TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG), a leading provider of Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, will offer a variety of Medicare Advantage health plans in 2018 that provide more benefits and services than Original Medicare. WellCare's plans emphasize preventive health measures and are specifically designed to meet the needs of cost-conscious older adults and dual-eligible beneficiaries seeking to get and stay healthy.

"Selecting a health plan is one of the most critical decisions people make each year," said Michael Polen, WellCare's executive vice president, Medicare and operations. "We are committed to providing high-quality, cost-effective healthcare solutions to help our members live better, healthier lives."

During the 2018 Open Enrollment Period (OEP), which began on Oct. 15, 2017 and ends Dec. 7, 2017, those who are eligible for Medicare may be able to select WellCare as their Medicare Advantage plan.

As of June 30, 2017, WellCare serves approximately 484,000 Medicare Advantage members in Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas, as well as in California under Easy Choice Health Plan. Beginning in 2018, WellCare will offer Medicare Advantage plans in North Carolina as well. WellCare also serves 1.1 million Prescription Drug Plan members nationwide.

WellCare's Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits beyond those offered by Original Medicare, including some plans that offer hearing, vision and dental benefits. Depending on the plan, other benefits may include:


    --  $0 plan premiums
    --  $0 or low copays for doctor visits
    --  $0 prescription drug deductible
    --  $0 lab tests and x-rays
    --  Monthly allowance to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) health items
    --  Transportation services
    --  Acupuncture
    --  Routine podiatry services

New this year in Florida, Georgia, New York and South Carolina is a Local Preferred Provider Organization (LPPO) product, which will provide members with greater flexibility on seeing out-of-network healthcare professionals without a referral. Members will be able to choose WellCare's network of hospitals, doctors and pharmacies or they can use providers out of network for their healthcare.

"Our goal is to deliver benefits and services in a way that enhances our members' health and quality of life," said Polen. "We do that in part through low premiums, no deductibles, value-added benefits and strong customer support."

For more information on becoming a WellCare member, or to learn more about the company's plans and services, please visit www.WellCareNow.com.

About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
 Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) focuses exclusively on providing government-sponsored managed care services through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs. The company served approximately 4.3 million members nationwide as of Sept. 30, 2017. For more information about WellCare, please visit the company's website at www.wellcare.com.

WellCare (HMO/PPO ) is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in WellCare depends on contract renewal.

WellCare and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.