For information, please contact the Wisconsin Aging Network – c/o the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources, Inc., at (608) 243-5670 or email us at info@gwaar.org | http://www.gwaar.org

4/20/2011 - To State of Wisconsin Legislators:

Ms. Mary E. Schaefer, a resident of the City of Waukesha, has given permission for her story to be shared with the Wisconsin Legislature of how SeniorCare has helped her receive the medications she needs without causing her to become impoverished.

Ms. Schaefer's income is less than $1,000 a month; she has significant medical issues and, unfortunately, significant costs related to paying for essential medications as well as personal caregivers and her daily living expenses. For several years because of her low income and assets and disabilities she was on Medical Assistance (Medicaid).

Fortunately, Ms. Schaefer had a concerned and thoughtful relative whose Will created a trust to assist her. Ms Schaefer is trying to conserve these funds and avoid going back on Medicaid. It's not easy though. In 2010, in addition to $9,000 of copays for hospitalizations and medical care, her Medicare Advantage Plan cost her $6,000 just for her prescriptions. In 2011, even with the discounts in the Part D coverage gap, her estimated drug costs would be almost $4,000 with a Part D plan; that doesn't include the cost of a monthly Part D premium (average for enrollees is over $35 a month).

But in March of this year Ms. Schaefer turned 65 and enrolled in SeniorCare. The result is that her medications will cost her about $1,000 for a twelve month period. The savings will help cover her other medical needs and slow the rate by which her resources are depleted so that hopefully she can avoid having to re-apply for Medical Assistance.

Please stand up for Ms Schaefer and the thousands of other older persons in Wisconsin who depend on SeniorCare.

Please preserve SeniorCare as it is. No changes.