Benefits · Healthcare

How to apply for University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center + Mercy Health Lorain — Financial Assistance (Lorain County)

Lorain County hospital safety net: UH Elyria Medical Center (Elyria, formerly EMH Healthcare — joined University Hospitals 2017), Mercy Health Lorain Hospital (Lorain, Bon Secours Mercy Health Catholic system). Distinctive — UH vs Mercy/Bon Secours competition.

Who it's for

Lorain County hospital safety net is Lorain = UH Elyria (UH since 2017 from EMH) + Mercy Lorain (Bon Secours Mercy). UH vs Catholic competition.. Ohio's Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP) requires hospitals receiving HCAP funds (essentially all Ohio acute-care hospitals) to provide basic, medically necessary hospital-level services free of charge to Ohio residents at or below 100% FPL; each hospital's own Financial Assistance Program (typically sliding to 200-400% FPL) layers above HCAP. Apply at the hospital financial counseling office or at https://www.uhhospitals.org/patients-and-visitors/billing-insurance-and-medical-records/pay-your-bill/financial-assistance. Phone: 440-329-7500.

Lorain: Lorain = UH Elyria (UH since 2017 from EMH) + Mercy Lorain (Bon Secours Mercy). UH vs Catholic competition.. Ohio HCAP guarantees free basic hospital-level care at or below 100% FPL; each hospital's own FAP slides above that.

What you'll need

  • Proof of household income
  • Proof of Lorain County / Ohio residency
  • Photo identification
  • Proof of uninsured status or insurance gap
  • Hospital bill or pre-treatment estimate

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 440-329-7500

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center + Mercy Health Lorain — Financial Assistance (Lorain County). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of household income, proof of Lorain County / Ohio residency, photo identification — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Renewals

per-encounter or annual

Official source →Last verified · September 3, 2026

Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.

Find my benefits

Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.