NASHVILLE, Tenn. and TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In Tennessee, WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) will offer people eligible for Medicare an expanded variety of Medicare Advantage plans for 2017 that provide more benefits and services than Original Medicare.

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During the 2017 Open Enrollment Period, which runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2016, Medicare-eligible individuals 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. All Tennessee plans offer no- to low-premiums combined with extra benefits that include dental and vision coverage. Some plans also provide hearing coverage and transportation to medical appointments.

"It is important for seniors to select a plan that will help them achieve and maintain optimal health," said Tim Mullen, chief operating officer for WellCare in Tennessee. "WellCare's plans are designed to provide the best care and save seniors money by offering $0 premiums and low out-of-pocket costs."

The WellCare RX (HMO) plan, an option designed for members who are eligible for "Extra Help" with their prescription drug costs, offers low medical co-pays. The Dividend (HMO-POS) plan allows seniors to get money back from their Medicare Part B premium. In addition, some plans feature a monthly allowance to help purchase needed over-the-counter health items, such as vitamins, toothbrushes and cold remedies. To support healthy, active lifestyles, some plans offer a fitness program.

WellCare's Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan features a national pharmacy network with key national retailers (CVS, Walgreens and Walmart*) and a simplified, single cost schedule that is the same for all network pharmacies.

Customer service representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., local time, 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 learn more about WellCare plans and benefits, go to www.WellCareNow.com.

WellCare Medicare Advantage plans are available in 91 of 95 Tennessee counties.

As of June 30, 2016, WellCare serves approximately 10,000 Medicare Advantage members and 36,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members in Tennessee.

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 June 30, 2016. 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 SNP) is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Tennessee Medicaid program. Enrollment in WellCare (HMO SNP) depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, co-payments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or co- payments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. Premiums, co-pays, coinsurance and deductibles may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details. Notice: TennCare is not responsible for payment for these benefits, except for appropriate cost sharing amounts. TennCare is not responsible for guaranteeing the availability or quality of these benefits. 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. If you meet certain eligibility requirements for both Medicare and Medicaid, your Part B premiums may be covered in full. Some plans are available to those who have medical assistance from both the state and Medicare. Please contact WellCare for details.
*Other pharmacies and providers are available in our network.

Disclaimers
WellCare complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-374-4056 (TTY: 711)
ATENCION: si habla espanol, tiene a su disposicion servicios gratuitos de asistencia linguistica. Llame al 1-877-374-4056 (TTY: 711).
1-877-374-4056 TTY 711

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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.