Wisconsin Bulletin State News
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January/February 2008
Gotcha covered – Beginning Feb. 1, most of the estimated 500,000 Wisconsinites who lack health insurance can start signing up for BadgerCare Plus, an expansion of the state’s Medicaid program. The expansion, which became law when Gov. Jim Doyle, D, signed the 2007-09 state budget in October, will increase the portion of the population with access to affordable health care to 98 percent. Although the focus is on children, coverage is also available to other groups, including grandparents raising grandchildren, farm families and self-employed parents.
AARP Wisconsin advocated for the expansion and worked with legislators and the governor to make sure that low-income childless adults and family caregivers would be eligible.
For details or to sign up for BadgerCare Plus, visit http://www.BadgerCarePlus.org or call 1-800-362-3002.
November 2007
Coverage continues – SeniorCare, the popular prescription drug program for residents age 65 and older, was slated to end in July but will continue at least another two years. Congress extended the program after U.S. Sens. Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold and Rep. Dave Obey, all D-Wis., appended the measure to an Iraq spending bill. President Bush signed the bill into law, ending federal efforts to discontinue the program for lack of evidence that it reduces federal costs.
SeniorCare’s enrollment fee is $30 a year, and deductibles and copayments are based on income. SeniorCare requires no asset test and has no gaps in coverage. AARP Wisconsin lobbied both state and federal officials to continue the program, and AARP state president Patricia Finder-Stone testified before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging.
September 2007
Driver safety – AARP Wisconsin is recruiting volunteers for CarFit, a program that helps older drivers adjust their seats, mirrors, seat belts and steering wheels to improve comfort, viewing and safety while driving. The program was developed by the American Society on Aging with AARP, the American Automobile Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association.
CarFit events are scheduled for Madison and Appleton in October, and cosponsors are planning future sessions throughout the state. At each event, technicians will show drivers how to adjust features on their vehicles and may suggest adaptive devices such as seat cushions, pedal extenders or other features that can improve lines of sight and safety. For more information about CarFit or to volunteer, call 1-866-448-3611 toll free.
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