LITTLE ROCK, Ark. and TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) is offering eligible seniors an expanded variety of Medicare Advantage plans in Arkansas for 2016 that provide more benefits and services than Original Medicare.

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During the 2016 Open Enrollment Period (OEP), which began Oct. 15, 2015, and ends Dec. 7, 2015, those who are Medicare eligible will be able to select WellCare plans that are specifically designed to meet the needs of cost-conscious seniors seeking to get and stay healthy. With this in mind, Arkansas plans offer no- to low-premiums combined with extra benefits that include dental, vision and hearing coverage not available under Original Medicare.

All plans feature a monthly allowance to help purchase needed over-the-counter health items, such as vitamins, toothbrushes and cold remedies. Some plans include a complimentary fitness membership. New this year is the WellCare RX plan, an option with lower copays geared toward seniors who are eligible for a low-income subsidy.

WellCare's Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans now also feature a unified national pharmacy network with key national retailers, including CVS, Walgreens and Walmart.* This simplified benefit design allows a member to pay the same cost share for a medication at all network pharmacies, and it eliminates the need for seniors to have to worry about preferred pricing rules. Customer service representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST seven days a week to help members with questions about their coverage and medications. In addition, WellCare offers an online formulary tool for members and those interested in the plan to look up drugs, coverage options and formulary alternatives. To access this tool, go to www.wellcare.com/Arkansas/Find-My-Plan and enter the plan type and your zip code.

"It's important for seniors to select a plan that best matches their health needs and their budgets," said Tim Mullen, chief operating officer for WellCare in Arkansas and two other states. "We're proud to offer the additional benefits that our members tell us they need, including help with buying over-the-counter health supplies."

WellCare Medicare Advantage plans in Arkansas are available in 53 counties. For more information on becoming a WellCare member, or to learn more about the company's plans and services, please visit www.wellcare.com or call toll-free 1-800-865-1563 (TTY 711).

As of Sept. 30, 2015, WellCare serves approximately 11,000 Medicare Advantage members and 26,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members in Arkansas.

About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) focuses exclusively on providing government-sponsored managed care services, primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs. WellCare serves approximately 3.8 million members nationwide as of Sept. 30, 2015. For more information about WellCare, please visit the company's website at www.wellcare.com or view the company's videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/WellCareHealthPlan.

WellCare (HMO) - Medicare Advantage
WellCare (HMO) is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in WellCare (HMO) depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on Jan. 1 of each year. WellCare uses a formulary. The formulary, pharmacy network, and/or provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Please contact WellCare for details.

*Other pharmacies and providers are available in our network.

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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.