The Independent Health Network (IHN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting improvement of health outcomes through population health efforts and technology enhancements across three states (Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas). The IHN was formed in 2015 by members of Prairie Health Ventures (PHV)  to provide additional nonprofit support to members and is operated independently of PHV.

The Independent Health Network (IHN) was formed in 2015 by members of Prairie Health Ventures (PHV). The IHN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The original intent of the IHN was to create a fiber ring in Nebraska, which supplied increased broadband connectivity to hospitals that needed it.

At the same time that the IHN was founded, the IHN Consortium was also created. The formation of the IHN Consortium provided access to funding via the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Program that is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Although the fiber ring is no longer functional, the IHN Consortium continues to deliver great value to its members by procuring USAC funding.

The IHN Consortium evolved with USAC FY2024, and we start adding more organizations under the Consortium umbrella. This allowed these organizations to request USAC funding for equipment and network management services. Each of these organizations have their own organizational projects and all decisions regarding the vendors are made by them and not the overall IHN Consortium. The annual USAC application process is very similar to the individual filing process. The one noticeable difference is that with the annual 461 bidding form, we also include a brief narrative (Request for Proposal, or RFP).

The IHN Consortium now has nearly 50 members spanning across 4 Midwest states. There are no additional costs to joining the IHN Consortium. If we apply for a project and USAC determines that it is not eligible for funding, then you owe us nothing. As with the individual filing process, you only pay PHV based on the funding commitment letters that are issued.

If you are interested in finding out more about the IHN Consortium and the potential additional USAC funding opportunities that joining the Consortium may be able to provide your organization, please reach out to us.