Sen. Carpenter's SOS: Save our SeniorCare

In what is beginning to seem like an annual tradition, I am once again calling on Gov. Scott Walker and legislative Republicans to pass my SeniorCare protection Act and ensure this program is continued for future seniors in Wisconsin.

I have sent letters to Sen. Leah Vukmir and the governor 10 days ago requesting that this legislation be passed as quickly as possible.

In this season of giving, it is time we give our seniors the gift of security in knowing that their prescription drug program SeniorCare will continue beyond the temporary whims of politicians in Madison.

For 15 years SeniorCare has been run under a federal waiver and has been providing lifesaving drugs to our seniors at a fraction of standard prescription drug costs.

It is the only such program of its kind in the nation and it saves taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.

Savings from discounts on bulk purchases of prescription drugs and rebates from drug companies, which lowers the price of life-saving prescriptions for seniors.

Gov. Walker and legislative Republicans have threatened to kill SeniorCare in past budgets and have refused to secure a federal extension beyond 2018 for a SeniorCare waiver.

Now is the time to send an SOS to Republicans to “Save our SeniorCare.”

Access to affordable prescription drugs keeps our seniors healthier and helps prevent unnecessary and costly hospital visits.

Contact your state legislators now and request they immediately fight for a federal waiver extension for continuing SeniorCare.

This life-saving program is extremely important to our most vulnerable citizens to protect them from skyrocketing prescription drug prices.

You can find out who represents you at legis.wisconsin.gov.

Call your representatives and tell them SOS — “Save our SeniorCare.”