Senior benefits in Bartholomew County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Bartholomew County residents is delivered through Human Services, Inc. (HSI Indiana). EAP provides a one-time annual heating credit ($100–$625 for PY2026, plus up to $800 in winter crisis help) plus winter disconnection protection for households at or below 60% of the State Median Income (~$33,556/year for one person for program year 2027, which opens October 1, 2026), with a Crisis benefit for imminent disconnection. Apply through the Indiana EAP client portal (in.gov/ihcda) or Human Services, Inc. (HSI Indiana) (317-736-0755).

Estimated bill savings: $100–$625 a year

Bartholomew County emergency aid: (1) DISTINCTIVE to Indiana — each elected Township Trustee provides 'poor relief' (township assistance): emergency help with rent / eviction prevention, utility shutoff, food, clothing, medical needs, and burial expenses for residents of that township. Bartholomew County has 12 townships; find your trustee through the county offices. (2) Thrive Alliance for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (812-372-6918). (3) The regional Community Action agency for EAP utility help. (4) The county hospital Financial Assistance Programs for healthcare. (5) Salvation Army / St. Vincent de Paul / Catholic Charities / Love Chapel (Columbus). (6) Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana (serving South Central Indiana). (7) Dial 211 for general referrals.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$3,000 a year

Bartholomew County hospital safety net: Bartholomew = Columbus Regional Health (independent regional system) — the South-Central-Indiana anchor. Indiana hospitals do not have a single state-mandated charity-care law (unlike New Jersey); each runs its own Financial Assistance Program, typically a sliding scale to 200-300% of the Federal Poverty Level, and non-profit hospitals must offer one. Apply at the hospital financial counseling office or at https://www.crh.org/patients-visitors/follow-up-on-your-visit/financial-assistance. Phone: 812-376-5315.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$30,000 a year

In this county: Bartholomew: Bartholomew = Columbus Regional Health (independent regional system) — the South-Central-Indiana anchor. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Bartholomew County's Area Agency on Aging is Thrive Alliance (Area 11 Agency on Aging). Services: Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) options counseling; enrollment/assessment for the Medicaid PathWays for Aging waiver and the state CHOICE program; home-delivered and congregate meals; caregiver support (NFCSP); rural transportation; affordable housing; and home modifications. Thrive Alliance has served South Central Indiana since 1981 and is one of Indiana's 16 AAAs. Apply by calling 812-372-6918.

Estimated service value: $1,500–$6,000 a year

ColumBUS Transit runs Columbus's fixed-route buses and Call-a-Bus ADA paratransit — and every ride is free, for every rider, at every age. Fares have been suspended since early 2020 with no plans to bring them back. No ID, application, or senior card is needed to board. The Transit Depot is at 850 Lindsey Street; call (812) 376-2506 (TDD 711) with questions. Riders needing door-to-door service can apply for Call-a-Bus ADA paratransit.

Estimated service value: $300–$1,500 a year

In this county: Bartholomew: every ride is free for everyone — just board. ADA paratransit (Call-a-Bus) has its own application for riders who need it.