If SeniorCare, the state's prescription drug program expires this June as it is set to, approximately 110,000 Wisconsin seniors may lose their state coverage for their medications.
Citing his concern for the elderly in Wisconsin, Gov.. Jim Doyle has formally requested the federal government to continue funding the health care program until 2010.
If Doyle's proposal is rejected, seniors would apply to be covered under Medicare Part D. According to a statement by Doyle, this would be more costly to the state and nation.
It costs $617 per senior under SeniorCare, but the price tag would be $1,474 per senior to subsidize a Part D elderly Wisconsinite.
Doyle's opponent, U.S. Rep. Mark Green, R-Green Bay, said he was ""proud to help get the needed federal approval to launch SeniorCare,"" in a press statement.
Green said although he supports the program and will work to keep it in effect, he would like to make Wisconsin a more affordable state for seniors to retire by freezing property taxes.
