Now that federal officials have agreed to a brief extension, the state's SeniorCare prescription drug program is currently set to expire at the end of this year. State Representative Steve Wieckert (R-Appleton) wants to keep the program alive in some form after that point, as nearly 104,000 Wisconsin seniors begin the transition to Medicare Part D.
The Appleton Republican is crafting legislation that would set aside the $57 million the state has currently budgeted for SeniorCare, while a special task force develops a supplemental program. Wieckert says the money needs to be protected so the state is able to maintain some level of service after the program ends for good in 2008.
Still, Wieckert says a wrap-around program likely won't be able to help as many people as SeniorCare currently does. However, he believes it can help make the transition to Medicare Part D easier for seniors.