Speaking with the support of more than 70 legislators, Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle announced a proposal Wednesday to create WisconsinCare, a prescription drug plan designed to replace the popular SeniorCare.
Earlier this year, federal officials denied the request of Doyle and other legislators to continue SeniorCare, which is funded with state and federal dollars. After a six-month extension, it will expire this December.
At a warm and sunny news conference outside the Capitol Wednesday, Doyle urged legislators to approve WisconsinCare by Jan. 1, 2008. Attending the event, Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch, R-West Salem, said legislative leaders have not yet decided whether to address the proposal through the budget, as separate legislation or in a special session.
"We have worked in a bipartisan fashion that we will be there for Wisconsin seniors," Huebsch said.
As proposed by Doyle, WisconsinCare would mirror many of the beneficial qualities of SeniorCare, which is targeted toward low-income senior citizens. People over age 65 could still apply using a one-page application, called a much easier and straightforward process than the federal Medicare Part D plan.
"Best of all, all of these seniors will see another $93 on their Social Security checks," Doyle said. "It defies common sense that we as a nation are not negotiating with big drug companies for lower prices."
According to Doyle, the WisconsinCare plan would not cost any more than he has already proposed for SeniorCare in his biennium budget, about $128 million. He said some seniors could get their generic drug prescriptions for $2 and brand name drugs for $5.
All senior citizens currently using SeniorCare will be automatically transitioned to WisconsinCare if passed, but over the next seven months, they must also enroll in a Medicare Part D plan to become a WisconsinCare participant. Doyle said this transition will be the most difficult challenge.
"We still have a tough road ahead," Doyle said. "We will work to make this transition as smooth as possible."
Before approving the plan, WisconsinCare must receive the OK from federal officials in charge of Medicare and Medicaid. Doyle said the new plan could actually end up bringing $120 million additional federal dollars to the state, which he acknowledged was a little ironic.
