LOUISVILLE, Ky. and TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare of Kentucky, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc., (NYSE: WCG), will offer eligible older adults 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 (OEP), which begins Oct. 15, 2016, and ends 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 Kentucky plans offer low premiums combined with extra benefits that include dental, vision and hearing coverage not available under Original Medicare.

All plans feature a monthly allowance to help in purchasing needed over-the-counter health care items like vitamins, toothbrushes and cold remedies. In addition, all members can get Tier 1 generics for $0.

WellCare's Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) 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 is committed to providing seniors in Kentucky with high-quality, cost-effective health care solutions," said Bill Jones, WellCare's state president for Kentucky. "We're proud to offer extra benefits to our members as well as low premiums, no copays to visit a primary care physician and zero dollar for labs and x-rays."

WellCare Medicare Advantage plans are available in these counties: Boone, Bourbon, Bullitt, Campbell, Carroll, Clark, Fayette, Gallatin, Grant, Jefferson, Jessamine, Kenton, Nelson, Owen, Pendleton and Scott.

For more information on becoming a WellCare member, or to learn more about the company's plans and services, please visit www.wellcare.com or call toll-free 1-800-865-1563 (TTY 711).

As of June 30, 2016, WellCare serves approximately 445,000 Medicaid members, 8,000 Medicare Advantage plan members and 20,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members in Kentucky.

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 your Medicare Part B premium. Please contact WellCare for details.

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

*Other pharmacies and providers are available in our network.

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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.