Rhinelander - If you're looking to voice your opinion about SeniorCare, now you can. It's possible some changes could be coming to the program. The state Department of Health Services is asking for your input.

Currently the state estimates that around 87,000 people use SeniorCare and for some, this program is the difference between getting their medications, or not.

Many SeniorCare enrollees in the Oneida County area qualify at income level one, which gives them copays as low as 5 dollars. However, some with a higher income use SeniorCare as well. "People who have a higher income or have a dual income family, are utilizing SeniorCare who are not on medication. They use SeniorCare as credible coverage," says Jennifer George, Elder Benefit Specialist with the Oneida County Department on Aging.

SeniorCare can also act as an important safety net, picking up expenses Medicare Part D won't cover, but those benefits are only good at pharmacies in Wisconsin.

The Department of Health is holding public hearings on SeniorCare and asking for input and comments on the program. The next hearing will be June 28th in Stevens Point. Other hearings will be June 29th in Waukesha, and July 13 in Hudson.

Comments can also be submitted to DHS through their website.


Department of Health Services, SeniorCare webpage