MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – Governor Scott Walker is trying for a second time to reduce what the state spends on its prescription drug program for senior citizens.
His proposed budget for the next two years would force SeniorCare enrollees to get their prescription drugs from Medicare Part “D,” and then use SeniorCare to get medicines that Part “D” doesn’t cover.
The Republican Walker first proposed the change in 2011. The Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee rejected it once they learned it would cost seniors more money — even if they didn’t buy any of the SeniorCare add-ons.
A Walker spokeswoman said the new plan does not eliminate SeniorCare. But Assembly Democrat Andy Jorgensen of Milton said it gets rid of the better drug discounts offered under SeniorCare.
Jorgensen brought the change to the public’s attention in a statement Wednesday.
The governor’s 2011 proposal would have saved the state $15 million over a two-year period. Jorgensen said he’s starting a petition drive similar to the one in 2011, in which more than 14,000 seniors and others pushed to keep SeniorCare as it is.
In his words, “Never in a million years did I think we’d be fighting this battle again.” Assembly Speaker Robin Vos’ office said he wanted to see more details.
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
