VIMCare pharmacist reading label on bottle of medicine

VIMCare Medication 
Assistance Program

Chronic Assistance Program

Many drug companies have programs to help people who have long-term medication needs. The Medication Assistance Program at VIMCare, working with the patient’s physician, helps such people apply for free or low-cost medicine offered by drug companies.

Program coordinators identify sources of help for clients, assess eligibility, prepare applications and ensure eligible patients receive needed prescriptions.

Types of medical conditions include:

  • Allergies
  • Anxiety/depression
  • Arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Heart disease
  • Hypertension
  • Other chronic illnesses
  • To receive help from the Chronic Assistance Program, you must
    be receiving medical care from VIMCare Clinic OR from another physician in Bartholomew County.
  • You must be unable to pay for prescription drugs due to financial hardship.
  • You must currently be under treatment for a chronic illness such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis or asthma.
  • You cannot have insurance coverage to help pay for your prescriptions and you must be ineligible for Medicaid or other public assistance coverage.
  • Medicare beneficiaries may qualify if they have no prescription drug coverage through another plan.
  • You must meet all drug company eligibility requirements. Proof of income and U.S. citizenship are often required.
  • Your prescribing physician must be willing to participate as required by the drug companies.

For those with immediate prescription needs, limited help with emergency prescriptions may be available for non-VIMCare patients with extraordinary circumstances.

Anyone interested must meet the following guidelines:

  • Be a resident of Bartholomew County
  • Have income below 180% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
  • Have no prescription coverage through insurance, Medicare supplement
    or Medicaid
  • Be able to prove residency and income
  • Must have a current prescription

The Medication Assistance Program is the result of a community collaboration involving a number of community partners, including Columbus Regional Health, Columbus Regional Health Foundation, the Township Trustees from Columbus, Clifty, Flat Rock, German, Harrison and Sandcreek Townships, Love Chapel and Kroger Pharmacy.

In addition, generous local donors have contributed to make these services possible.

Anyone wishing to make a tax-deductible financial contribution to the program is encouraged to contact the Columbus Regional Health Foundation at (812) 376-5100 or www.crh.org/foundation.

How to Apply

If you are a patient of VIMCare Clinic, you will meet with a Medication Assistance staff person in the Clinic. If you are a patient of another Bartholomew County health care provider, you will need to make an appointment with the Medication Assistance staff.

  • Call 812-375-3662 and ask to make an appointment for help with medication.
  • VIMCare office hours are:
    Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • When coming to your appointment, please bring:
    • Proof of income for your entire household
    • Insurance information
    • Prescription information (prescription bottle or a complete medication list)
    • Your Bartholomew County physician's name