Hansen Concerned about Future of SeniorCare Print
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Written by GBP Staff   
Friday, 23 December 2016 07:47

elderlyChanges could be coming to SeniorCare that could be harmful to those people the program was created to serve. Governor Walker has tried in past budgets to eliminate the program.


MADISON - On Thursday, State Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) echoed Senator Tim Carpenter’s concerns with the future of SeniorCare, a popular state program that helps over 90,000 Wisconsin residents 65 and older afford needed medication.

dave-hansenIn a meeting with the new Secretary of Health Services, Senator Hansen said he was left with the impression that changes could be coming to SeniorCare that could be harmful to those people the program was created to serve.

“Given the past efforts by the Governor to eliminate it and my recent conversation with the Secretary, I am concerned what changes might be ahead for SeniorCare and for the people who rely on it to afford their needed medications,” said Hansen, who voted to create the program in 2001.

Hansen said he is also concerned that other programs aimed at helping seniors might face an uncertain future as well with a new administration in Washington that appears to support privatizing Medicare and Social Security.

“People voted for change in November and change is going to happen. Given the Governor’s past actions and current conversations in Washington, my concern is that we don’t lose valuable programs like SeniorCare and Medicare in the process.”

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Legislative writer Jay Wadd contributed to this story.