By Rep. Janis Ringhand
80th Assembly District
As the old saying goes, if something ain't broke, don't fix it. Unfortunately, this doesn't appear to be the motto of the 2011-13 state budget. Gov. Walker is looking to take even more money out of our seniors' wallets by forcing Wisconsin seniors to enroll in Medicare Part D instead of the popular state program, SeniorCare. Under his budget proposal, the few that are not eligible for Part D would then be able to receive state benefits. To force thousands of seniors to apply for a program that costs them and the government more money is ridiculous and extremely short-sighted.
For those living on a fixed income, the increasing cost of living is a growing burden to bear. Many families are being forced to choose between putting food on the table, driving to work, and even seeking medical attention. For senior citizens in particular, the cost of prescription drugs is exceptionally high.
Luckily through SeniorCare, a popular, low-cost prescription drug program in Wisconsin, seniors throughout our state have an opportunity to affordably access their prescription drugs while also saving the government money. Unlike Medicare Part D, SeniorCare saves taxpayers' dollars because Wisconsin can negotiate the lowest prices for prescription drugs. For example in 2009, the average cost to support a SeniorCare enrollee was $588 a year, less than half the $1,690 cost to subsidize a Part D participant.
Anyone who is a permanent resident of Wisconsin and over the age of 65 may be eligible for SeniorCare. Deductibles for those enrolled in SeniorCare are dependent upon one's income. Once the deductible is met, SeniorCare participants are then only required to pay a $30 annual enrollment fee, $5 co-pay for every generic medication and $15 co-pay for each prescription medication. There's no strict enrollment period or penalty and no gaps in coverage.
Approximately 92,000 seniors in Wisconsin currently depend on this program that saves them hundreds of dollars each year, compared to the more expensive Medicare Part D.
Earlier this week I joined my Democratic colleagues in launching a statewide petition drive to save SeniorCare. Our efforts also recently earned the support of both the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups and the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging resources. The petition reads:
"We, the undersigned residents of Wisconsin, urge state and federal lawmakers to do everything in their power to assure the continuation of Wisconsin's life-saving, money-saving SeniorCare program without increasing costs to participant or reducing eligibility from current levels."
In the upcoming days, I'll be dropping off hard copies of the petition at many local pharmacies, libraries and senior centers, if you'd like to sign on.
The drive will run through the beginning of May and I will join my colleagues in delivering copies of the completed Save SeniorCare petitions to the governor and legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle.
Now is not the time to be increasing costs for some of our most vulnerable citizens. I urge you to join me in this fight and let's send Gov. Walker a message - leave SeniorCare alone.
As always, please feel free to contact my office regarding this or any other state legislative matter.
I can be reached toll-free at (888) 534-0080 or by e-mail at Rep.Ringhand@legis.wi.gov.
- Rep. Janis Ringhand, D-Evansville, can be reached at rep.ringhand@ legis.wisconsin.gov or call (888) 534-0080.
80th Assembly District
As the old saying goes, if something ain't broke, don't fix it. Unfortunately, this doesn't appear to be the motto of the 2011-13 state budget. Gov. Walker is looking to take even more money out of our seniors' wallets by forcing Wisconsin seniors to enroll in Medicare Part D instead of the popular state program, SeniorCare. Under his budget proposal, the few that are not eligible for Part D would then be able to receive state benefits. To force thousands of seniors to apply for a program that costs them and the government more money is ridiculous and extremely short-sighted.
For those living on a fixed income, the increasing cost of living is a growing burden to bear. Many families are being forced to choose between putting food on the table, driving to work, and even seeking medical attention. For senior citizens in particular, the cost of prescription drugs is exceptionally high.
Luckily through SeniorCare, a popular, low-cost prescription drug program in Wisconsin, seniors throughout our state have an opportunity to affordably access their prescription drugs while also saving the government money. Unlike Medicare Part D, SeniorCare saves taxpayers' dollars because Wisconsin can negotiate the lowest prices for prescription drugs. For example in 2009, the average cost to support a SeniorCare enrollee was $588 a year, less than half the $1,690 cost to subsidize a Part D participant.
Anyone who is a permanent resident of Wisconsin and over the age of 65 may be eligible for SeniorCare. Deductibles for those enrolled in SeniorCare are dependent upon one's income. Once the deductible is met, SeniorCare participants are then only required to pay a $30 annual enrollment fee, $5 co-pay for every generic medication and $15 co-pay for each prescription medication. There's no strict enrollment period or penalty and no gaps in coverage.
Approximately 92,000 seniors in Wisconsin currently depend on this program that saves them hundreds of dollars each year, compared to the more expensive Medicare Part D.
Earlier this week I joined my Democratic colleagues in launching a statewide petition drive to save SeniorCare. Our efforts also recently earned the support of both the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups and the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging resources. The petition reads:
"We, the undersigned residents of Wisconsin, urge state and federal lawmakers to do everything in their power to assure the continuation of Wisconsin's life-saving, money-saving SeniorCare program without increasing costs to participant or reducing eligibility from current levels."
In the upcoming days, I'll be dropping off hard copies of the petition at many local pharmacies, libraries and senior centers, if you'd like to sign on.
The drive will run through the beginning of May and I will join my colleagues in delivering copies of the completed Save SeniorCare petitions to the governor and legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle.
Now is not the time to be increasing costs for some of our most vulnerable citizens. I urge you to join me in this fight and let's send Gov. Walker a message - leave SeniorCare alone.
As always, please feel free to contact my office regarding this or any other state legislative matter.
I can be reached toll-free at (888) 534-0080 or by e-mail at Rep.Ringhand@legis.wi.gov.
- Rep. Janis Ringhand, D-Evansville, can be reached at rep.ringhand@ legis.wisconsin.gov or call (888) 534-0080.
