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Healthcare costs can be overwhelming—even for individuals with health insurance. The good news is that many hospitals in Pennsylvania offer financial assistance programs designed to help patients who cannot afford their medical bills. Understanding how these programs work can make a significant difference when managing healthcare expenses.
Below is an easy-to-understand overview of what hospital financial assistance programs are, who may qualify, and how to apply.
What Are Hospital Financial Assistance Programs?
Hospital financial assistance programs provide free or discounted medical care to eligible patients who demonstrate financial need. These programs are typically offered by nonprofit hospital systems and are required under federal rules to have written policies explaining eligibility and application procedures.
Depending on your situation, assistance may include:
- Full charity care (the hospital bill is fully forgiven)
- Partial discounts on services
- Extended payment plans
- Help applying for Medicaid or other coverage programs
Financial assistance is not a replacement for health insurance, but it can help when insurance does not cover the full cost of care or when a patient is uninsured..
Who Qualifies for Financial Assistance in Pennsylvania?
Eligibility requirements vary by hospital, but most programs consider the following factors:
- Household income
- Family size
- Insurance status (uninsured or underinsured)
- Eligibility for Medicaid or other government programs
- Demonstrated financial hardship
Patients who are denied Medicaid or who lack sufficient insurance coverage may still qualify for hospital assistance programs if they can demonstrate financial need.
Important Rights for Pennsylvania Patients
Patients seeking hospital financial assistance should be aware of several protections:
- Hospitals must notify patients if they qualify for charity care when determining eligibility for certain assistance programs.
- Emergency and medically necessary treatment is provided regardless of ability to pay.
- Hospitals are required to make their financial assistance policies publicly available, including application forms and eligibility guidelines.
These protections are designed to ensure that patients understand their options before facing medical debt.
How to Apply for Hospital Financial Assistance
While the exact process varies by hospital, most applications follow similar steps:
- Request the financial assistance application from the hospital billing department or website. We’ve included applications for 4 central PA hospitals:
- Provide income documentation, such as tax returns, pay stubs, or proof of unemployment.
- Submit supporting information about household size, insurance status, and expenses.
- Meet with a financial counselor if needed to discuss eligibility and available programs.
Many hospitals allow patients to apply during treatment or even up to a year after the date of service, depending on the policy.
Additional Resources for Pennsylvania Residents
In addition to hospital assistance programs, patients may also qualify for:
- Pennie® (Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace) to obtain coverage moving forward. Blue Marsh is proud to have Pennie-Certified Broker Erika Buck on our team, so start with us first—we’re here to help you every step of the way.
- Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- State or local health assistance programs for specific populations
Exploring all available options can help reduce both immediate and long-term healthcare costs.
Hospital financial assistance programs in Pennsylvania can provide meaningful relief for individuals and families facing unexpected medical bills. Even if you have insurance—or think your income may be too high—it is still worth asking your hospital’s billing department about available assistance. Many patients are surprised to learn they qualify for discounts or full charity care.
If you’d like help reviewing your health coverage or understanding how hospital programs fit into your overall protection plan, reach out to Blue Marsh Insurance for personalized guidance: (610) 590-0152 or contact us here.
A little more about Blue Marsh Insurance…
When he founded Blue Marsh, Tom Davenport wanted to create a different kind of insurance company. One that’s built on personal relationships and a local presence. One where you, the customer, feel more like a friend.
As an independent insurance agency, Blue Marsh Insurance represents a carefully selected group of financially strong, reputable insurance companies. Therefore, we are able to offer you the best coverage at the most competitive price.
If you’re interested in starting a quote online or having us take a look at your current policies, click here!