Don’t Mess With SeniorCare

We all know Wisconsin lawmakers rarely agree on anything. But one state-run program that receives praise and support from both sides of the political aisle year after year is SeniorCare.

Now even that wildly successful and popular program is being targeted for a major overhaul in the governor’s proposed 2015-17 budget.

We can’t let that happen! SeniorCare has literally become a lifeline for so many Wisconsinites who struggle to make ends meet.

This prescription drug program is unique to Wisconsin and serves about 85,000 residents age 65 and over. Enrollees pay an annual $30 fee and deductibles are based on their average income. After the deductible, SenioreCare has a co-pay of $5 for generic drugs and $15 for name-brand drugs. This program is both less expensive and easier to enroll in and understand than Medicare Part D.

DHS seniorcare fact sheet

The governor’s proposal would require all SeniorCare enrollees to first sign up for Medicare Part D and use state benefits under SeniorCare as a supplement. Governor Walker says this isn’t about changing benefits – it’s about having the federal government pick up more of the costs.

But for many seniors who could face higher fees with Medicare Part D, losing SeniorCare could mean making significant cuts in their own budgets, or even cutting prescription doses in half to make them last longer.

We successfully fought against this proposal from the governor four years ago. The same battle is now underway.

SeniorCare has worked well for Wisconsin and we see no need to modify the program in any way. The costs of the program have been controlled by the state’s ability to negotiate drug prices and utilize prior authorization with preferred formularies. Both seniors and the State of Wisconsin have benefited from the success of this program.

Saving the program from changes will require a strong grassroots effort and we need your support. Timing is critical, however, as the state is in the process of putting together the next biennial budget.

ACTION ALERT: Please contact your state legislators and urge them to remove provisions from the governor’s proposed budget that make changes to SeniorCare!