TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) announced today that it will award $13,500 in micro-grants to support New York social service organizations that address homelessness, mental health and obesity. Nonprofit and 501(c)(3) organizations that offer services in these areas are encouraged to apply. The micro-grants will be awarded in denominations of $500, $1,000 and $1,500.

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"WellCare realizes the community-based organizations that support the social safety net are critical to positive health outcomes, not only for our members, but also for their communities," said John Burke, WellCare's state president for New York. "We know that people cannot prioritize their health when their basic needs for food, shelter, clothing and safety are not being properly met. We have an opportunity to help people lead better, healthier lives by simply supporting organizations that help people address these needs."

Qualifying organizations can apply by completing a short application online at http://www.thecommunitycommitment.org/micro-grant-request-submission. The application period is open until Nov. 2. Awardees will be notified the week of Dec. 7. For more information about the micro-grants, call 917-623-6086.

As of June 30, 2015, WellCare serves approximately 111,000 Medicaid members, 46,000 Medicare Advantage members, 53,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members and 7,500 Managed Long Term Care members in New York.

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. The Company serves approximately 3.8 million members nationwide as of June 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.

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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.