care provider access to broadband, especially in rural areas, and encourage the creation of state and regional broadband health care networks. Access to broadband for medical providers saves lives while lowering health care costs and improving patient experiences.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2013/03/01/2013-04040/rural-health-care-support-mechanism)
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