{"v":"<p dir=\"auto\">From Jane (7 Oct 2026):<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p dir=\"auto\">Are you aware of the telecommunications laws that required phone companies to provide phone infrastructure to all rural areas? It set a precedent for levelling communications across the country so people in disadvantaged areas had a phone. I thought there was something like that for internet accessibility. Originally targeted at children having access, but now I&#39;m wondering if it would help elderly people in disadvantaged areas. It would make a difference for home health care.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p dir=\"auto\"><strong>Starting points (to verify before telling anyone):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul dir=\"auto\">\n<li><strong>Universal Service Fund<\/strong> (Telecommunications Act of 1996, building on the 1934 Act&#39;s universal-service goal) pays for the programs below.<\/li>\n<li><strong>E-Rate<\/strong>: the schools and libraries program, probably the &#34;children&#34; one Jane remembers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lifeline<\/strong> (FCC): a monthly discount on phone or internet for low-income households. <strong>Medicaid enrollment qualifies<\/strong>, so most of our clients may already be eligible.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)<\/strong>: a larger internet discount that ran out of funding and ended in mid-2024.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"auto\"><strong>Why it matters here:<\/strong> clients receiving and signing forms online depends on them having a connection. See #121 (record whether the client can receive forms online) and #123 (clients without a smartphone).<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\"><strong>Possible action:<\/strong> a question at the visit (&#34;Would you like help applying for Lifeline?&#34;) or a handout, if the customer wants it.<\/p>\n"}