Number
061472
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. DONOVAN
Title
Resolution in support of the continuation of the State of Wisconsin’s SeniorCare prescription benefit program and directing the Intergovernmental Relations Division-Department of Administration to communicate with federal and state officials and elected representatives.
Analysis
SeniorCare is a prescription benefit program created by the State of Wisconsin for residents over 65 years of age. It is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) under a Waiver of regular Medicaid (Medical Assistance) eligibility requirements. An agreement between the State and DHHS allowed the program to continue after implementation of the new Medicare Part D prescription benefit program. The State has asked for an extension of the Waiver. DHHS has not acted upon this request. Failure to extend the Waiver will result in the termination of the SeniorCare Program on June 30, 2007.
In 2006, 108,000 Wisconsin seniors were enrolled in SeniorCare. The total amount paid by the program was $140.7 million including $50.6 million received by the State in rebates negotiated with pharmaceutical companies and $45.7 million received from the federal government. Seniors contributed an additional $110 million resulting in a total program cost in excess of $250 million.
This resolution recognizes the leadership provided by Gov. Jim Doyle in efforts to extend SeniorCare. The resolution furthers recognizes the unanimous support for SeniorCare among the members of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation. The resolution calls upon President George W. Bush and upon the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Michael Leavitt, to extend the Medicaid waiver that makes the SeniorCare Program possible. The resolution also directs the Intergovernmental Relations Division-Department of Administration to communicate with appropriate federal officers and elected representatives urging extension of the SeniorCare Waiver.
Body
Whereas, The Wisconsin SeniorCare Program provides more than 100,000 Wisconsin residents over the age of 65 years with coverage for necessary medications and medical supplies, including coverage for nearly 10,000 residents of Milwaukee County; and
Whereas, SeniorCare is less complicated and less expensive than options now provided under the Medicare Part D provisions of the U.S. Social Security Act; and
Whereas, In State Fiscal Year 2006 alone, SeniorCare reduced drug costs to seniors by nearly $200 million; and
Whereas, SeniorCare is funded by a combination of state and federal dollars, together with negotiated “best price” rebates from pharmaceutical companies, all within the State’s Medicaid program as authorized by a Waiver granted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that will expire on June 30, 2007, unless extended; and
Whereas, The average annual per person cost of $1,174 to the Federal Government for alternative drug coverage now offered under the Medicare Part D program is nearly twice the average annual per person cost to the Federal Government of $617 under SeniorCare coverage; and
Whereas, On October 23, 2006, Governor Jim Doyle submitted a request for a 3-year extension of the SeniorCare Waiver to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and
Whereas, No decision has been made or announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and
Whereas, The entire Wisconsin Congressional Delegation and an overwhelming, bi-partisan majority of the Wisconsin Legislature have expressed strong support for the requested extension of the SeniorCare Waiver; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that Governor Jim Doyle be commended for his leadership in creating and promoting the Wisconsin SeniorCare Program, and that the Governor is strongly urged to continue vigorous efforts to extend the SeniorCare Program Waiver; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Members of the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation be commended for their active support of the Wisconsin SeniorCare Program, and that each Member is strongly urged to continue vigorous efforts to extend the SeniorCare Program Waiver; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Intergovernmental Relations Division-Department of Administration is directed to communicate with appropriate Federal officers and elected representatives, including the President of the United States, George W. Bush, and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Michael Leavitt, stating the strong support of the City of Milwaukee for the requested extension of the SeniorCare Waiver and urging them to take all steps necessary to assure that this important option in health coverage remain available to the residents of the City of Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB07104
RLW
3/12/2007