In Wisconsin we have a great program that helps seniors afford prescription drugs while saving taxpayers money. I’m talking, of course, about SeniorCare.
The popular SeniorCare program provides affordable and comprehensive drug coverage to 91,000 Wisconsin seniors. With a $30 annual enrollment fee, copayments ranging from $5 to $15, and no gaps in coverage, SeniorCare is a proven program that works. In addition to providing exceptional drug coverage, the program also saves taxpayers tens of millions of dollars by negotiating for discounts from drug companies.
Despite its success, some have proposed dismantling SeniorCare so that it would only serve to fill in gaps in private insurance coverage. This would effectively gut SeniorCare and remove the many benefits that seniors like about the program.
That’s why last week I called the Secretary of Health and Human Services to urge her to reject any plan that would dismantle the program. According to the current federal SeniorCare waiver any change to the program must be approved by the HHS Secretary.
This certainly isn’t the first time we’ve had to work to protect SeniorCare. In 2007, I pulled together the Wisconsin Congressional delegation, and passed legislation that extended the program through 2009. Then in 2009, I worked with the Administration to extend the program through December of 2012.
It’s time to fight for and protect SeniorCare again and I will do whatever I can to keep this important program healthy and running. Just this week I visited St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care in Milwaukee and addressed the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans Convention in Madison, urging both groups to help fight for SeniorCare. Representatives from the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups and AARP added their voices as well; these organizations understand how important this program is to seniors in our state and are working hard to defend it. I hope you will join me in supporting this vital program and help carry this message to our leaders in Madison and Washington.
Sincerely, Senator Herb Kohl
*taken from his newsletter Friday, March 25, 2011
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