Fiscal Note
No appropriation is required.
Title
Supporting Continued Funding of SeniorCare.
Body
WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin enacted legislation in 2001 to create the SeniorCare prescription drug program to provide senior citizens with a simple and cost-effective alternative to Medicaid Part D; and
WHEREAS, SeniorCare provides low-cost, life-saving prescription drugs to approximately 85,000 Wisconsin residents aged 65 or older; and
WHEREAS, more than 23,000 Madison residents are over the age of 65 as of the 2010 census, and all predictors indicate this number is growing substantially both locally and nationally; and
WHEREAS, 4514 Dane County residents are currently served by SeniorCare; and
WHEREAS, SeniorCare saves participants time and money through a simple enrollment process, $30 annual enrollment fee, income-based deductibles, and copayments of $5 for generic and $15 for brand name drugs; and
WHEREAS, SeniorCare saves taxpayers money by negotiating with drug companies for significantly reduced prices; and
WHEREAS, SeniorCare enables senior citizens to avoid the coverage gap ("donut hole") encountered by those on Medicare Part D; and
WHEREAS, the governor's proposed 2015-17 budget reduces overall funding for SeniorCare by more than 40% over the next two years; and
WHEREAS, the governor's proposed 2015-17 budget would end SeniorCare as we know it by forcing senior citizens to enroll in Medicaid Part D, resulting in an average increased out of pocket costs for senior citizens of $720 annually;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that City of Madison Common Council hereby urges the Governor and Wisconsin State Legislature to assure the continuation of Wisconsin's life-saving, money-saving SeniorCare program without increasing costs to participants or reducing eligibility from current levels.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to Governor Walker and to members of the Madison legislative delegation.