A subsidiary of the National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA), USAC administers programs that provide support for incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) companies in high-cost areas, assistance for low-income subscribers, discounts for telecommunications service to schools and libraries, and discounts to rural health care providers. USAC accepts funds collected by the ILECs and the interexchange carriers (IXCs) and distributes designated funds in support of the following programs and organizations set up under the Telecommunications Act of 1996: