Benefits · Healthcare

How to apply for Penn Highlands Elk + Penn Highlands St. Marys — Financial Assistance (Elk County)

Penn Highlands Healthcare operates Penn Highlands Elk (Ridgway, formerly Elk Regional Health System) and Penn Highlands St. Marys (St. Marys) as Elk County's principal community hospitals. Part of the 9-hospital Penn Highlands Healthcare system anchored at Penn Highlands DuBois (Clearfield).

Who it's for

Elk County's principal community hospital safety net is Penn Highlands Elk (Ridgway) + Penn Highlands St. Marys (St. Marys) — both Penn Highlands Healthcare. Tertiary referrals route to Penn Highlands DuBois (Clearfield) or UPMC Hamot (Erie).. Each system operates a Financial Assistance Program (sliding scale typically to 300-400% FPL). Note: PA Medicaid ABD is STRICT (~$989/month). PA Wilds hospital landscape: Penn Highlands Healthcare dominates NCPA (DuBois flagship + Elk + St. Marys + Clarion + Brookville); Upper Allegheny cross-border (Bradford PA + Olean NY); UPMC + Geisinger reach in extremities (UPMC Lock Haven Clinton, Geisinger CMC accessible to Susquehanna). Apply at the hospital's financial counseling office or at https://www.phhealthcare.org/billing-financial-services. Phone: 814-788-8400.

Elk: Penn Highlands Elk (Ridgway) + Penn Highlands St. Marys (St. Marys) — both Penn Highlands Healthcare. Tertiary referrals route to Penn Highlands DuBois (Clearfield) or UPMC Hamot (Erie).. PA Wilds final batch closes the catalog.

What you'll need

Proof of household income
Proof of Elk County / PA 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: 814-788-8400

Renewals

per-encounter or annual

Official source →Last verified · June 10, 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.