CMS Approves Temporary Extension of SeniorCare Progam
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it is granting a temporary extension of Wisconsin’s SeniorCare waiver through January 31, 2019. The temporary extension allows the program to continue as CMS finalizes its review of the application for a long-term extension.
In June 2018, under the direction of Governor Scott Walker, the Department of Health Services (DHS) submitted an application requesting an extension of the SeniorCare Prescription Drug Assistance Program. The current three-year waiver expires December 31, 2018. DHS requested a ten-year extension so the state may continue to operate the program through December 31, 2028.
10-Year SeniorCare Waiver Extension Request
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is requesting for a 10-year renewal of its section 1115 demonstration project for the SeniorCare Prescription Drug Assistance Program to continue the program through December 31, 2028. SeniorCare, Wisconsin’s prescription drug assistance program for Wisconsin residents who are 65 years of age or older, is designed to help seniors with their prescription drug costs.
2018-2028 SeniorCare Waiver Application
On June 15, 2018, DHS submitted the SeniorCare waiver renewal application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
SeniorCare Waiver Application
Stay Informed
Sign up to receive email updates on SeniorCare, including information on the waiver renewal application. Additional status updates on the SeniorCare application are available on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website.
Draft Waiver Application and Attachments
Draft Waiver Application
Waiver Appendices
Budget Neutrality Tables
Notice of Public Hearing
Public Input
Hearings
DHS held public hearings around the state to seek input on the SeniorCare waiver renewal application.
May 10, 2018, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Wilson Park Senior Center
Wilson Park Auditorium
2601 W. Howard Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53221
Meeting Agenda
May 14, 2018, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Department of Health Services
1 W. Wilson St., Room 751
Madison, WI 53703
Meeting Agenda
- Watch the May 14 public hearing
- View the PowerPoint presentation for the public hearings: English (PDF) | Hmong (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)
Comment Period
A 30-day public comment period for the SeniorCare waiver renewal application was held May 7 through June 7, 2018.
History of SeniorCare
On July 1, 2002, Wisconsin received the necessary waiver approvals from CMS to operate a portion of SeniorCare as a five-year demonstration project. Through its partnership with the federal government, the SeniorCare waiver extends Medicaid eligibility through Title XIX to cover prescription drugs as a necessary primary health care benefit.
Population and Numbers Served
The target population for services under this demonstration project is seniors 65 years of age or older with income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Each month, SeniorCare serves about 50,000 seniors.
