NEWS
Doyle to continue senior program
Looking for a print version?
Simply choose ‘Print’ on your computer and a printer-friendly document will be generated.
Also by Ann Babe:
- Legislators introduce Jessica's Law (October 20, 2005)
- Parisi seeks prison releases (October 21, 2005)
- State Street getting 'freaky' (September 14, 2006)
- Concealed-carry veto override attempt fails in Capitol (February 1, 2006)
- Doyle signs bill redefining abuse law (February 17, 2006)
Related Stories:
- Lawton pushes SeniorCare (March 13, 2007)
- Doyle proposes drug plan (May 10, 2007)
- Candidates gear up for impending vote (October 24, 2006)
- Thompson seeks GOP nomination (April 9, 2007)
- State to save cash via Medicare cuts (March 2, 2006)
by Ann Babe
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
As Wisconsin seniors waited in hopeful anticipation, Gov. Jim Doyle announced Tuesday his agreement with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt to allow the state's popular SeniorCare program to continue.
Although SeniorCare's federal waiver was not set to expire until June 30, 2007, speculation arose over whether the Jan. 1, 2006, implementation of a federal prescription-drug-benefits program, Medicare Part D, would force the Wisconsin program to end prematurely.
Following news of Medicare Part D's pending inception, worry circulated over the repercussions facing the state's approximately 90,000 seniors currently registered with SeniorCare.
"[Previously], there was concern among Wisconsin seniors in SeniorCare [who feared] they would be forced into the alternate [federal] program," Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services spokesperson Jason Helgerson said.
Tuesday's agreement calmed troubled seniors, assuring their enrollment in the state program would not put them in jeopardy, while additionally guaranteeing their right to switch to Medicare Part D in the future without the risk of late-enrollment penalties.
Modeled after legislation led by State Sen. Judith Robson, D-Beloit, SeniorCare is organized to assist citizens over age 65 who earn less than $23,000 annually, financial assets not considered.
According to Robson spokesperson Kelley Flury, the bipartisan-backed SeniorCare, which began in 2002, is a model prescription-drug plan that boasts one of the most generous comprehensive programs of all the states.
Democrats and Republicans alike commended Doyle and Leavitt for protecting the best interests of senior citizens, and both parties pointed to SeniorCare's clear economic advantages for an overwhelming majority of Wisconsin's elderly population.
"SeniorCare is a very successful program. … Ninety-four percent of seniors do better [financially] under SeniorCare than under Medicare Part D," Bob Delaporte, communications director to Rep. John Gard, R-Peshtigo, said, citing a 2004 DHFS study.
Lawmakers also praise the state program's straightforwardness, an attribute especially important when considering the age of its users.
"The federal program is confusing, whereas SeniorCare is more user-friendly and easy to understand," Flury said, pointing out Medicare Part D's nearly 45 various plans from which to choose, doughnut-hole coverage and complex-asset calculations.
According to Doyle spokesperson Anne Lupardus, "the governor fully intends to ask for a new waiver" in preparation for the program's 2007 expiration, due to the fact that "so many seniors are better off under SeniorCare."
Though such comparisons seem to focus exclusively on the apparent competition and rivalry between the two programs, some leaders are reminding the public the real triumph lies in the ability of elderly citizens to choose what is best for them.
While most seniors undoubtedly fare better under the state's program, a small 4 percent — those with yearly incomes and assets less than $12,900 and $6,000, respectively — would find more benefit under Medicare Part D.
"From the very beginning [the AARP has] led the campaign for SeniorCare, but [the organization] also understand[s] there are terrific benefits in Part D," AARP Associate State Director of Communication Jeremy Janes said. "What this means is that Wisconsin seniors have a real choice and can choose whichever one suits their needs more closely."
Lawmakers are also exploring ways to create a wrap-around initiative, which would integrate the best elements of both the federal and state programs.
Though the Wisconsin DHFS will be looking at various options, "at this point we're committed to [protecting] the SeniorCare program," Helgerson added.
