TAMPA, Fla. (Jan. 12, 2015) - WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) today announced that the WellCare Community Foundation has given a $4,400 grant to fund the University of South Florida's College of Pharmacy's White Coat Ceremony.


Nearly 100 students participated in the White Coat Ceremony, a tradition where first-year students receive their first white coat to symbolize their commitment to clinical service and care. This, followed by a united pledge made by the entire incoming class, marks the first of many steps these students take on the road to becoming a pharmacist.

WellCare's chief pharmacy officer, Laura Hungiville, presents Dr. Kevin Sneed, dean of the college of pharmacy, University of South Florida, with $4,400 to fund the college's White Coat Ceremony.

"Receiving my white coat means others believe in me as much as I do," said Joseph Adelufosi, a USF pharmacy student who was born and raised in Tampa, Fla. "It puts me one step closer to helping others, which is something I do not take for granted. I am grateful to WellCare for their support."


"WellCare is committed to supporting and collaborating with health care providers to help our members live better, healthier lives," said Laura Hungiville, WellCare's chief pharmacy officer. "It is an honor to invest in young people who are dedicating their lives to caring for others."


"This ceremony helps instill three principles - integrity, honor and ethics." said Dr. Kevin Sneed, dean of the college of pharmacy, USF. "We are grateful that WellCare could play such an important role in this event, which symbolizes the entrance of these pharmacy students into the profession."


As of Sept. 30, 2014, WellCare serves approximately 628,000 Medicaid plan members, 75,000 Florida Healthy Kids members, 102,000 Medicare Advantage plan members and 62,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members in Florida. To learn more about how the company cares for Floridians, watch Moise's story athttp://youtu.be/DmbKu8U7Ea8.


About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
WellCare Health Plans, Inc. provides managed care services targeted to government-sponsored health care programs, including Medicaid, Medicare, Prescription Drug Plans and the Health Insurance Marketplace. Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare offers a variety of health plans for families, children, and the aged, blind and disabled. The company serves approximately 4 million members nationwide as of Sept. 30, 2014.www.wellcare.com or view the company's videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/WellCareHealthPlan.


CONTACT:
Michele S. Pinnau
813-206-2747
michele.pinnau@wellcare.com

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