Funds available to pay medical bills for Hartford area residents

There are funds available to cover Hartford area residents’ medical bills that aren’t being spent. Responding to requests, Nelson and Elsie Brainard started the fund in 1957 to help people “of modest means” facing unemployment and bankruptcy because of high medical bills. The Fund now spends hundreds of thousands each year covering bills, but as the end of this year approaches, there is still money available. Of course there are qualifications – the Fund pays bills for medical care of adults that aren’t eligible for public programs facing financial hardship due to a serious or chronic medical condition. The bills must be at least $3,000 and patients must pay some part of the bill. The Fund works with 12 area agencies to assist people applying for funds. For more, go to the Brainard Fund brochure or call 211 and ask.