Julie Hilbert...

This year, almost 89,000 seniors are on SeniorCare. This is an increase of over 1,000 seniors from last year. 84% of the funding goes for seniors who are under 200% of the poverty level. The state pays for 25% of the cost, while drug companies and the federal government pay the remaining 75%.

SeniorCare and the Elderly Nutrition Program are under the microscope by Governor Walker and his staff. We need to act quickly to voice our opinions about keeping SeniorCare and the Nutrition programs. The governor is putting together a budget (rapidly!!), and we need to have these items included in the budget.

We have just learned that the Department of Health Services is strongly considering language for the state budget that will change SeniorCare! DHS believes that low income older persons are eligible for Part D and therefore will be better off than they are on SeniorCare. In fact, a large majority of low-income SeniorCare enrollees will NOT be better off with Part D and may not even be eligible for the Part D extra help.

The Governor and his staff needs to hear that many low-income seniors are, in fact, NOT eligible for the extra help because of the strict asset limitations and that forcing seniors into Part D will have a negative outcome for them.

We urge you to call or e-mail the Governor’s office about any changes in senior care CALL 608-266-1212 OR E-MAIL govgeneral@wisconsin.gov . Decisions are being made quickly, so all contact need to be made right away.