SeniorCare might be just what the doctor ordered for some Wisconsinites
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-11-12 15:48:22.219099-05:00
As Wisconsinites consider their options during the Medicare Part D enrollment period, which begins mid November, they can also consider enrolling in SeniorCare. However, unlike Medicare Part D, citizens 65-plus can sign up of SeniorCare at any time.
"If you are enrolled in SeniorCare, that counts as creditable coverage, so you don't have to enroll in Medicare Part D if you are enrolled in SeniorCare," said Gail Sumi, AARP Wisconsin State Advocacy Associate.
AARP Wisconsin fully supported and successfully lobbied for a two-year continuation of Wisconsin's popular SeniorCare Rx prescription drug program. SeniorCare is a state-based program that provides affordable prescription drug coverage to people 65-plus.
Anyone 65 and older can enroll in SeniorCare, but benefits kick in based on your income level. Assets are not taken into account in determining eligibility.
"The program is most beneficial to those with modest incomes," Sumi said.
Currently, more than 100,000 Wisconsin residents rely on the effective and efficient program. As a result of AARP's lobbying efforts, the program has been extended until Dec. 31, 2009. It is likely that the partnership of federal and state officials will re-examine SeniorCare and consider another possible extension when the sunset date for the program nears.
An AARP Wisconsin study, released in May, 2005, showed that 94 percent of Wisconsin's seniors are better off under SeniorCare than they are under Medicare Part D. This is because so few seniors in Wisconsin meet the asset test under Medicare Part D.
AARP Wisconsin identified the continuation of SeniorCare as one of its top priorities, and lobbied heavily at the state and national level to continue the program. Earlier this year, AARP Wisconsin State President Patricia Finder-Stone testified in support of SeniorCare before the Special Committee on Aging in Washington, D.C.
State legislators and Governor Jim Doyle also agreed to continue the state's share of the funding to help extend the program. State funds for SeniorCare were approved as part of the recently passed 2007-09 state biennial budget.
"All of us, young and old, benefit from the fact that SeniorCare participants don't have to choose between paying for heat and paying for their prescriptions," said AARP Wisconsin State President Patricia Finder-Stone. "Because of SeniorCare, older Wisconsinites are taking their medication. They are healthier and they are able to stay independent longer. We thank our state and federal government for working together to extend SeniorCare."
For more information, citizens can also call the SeniorCare Customer Service Hotline at 1-800-657-2038.
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