Posted Wednesday, June 20, 2012 --- 7:40 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The state is inviting the public to comment on possible changes to the popular SeniorCare program.

Three public hearings are scheduled across the state starting next week in advance of the state Department of Health Services submitting a request to the federal government to renew the program.

Deputy DHS Secretary Kitty Rhoades says the department plans on keeping the program in its current form and will seek an extension through 2015.

The department says nearly 87,000 senior citizens receive prescription drug benefits through SeniorCare.

The hearings are June 28 in Stevens Point, June 29 in Waukesha and July 13 in Hudson. Comments can also be submitted to DHS through its website.