Benefits · Healthcare

How to apply for Forest County Referral Safety Net — UPMC Northwest + Penn Highlands Clarion + Penn Highlands DuBois (Forest County)

Forest County (~7K residents, second-smallest PA county) has NO HOSPITAL in-county. Residents access UPMC Northwest (Seneca, Venango, ~30 min south), Penn Highlands Clarion (Clarion, ~45 min west), or Penn Highlands DuBois (Clearfield, ~1 hr east).

Who it's for

Forest County's principal community hospital safety net is Forest County (PA's second-smallest, ~7K) has NO HOSPITAL in-county. Distinct from Forest TX (no such county). Referrals route to UPMC Northwest (Venango), Penn Highlands Clarion, or Penn Highlands DuBois.. 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: 814-755-3531.

Forest: Forest County (PA's second-smallest, ~7K) has NO HOSPITAL in-county. Distinct from Forest TX (no such county). Referrals route to UPMC Northwest (Venango), Penn Highlands Clarion, or Penn Highlands DuBois.. PA Wilds final batch closes the catalog.

What you'll need

Proof of household income
Proof of Forest 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: 814-755-3531

Renewals

per-encounter or annual

Official source →Last verified · June 10, 2026

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