NEW YORK and TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare of New York, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc., (NYSE: WCG), will offer a variety of Medicare Advantage plans in 2017 designed to help older adults get and stay healthy, with more benefits and services than Original Medicare and an emphasis on preventive health measures.

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

"We offer plans with no to low monthly premiums, extra benefits and services designed to help seniors live better, healthier lives because we recognize that so many live on a fixed income," said John J. Burke, president of WellCare of New York. "Selecting a Medicare plan is one of the most important decisions older adults make for their health each year. For 2017, we added new plans to ensure we have a plan to fit the needs of the communities we serve."

During the 2017 Open Enrollment Period, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2016, those who are Medicare eligible will be able to select WellCare of New York plans that offer a low monthly premium combined with extra benefits beyond those offered by Original Medicare. All plans offer hearing and vision coverage. Most plans also include dental coverage, health club memberships, acupuncture, routine chiropractic visits, and a monthly allowance to help purchase needed over-the-counter health items, such as vitamins, toothbrushes and pain relievers. Some plans also provide complimentary transportation to medical appointments.

WellCare's Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug MAPD plans feature a unified national pharmacy network with key national retailers, including CVS, Walgreens and Walmart*. This simplified benefit design allows a member to pay the same cost share per medication at 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 its plans to look up drugs, coverage options and formulary alternatives. For more information about WellCare Medicare Advantage plans and benefits, go to www.WellCareNow.com.

As of June 30, 2016, WellCare serves approximately 122,000 Medicaid members, 42,000 Medicare Advantage members, 55,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members and 7,000 Managed Long Term Care members in New York.

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 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 January 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 other providers 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

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

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wellcare-of-new-york-offers-2017-medicare-advantage-options-to-help-seniors-achieve-and-maintain-optimal-health-300349928.html

SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.