http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/seniorcare-04021515-s5.jpgAssembly and Senate Democratic Leaders Andy Jorgensen and Dave Hansen deliver petitions to Republicans, Push for No Enrollment Limits, No Fee Increases.

MADISON – Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair Andy Jorgensen (D- Milton) and Senate Democratic Assistant Leader Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) today delivered more than 13,500 petitions to Republican leaders, calling on them to save SeniorCare. The petitions were collected by Democratic lawmakers, senior advocates and SeniorCare participants over the past eight weeks, and urge the continuation of the popular, low-cost prescription drug program with no changes.

"Our colleagues across the aisle talk of 'taking a stand for SeniorCare' but are considering cutting off future enrollment and increasing annual costs for current enrollees," said Jorgensen. "We want to be crystal clear on this point: saving SeniorCare means leaving SeniorCare alone."

"SeniorCare is one of the things we've gotten right in Wisconsin, and the overwhelming response I got to our petition drive is proof positive of that," said Hansen. "Seniors should not be forced to choose between buying their lifesaving prescription medications or fresh groceries. We can do better for them, and it's as easy as maintaining SeniorCare as it is."

More than 85,000 people are currently enrolled in SeniorCare, and benefit from the program's simple enrollment process, $30 annual fee, income-based deductibles, and $5 co-pays for generic drugs. Most participants save hundreds of dollars each year, over what their costs would be on Medicare Part D, and taxpayers save $90 million per year through SeniorCare’s direct negotiation with drug companies.

"SeniorCare saves money and SeniorCare saves lives, and that's why so many people were willing to sign their names and share their stories, in support of the program," said Hansen. "Our goal now is to make their voices heard, and ultimately, to save SeniorCare."

"With each petition we're delivering comes a hope or prayer that SeniorCare will be saved. A hope that that grandma or grandpa can stay living independently, in the comfort of their home. A prayer that they won't pick and choose which medication to take, based on what money they have left in their account for the week," said Jorgensen. "Truly, lives are on the line with SeniorCare, and that's why we're working so hard to save it."

Democratic lawmakers delivered copies of the 13,500 Save SeniorCare petitions to Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, Joint Finance Committee members, and Governor Scott Walker.