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 representa...
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