What to tell seniors about SeniorCare

The denial by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of an extension for SeniorCare is a disappointment, though not a surprise. The feds had made it pretty clear that they weren’t really going to consider extending Wisconsin’s Pharmacy Plus Demonstration for reducing drug costs to seniors.

The state has requested extending the program until the end of the year to allow for a better transition. Likely, that extension will be granted.

Tom Frazier of the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups (CWAG) suggests:

As you talk with seniors about the news . . ., please tell them that there is more than enough time to decide what they need to do. CMS has offered to tend the waiver until the end of the year so, until you hear differently, I would assume that this will happen. . .

In addition, several Wisconsin Members of Congress are exploring legislative possibilities for extending SeniorCare, and I am working with the Governor’s office and DHFS on efforts to develop an alternative that I hope will be better than existing Part D plans.

Frazier also urges SeniorCare enrollees to be aware of insurance sales people saying that you will need to enroll in a Part D plan right away. "This is not true and you should remain on the SeniorCare program as long as possible," adds Frazier. "SeniorCare enrollees will hear officially from the Gov. Doyle or the department of Health and Family Services (OHFS) regarding their options."

CWAG offices are a reliable source of information, so check there if you wish to verify any rumors you might hear.

(608) 224-0606
(800) 366-2990
(888) 758-6047 TTY/Texnet
(608) 224-0607 fax
Email: cwag@cwag.org