Washington, DC, Nov 18 -

Congressman F. James Sensenbrenner (R-Menomonee Falls) joined Members of the Wisconsin delegation in sending a letter to President-elect Barack Obama today, urging him to extend Wisconsin’s SeniorCare program.

“SeniorCare is an affordable, comprehensive plan that makes sense for both seniors and taxpayers,” Sensenbrenner stated.  “The program should be a model for other states to follow.”

The popular, and hugely successful prescription drug assistance program, is funded with a combination of state and federal money.  The average annual federal subsidy for a SeniorCare waiver participant is $588, nearly a third of the $1,690 the federal government spends to subsidize a Part D participant.  As a result, this program will save taxpayers $31 million while providing primary prescription drug coverage for tens of thousands of seniors. 

Recognizing its merit, the Bush administration last year extended the SeniorCare program through December 31, 2009.  In order to keep operating in its current form, SeniorCare will once again need a federal waiver at the end of 2009 by President-elect Obama.

“I am pleased that our entire delegation has united to support SeniorCare.  It is my hope that the new administration will join us in acknowledging the value of the program, and preserve seniors’ access to affordable prescription drugs.”

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