CMS Approves Temporary Extension of SeniorCare

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it is granting a temporary extension of Wisconsin’s SeniorCare waiver, which is set to expire at the end of 2018. The temporary extension allows the program to continue as CMS finalizes its review of the application for a long-term extension.

In April of 2018, under the direction of Governor Scott Walker, the Department of Health Services (DHS) submitted an application requesting an extension of its Section 1115 Research and Demonstration Project waiver, known as the SeniorCare Prescription Drug Assistance Program. The current three-year waiver expires December 31, 2018, and DHS is now requesting a ten-year extension so the state may continue to operate the program through December 31, 2028.​

SeniorCare is an income-based prescription drug assistance program for Wisconsin residents who are 65 years of age or older. The only state-run program in the nation, SeniorCare works in coordination with Medicare Part D, allowing seniors to choose the drug coverage that is right for them and ensuring that coverage is comprehensive and cost-effective. Currently, about 50,000 Wisconsin seniors depend on SeniorCare to help with the cost of prescription drugs.

View the full public notice and waiver extension application.