How to apply for Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) + St. Luke's University Health Network — Financial Assistance (Lehigh County) in Pennsylvania

Who it's for

Lehigh County's principal community hospital safety net is LVH-Cedar Crest (Allentown, LVHN academic flagship + Level 1 Trauma) + LVH-Muhlenberg (Bethlehem, LVHN); St. Luke's Allentown Campus (St. Luke's University Health Network) are Lehigh's principal community hospitals. LVHN is academic and the dominant Lehigh Valley system; St. Luke's is the major competitor. 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.lvhn.org/financial-services/get-financial-assistance. Phone: 610-402-8000.

What you'll need

• Proof of household income
• Proof of Lehigh 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 Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) + St. Luke's University Health Network — Financial Assistance (Lehigh 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 Lehigh 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