How to apply for Perry County Referral Safety Net — UPMC West Shore + Penn State Holy Spirit + Geisinger Holy Spirit (Cumberland) (Perry County)

Who it's for

Perry County's principal community hospital safety net is Perry County has NO HOSPITAL in-county. Residents access UPMC West Shore (Cumberland) for community hospital needs; Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center (Cumberland, since 2023 Geisinger-to-PennStateHealth transfer) for additional access; Penn State Hershey for tertiary.. Each system operates a Financial Assistance Program (sliding scale typically to 300-400% FPL). Note: PA Medicaid ABD is STRICT (~$989/month). South Central rural PA hospital landscape: WellSpan dominates Adams + Franklin; UPMC has Bedford; Penn Highlands has Huntingdon (J.C. Blair, 2020); Geisinger has Mifflin (Lewistown, 2017); Fulton + Perry + Juniata have no in-county hospitals (referral pattern). Apply at the hospital's financial counseling office or at https://pennstatehealth.org/patients-visitors/financial-assistance. Phone: 717-763-2100.

What you'll need

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

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Perry County Referral Safety Net — UPMC West Shore + Penn State Holy Spirit + Geisinger Holy Spirit (Cumberland) (Perry 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 perry county / pa 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