Wisconsin Governor’s State of the State Address Highlights Prescription Drug Program

Wisconsin Gov. Scott McCallum (R) last week gave his State of the State speech, noting that almost 300,000 seniors in the state benefitted from a prescription drug program approved last year (McCallum speech text, 3/5). Under the program, single seniors with annual incomes up to $20,616 and couples with annual incomes up to $27,864 qualify for the benefits. Seniors would have to meet a $500 deductible and be responsible for copayments of $5 for generic drugs and $15 for brand name medicines (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 8/31/01). According to McCallum, the state has "an absolute responsibility to care for people who can't care for themselves." Because of that the governor said he "protected" the SeniorCare prescription drug program and the Medical Assistance program from cuts in his budget plan for fiscal year 2003 (McCallum speech text, 3/5).