The Governor says it's likely that SeniorCare will be extended through the end of this year. That statement comes after Governor Jim Doyle met on Wednesday with Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt. Doyle says the Secretary seemed open to extending SeniorCare through the end of this year, so the state has more time to develop a replacement program.
A request to renew the prescription drug program was rejected earlier this month, and it's currently set to expire at the end of June. Doyle says officials understand more time will be needed to replace SeniorCare before the June 30th deadline.
If an extension is granted, the Governor says the state will work with federal officials to develop a Medicare Part D compliant program.
Doyle hopes to have an answer from the HHS Secretary within the next few weeks.