As a result of the acquisition of Pocono Medical Center by the Lehigh Valley Health Network, LVHN will be able to take advantage of its higher credit rating and refinance two bonds issued to Pocono Medical Center in 2012.

"By refinancing the 2012 A and 2012 C bonds LVHN stands to save about $4 to five million dollars over the life of the bonds," said Edward O'Dea LVHN's chief financial officer. "Because of LVHN's higher credit rating we will be in a position to negotiate a better rate and more favorable terms and conditions for the bonds."In accordance with the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act a hearing was held at the beginning of the Monroe County commissioner's meeting on Wednesday morning. The commissioners are the elected officials that represent the Monroe County Hospital Authority which issues the bonds.The commissioners approved the request to refinance. According to O'Dea the bonds represent approximately $ 53 million in debt. O'Dea also noted that LVHN has an A-plus rating by Standard and Poor and an A rating from Moody's.