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CONTACT: Stephanie Smiley, 608-266-1683
DEPARTMENT ISSUES NEW SENIORCARE CARDS TO MEMBERS
New cards can be used immediately; members encouraged
to destroy old cards to ensure privacy
MADISON - The Department of Health Services announces that
replacement SeniorCare cards have been mailed to all SeniorCare members.
Each member has been assigned a new, randomly assigned member
identification number that has been printed on the front of the cards.
"People can begin using their card right away and are encouraged
to take it to all health care appointments and pharmacies," said
Secretary Karen Timberlake. "Members should destroy their old
SeniorCare card upon receiving their replacement card in order to ensure
that their privacy is maintained."
SeniorCare is Wisconsin's prescription drug program for seniors.
Enrollment in the SeniorCare program costs just $30 per year and is
available for seniors age 65 and older. The application is one page and
there are no asset tests for eligibility. Only income is counted.
According to analysis by AARP Wisconsin, more than 94 percent of
seniors are better off on SeniorCare than they would be under Medicare
Part D because the co-payments are lower and the coverage is more
comprehensive. In addition, the state uses its bargaining power to
negotiate the lowest prices for prescription drugs, while Congress made it
illegal for the federal government to bargain for lower prices.
SeniorCare is approved to continue through December 31, 2009. Governor
Doyle, Wisconsin's Congressional Delegation and the Department of Health
Services are all committed to making sure the program is extended past
next year. This summer the Department sent a letter to the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to tell them that the state intends
to renew the program. The Department is working on the paperwork to extend
SeniorCare and plans to submit it early next year.
SeniorCare is one of the state's ForwardHealth programs. ForwardHealth
is a new brand for the state's health care and nutrition programs. For
more information on ForwardHealth programs, visit: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ForwardHealth/
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Last Revised: July 12, 2010 |
