Local News
Vinehout Delivers Petitions Against Senior Care Cuts
Wisconsin’s older residents say Governor Scott Walker’s proposal to cut funding for the SeniorCare drug program could leave them struggling to make ends meet. The proposal would require SeniorCare enrollees to first sign up for Medicare Part D prescription drug program and use state benefits under SeniorCare as a supplement. And that would put a dent into a long running state program says Senator Kathleen Vinehout.
Vinehout says SeniorCare serves about 85 thousand residents older than 65. Enrollees pay an annual $30 fee and deductibles are based on their average income. After the deductible, the program has a co-pay of $5 for generic drugs and $15 for name-brand drugs. Supporters say the state program is both less expensive and easier to enroll in and understand than Medicare Part D.
