Representative Lisa Subeck Joins Fight to Save SeniorCare

 2/11/2015

 

MADISON – Today, State Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) joined the fight to save SeniorCare, expressing outrage over a provision in Governor Walker’s budget proposal that would put an end to the SeniorCare prescription drug program as we know it. The governor’s proposal would force senior citizens currently covered by SeniorCare to enroll in Medicare Part D, a move which would reduce their coverage and increase their costs. The Governor’s proposal would cut $15 million from SeniorCare which is utilized by 85,000 residents in Wisconsin who are 65 or older and who depend on the program for low-cost, life-saving prescription drugs.

 

“SeniorCare works for Wisconsin’s senior citizens and is cost-effective for taxpayers. The coverage provided through SeniorCare ensures that our most vulnerable residents have access to affordable prescription medications,” said Rep. Subeck. “No senior citizen should have to choose between filling a prescription and having enough to eat. Governor Walker’s proposed changes to SeniorCare are unconscionable.”

 

Through SeniorCare, the state saves money because, unlike the federal government and Medicare Part D, the state can negotiate the lowest prices for prescription drugs. SeniorCare is cost-effective, with the largest share of program costs coming from rebates from pharmaceutical companies and federal matching dollars. Because the state can bargain for the best deal, SeniorCare saves millions for the state and our senior citizens.

 

Rep. Subeck joined her Democratic colleagues across the state in an effort to collect petition signatures to save SeniorCare. Citizens may request a petition sheet by visiting http://legis.wisconsin.gov/eupdates/asm78/SUBECK%20SrCare%20Petition.pdf, emailing rep.subeck@legis.wi.gov, or by calling (608) 266-7521. Rep. Subeck will be distributing petitions to the West Madison Senior Center and senior housing complexes through the 78th Assembly District later this week.