Wisconsin's SeniorCare prescription drug program to continue for 10 more years
Patrick MarleyMADISON - Wisconsin can keep its SeniorCare prescription drug program for at least another decade under a deal with federal regulators that Gov. Tony Evers touted Wednesday.
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services last week authorized the program through the end of 2028, a longer-term extension of the program than the state has gotten in the past.
About 93,000 Wisconsinites age 65 or older are enrolled in SeniorCare. The program, created in 2002, is an alternative to Medicare Part D prescription drug program that supporters tout as more comprehensive and less expensive. Benefits are based on income.
"It was a bipartisan solution to a Wisconsin problem," Evers said Wednesday.
The state runs the program in conjunction with the federal government and needs its permission to run it. Past approvals have come in increments of three or four years, but the latest one is for much longer.
“A 10-year approval from the federal government is rare and, I'll tell you this, I am so thankful, because it speaks highly of the quality work of our staff who are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Wisconsin residents," Evers said.
Wisconsin sought the latest extension in June under then-Gov. Scott Walker.
The program has proven popular among Republicans and Democrats alike. Last month, Wisconsin's eight members of the U.S. House — five Republicans and three Democrats — sent a letter in support of the program to President Donald Trump's administration.
Contact Patrick Marley at patrick.marley@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @patrickdmarley.