How to apply for Geisinger St. Luke's + LVHN-Hazleton — Carbon County — Financial Assistance (Carbon County) in Pennsylvania

Who it's for

Carbon County's principal community hospital safety net is Geisinger St. Luke's (Orwigsburg, GxSL joint venture) and LVHN-Hazleton (Luzerne border) are Carbon's principal hospital access points; Lehighton Hospital (Blue Mountain Health System, Palmerton) is the in-county independent. Tertiary referrals route to LVHN Cedar Crest or Geisinger Wyoming Valley. Each system operates a Financial Assistance Program (sliding scale typically to 300-400% FPL). Note: PA Medicaid ABD is STRICT (~$989/month), so many low-income seniors fall above Medicaid and rely on hospital FAPs. In the Lehigh Valley + Poconos, the dominant systems are LVHN (academic flagship) and St. Luke's University Health Network — direct competitors tied to different insurance products. Apply at the hospital's financial counseling office or at https://www.slhn.org/billing/policies-and-procedures/financial-assistance-policies. Phone: 484-526-4000.

What you'll need

• Proof of household income
• Proof of Carbon 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 Geisinger St. Luke's + LVHN-Hazleton — Carbon County — Financial Assistance (Carbon 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 Carbon 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