Federal rural health payments cut

Funding is being cut in the Federal Communication Commission’s Rural Health Care program, jeopardiz- ing nancial support for telecommunication services to small rural hospitals. Cordova’s hospital, the Cor- dova Community Medical Center, is facing an imme- diate problem, with Alaska Communications System threatening to cut service to the facility on June 30 if
a $964,370 bill isn’t paid. This affects medium-sized hospitals like Central Peninsula in Soldotna as well as small hospitals. This is a dangerous situation because a cut in internet service can severely affect care for patients when electronic medical records, telehealth services, payroll and personnel records are unavailable. The Federal Communications Commission is reviewing the rural health care program but there is no timetable for a decision. We hear this also involves a fight among telecom firms over the money. Meanwhile, the FCC may use other funds to keep payments going.