April 15, 2010

To: All State Legislators

From: Robert Kellerman, Executive Director, Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging, Inc.

Re: A First Hand Story of SeniorCare

Dear Representative:

My name is Robert Kellerman and I am acting as spokesperson for the Wisconsin Aging Network, an alliance of aging agencies most of which utilize Federal Older Americans Act, and State GPR funds, to assist older persons with community-based programs that help them 'age in place'. A few weeks ago the Wisconsin Aging Network distributed to each of you a number of Issue Papers on aging programs which serve thousands of older people in this state. One was a SeniorCare Issue Paper. There is growing concern regarding SeniorCare's future and whether it will be continued as a program that works for older people-or one that will not.

On behalf of the Wisconsin Aging Network, I wanted to forward a personal SeniorCare Story to you. The individual who shared her story, Ms Norma Gosselin, is a resident of Kenosha county but let me assure you she has peers in your own district who share similar stories. Hers is a story of making ends meet. It's a story of being grateful for having SeniorCare to depend on for the prescription drugs necessary to survive. There's no fiction here. The fact is, if older persons are required to apply for a Medicare Part D policy many may have to choose between pills and food. They shouldn't have to choose. Not now, not ever. Both are necessary for their survival.

SeniorCare is working for over 92,000 older persons in this State. It's cost-effective, it's affordable, it works. Period. I hope that while you read Ms Gosselin's story, you'll hear her message.

On behalf of the Wisconsin Aging Network, I am asking you to preserve SeniorCare, a program so many older people rely on to maintain their independence. If you have questions, or wish additional information, please feel free to contact me personally by phone (608)-243-5670, or email: bob.kellerman@gwaar.org.

Thank you.