How to apply for Hospital financial assistance (Lawrence + Memorial and Backus) — New London
Lawrence + Memorial Hospital (Yale New Haven Health); William W. Backus Hospital (Hartford HealthCare)
Who it's for
New London County's two main hospitals each have a financial assistance program for emergency and medically necessary care. Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London is part of Yale New Haven Health. Under the Yale New Haven Health program, a family with income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level may get free care (a 100% discount); for a 1-person household that is up to $39,900 a year, and for 2 people up to $54,100. Families from 251% to 550% of the federal poverty level may get a partial discount, which is 72% at Lawrence + Memorial. Patients must fill out an application and send documents that show financial need. Call Patient Financial and Admitting Services at 855-547-4584. William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich is part of Hartford HealthCare. Its policy says patients with family income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level may qualify for free care, and those between 250% and 550% may qualify for a discount. People who get Medicaid, SNAP or other public assistance may be approved without an application. Apply within 240 days after the first bill; approval generally lasts six months. Call the Backus Financial Counseling Unit at 860-889-8331 ext. 2917, or Hartford HealthCare at 877-442-2455.
Each hospital's financial assistance policy decides who qualifies and how much of the bill is covered; the hospital makes the final decision. Assistance covers emergency and medically necessary care only.
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Find my benefitsWhat you'll need
- Completed financial assistance application
- Documents that show financial need (income and household information) — call to ask what to send
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-855-547-4584
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Hospital financial assistance (Lawrence + Memorial and Backus) — New London. 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 completed financial assistance application, documents that show financial need (income and household information) — call to ask what to send — 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
Hartford HealthCare approval generally lasts six months; reapply as needed
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.