LOUISVILLE, Ky. and TAMPA, Fla., April 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare of Kentucky, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE:WCG), joins the Kentucky Derby Festival as the 2016 Presenting Sponsor of its signature Health Fair. This annual event promotes healthy families and healthy lifestyles, by offering free health screenings and valuable health information for children and families. The Health Fair takes place Tuesday, May 3, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Kentucky Exposition Center in South Wing C. It will be held in conjunction with the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade Preview Party.

http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20150701/227667LOGO

A 2014 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that millions of infants, children, and adolescents in the United States did not receive key clinical preventive services such as screenings, check-ups, and patient counseling that are used to prevent illnesses, disease and other health problems.

"Receiving preventive care is one of the most important steps you can take to manage your health," said Dr. Howard Shaps, medical director for WellCare of Kentucky. "We are proud to join our community health providers and other organizations to provide free screenings and health information so everyone who comes to the Health Fair can learn more about their personal health status. By getting the right health services, screenings and treatments, you are taking steps that help your chances of living a longer, healthier life."

This year's event will include health screenings as well as brain training demonstrations by LearningRX.

Admission to the Health Fair is a 2016 Pegasus Pin, which is available for $5 at local retailers or $7 at the entrance to the event. It also includes entry into the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade Preview Party. For more information on the Kentucky Derby Festival Health Fair, visit www.kdf.org.

As of Dec. 31, 2015, WellCare serves approximately 440,000 Medicaid members, 8,000 Medicare Advantage plan members and 22,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members in Kentucky. To learn more about how we care for Kentuckians, watch Brandi's story at http://youtu.be/YwOw5EgeSYo.

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 Dec. 31, 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.

About Kentucky Derby Festival
Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. It entertains more than 1.5 million people in a two-week period and has a local economic impact of more than $127 million. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

Media Relations
Charles Talbert
770-913-2181
charles.talbert@wellcare.com

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150701/227667LOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wellcare-sponsors-2016-kentucky-derby-festival-health-fair-300258994.html

SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.