MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Gov. Scott Walker's administration is seeking a waiver to continue Wisconsin's program for providing discount prescription drugs to senior citizens.

Walker said Thursday that he authorized his Department of Health Services to seek the SeniorCare waiver. The current waiver expires at the end of 2012.

The program began in 2002 and provides discounted prescription drugs for Wisconsin residents who are 65 years old or older and meet eligibility criteria. There is a $30 annual enrollment fee with copayments ranging from $5 to $15.

SeniorCare is wildly popular largely because there are no gaps in coverage it is more comprehensive and less expensive than Medicare Part D.

Walker this year proposed that SeniorCare participants first be enrolled in Medicare Part D, but the Legislature rejected it.