Elder Law News

Governor Doyle Extends Emergency Coverage For Elders

Wisconsin Seniors Can Have Medications Paid For Through March 15th
 
Governor Doyle announced today that he will extend his policy to provide seniors and people with disabilities in Wisconsin the life-saving drugs they need through March 15, 2006, as the federal government’s implementation of Medicare Part D program continues to be plagued with problems.

“Wisconsin’s seniors are still facing obstacles to getting the prescriptions they need because of the sloppy implementation of Medicare Part D,” Governor Doyle said.  “The state will continue to cover prescription drug costs for seniors and people with disabilities so that they have access to the lifesaving medicines they need.  These people shouldn’t have to pay the price because of the federal government’s mess.”

On January 13, 2006, the Governor announced that the state would cover the cost of prescriptions for seniors and people with disabilities that would have otherwise been turned away because of problems with the new Medicare Part D program.  The extension means that the state will continue to pay for prescriptions filled through March 15, 2006.

On January 20, 2006, Governor Doyle met with and asked Secretary Michael Leavitt to reimburse Wisconsin for the cost of covering prescription drugs.  On January 24, 2006, the federal government agreed to reimburse the state for money spent to provide prescription drug through February 15th.

“The implementation problems will not arbitrarily end on February 15th,” Governor Doyle said. “I will continue to work with the federal government to ensure they will continue to pay for prescription drugs beyond the February 15th deadline, because it is unacceptable that the state or our taxpayers bear the burden of a problem we did not create.”

Under Medicare Part D, the federal government has created complex Prescription Drug Plans to pay pharmacies that fill Medicare Part D prescriptions.  However, many people have faced serious barriers getting the drugs they need because of start-up problems with the new Medicare Part D program and its Prescription Drug Plan contractors.

If a pharmacy has not been able to bill the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan through normal processes and procedures, it can submit a claim form to Wisconsin’s Medicaid program, including the steps it has exhausted in trying to successfully bill Medicare Part D.

Pharmacies that fill a prescription before March 15, 2006, and have tried to obtain payment under Medicare Part D can submit the claim to Wisconsin’s Medicaid program for payment. The state will pay the claims that are due and then seek reimbursement from the federal government.

Hotlines are still available to assist recipients and pharmacies with Part D problems.  Below are list of numbers available throughout the state.

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	Did You Know?
	The number of senior citizens is growing continuously. The U.S. Census Bureau projected that, in 2030, 10 states will have more people 65 and older than under 18. As the baby boomers slowly become senior citizens by 2011, the population of 65 and older will grow faster than the total population in every state. 26 states are, in fact, said to double their 65 + populations within the next 25 years. Today, about 70 million baby boomers will soon hit their retirement years.