A compromise in Congress could extend SeniorCare until December 31, 2009. US Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) says the $120 billion legislation that will fund the War in Iraq also extends Wisconsin's SeniorCare prescription drug program. Kohl says the supplemental bill compromise includes a 2.5 year extension for Wisconsin's program.
The extension was included in an earlier funding bill that President Bush vetoed. Kohl says the President is behind the latest version and is expected to sign it after it clears Congress.
SeniorCare was expected to receive an extension until the end of this year, while the state took time to design a wrap around program. The Governor this month unveiled the WisconsinCare program, which is designed to take its place. Kohl says that won't be needed now, if the extension makes it to the President's desk and is signed. Kohl says keeping it alive through 2009 also increases the chances that the program could be further extended in the future.