Damien Center Expands Financial Assistance Eligibility Requirements for HIV Care and Treatment

Damien Center, Indiana’s oldest and largest AIDS service organization, is announcing expanded financial assistance eligibility requirements for patients seeking HIV care and treatment. The expanded requirements will enable individuals earning less than $72,500 per year, defined as 500% of the federal poverty level, access to Damien Center’s medical care, co-pay assistance, case management, pharmacy discounts, mental health services, and food pantry. Previously, individuals were required to earn less than $40,770 per year, defined as 300% of the federal poverty level to access services.

Expanding the eligibility criteria to include patients with higher incomes will break down financial barriers that prevent individuals from seeking and receiving care and treatment, including high co-pays, medication costs, and insurance premiums.

“Damien Center is dedicated to offering quality, patient-centered, and comprehensive HIV care to individuals across the financial spectrum,” said Alan Witchey, president and CEO at Damien Center. “As the cost of living continues to climb, these expanded eligibility requirements will allow us to lessen the financial burden and allow more individuals in the community who need HIV services to focus on their health and well-being.”

The update in eligibility is the result of an internal Damien Center review that revealed the nonprofit has the authority to adjust or redefine the criteria for patient eligibility within the framework of its Ryan White Part C funding. Ryan White Part C is a federal program that provides resources to community-based healthcare organizations like the Damien Center for the treatment of individuals living with HIV/AIDS. For more information, please visit www.damien.org/access or call 317.632.0123.

About Damien Center

Damien Center is Indiana’s oldest and largest AIDS service organization and leads the effort to prevent the spread of HIV. The Center opened in 1987 and offers a one-stop-shop model of care that includes preventive, supportive, and medical services that empowers people in Central Indiana affected by HIV/AIDS to move forward each day with dignity so they may live abundant and productive lives. Damien Center believes passionately in the dignity and worth of every person who seeks their services and strives to be a safe and welcoming place so that no barriers separate people from the services they need to prolong and enhance their lives. For more information visit: http://www.damien.org or follow them on Twitter at @DamienCenter or like them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theda....