ATLANTA and TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare of Georgia, a subsidiary of 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. Most Georgia plans, which include three new plans for 2017, offer $0 premium combined with extra benefits that include $0 copay for Tier 1 generic pharmacy prescriptions, dental, vision and hearing coverage not available under Original Medicare.

"It is important for seniors to select a plan that will help them achieve and maintain optimal health," said Roman Kulich, WellCare's region president, Georgia and South Carolina. "We are proud that WellCare offers expanded benefits, which fill the critical gaps for eligible seniors."

All plans feature a monthly allowance to help in purchasing needed over-the-counter health care items like vitamins, toothbrushes and cold remedies. To support healthy, active lifestyles, all plans offer a fitness program. Some plans also provide complimentary transportation to medical appointments.

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. 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 learn more about WellCare plans and benefits, go to www.WellCareNow.com.

WellCare Medicare Advantage plans are available in these 31 counties: Barrow, Bryan, Butts, Chatham, Chattahoochee, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Columbia, De Kalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Glynn, Gwinnett, Harris, Henry, Liberty, McDuffie, McIntosh, Meriwether, Muscogee, Newton, Paulding, Richmond, Rockdale, Spalding, Stewart, Talbot, and Walton counties.

As of June 30, 2016, WellCare serves approximately 580,000 Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids(R) plan members, 38,000 Medicare Advantage plan members and 23,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members in Georgia.

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) 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 their Medicare Part B premium. 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.