Wisconsin Approves AARP-Supported Prescription Drug Discounts for Seniors

En español | Wisconsin residents enrolled in the state’s SeniorCare program will see some relief from high prescription drug prices thanks in part to advocacy from AARP Wisconsin.

Gov. Tony Evers signed a bipartisan law Dec. 8 expanding the number of prescription drugs that qualify for a discount under the program, which provides pharmaceutical assistance to eligible state residents 65 and older.

SeniorCare allows enrolled residents to get a 100-day supply of some types of medication for the same cost as a 30-day supply, once they meet their deductible. The new law enables the state to apply for a waiver from the federal government allowing it to extend that discount to more prescriptions, saving consumers money.

In addition to making lifesaving prescription medicines more affordable, the law will help older adults who have difficulty getting to a pharmacy once a month due to health or transportation issues, David Bowen, AARP Wisconsin advocacy director, testified last year.

Our Wisconsin office will continue to push lawmakers to expand the discounts to all state residents receiving Medicaid.

“The AARP Wisconsin Team is excited about this new progress of savings in prescription drug costs for aging Wisconsinites in the SeniorCare Program,” Bowen said in a statement. “Navigating these polarizing political times can be challenging, but this win reflects our goal to position our efforts to keep working until we find a victory to benefit as many seniors as possible.”

AARP has long fought for laws to bring down the high price of prescription drugs around the country. In New York, for example, we recently helped pass a law requiring drug companies to notify state officials of substantial price increases.

And we continue to push for federal laws to help older Americans afford their medications. In 2022, we were instrumental in the passage of landmark legislation that, among other provisions, allows Medicare to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies and penalizes drug companies that raise prices above the rate of inflation.

Learn more about how AARP is fighting to lower prescription drug costs, and keep up with our advocacy work in Wisconsin.