WellCare Expands Medicare Advantage Service Area Across Eight Counties in Three States

WellCare Health Plans, Inc.

announced today that it has added eight new counties across three states to its 2014 Medicare Advantage service area. With the addition of these new counties, WellCare will offer Medicare Advantage plans in 210 counties in 14 states. The additional counties are in our newest Medicare Advantage markets in Arizona, California and Kentucky.    When Medicare open enrollment begins, eligible seniors in Arizona's La Paz, Maricopa and Pima counties; California's Fresno County; and Kentucky's Bullitt, Carroll, Gallatin and Owen counties will now be able to select WellCare as their Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare's open enrollment period begins on October 15 and ends on December 7.   Across the country, WellCare Medicare Advantage plans are available to more than 17 million Medicare-eligible residents. As of June 30, 2013, WellCare serves approximately 272,000 Medicare Advantage members nationwide.   "WellCare is singularly focused on serving our members day in and day out, and we understand their special needs and challenges," said Rob Beck, vice president, member operations. "We look forward to the opportunity to serve beneficiaries in these new counties."   In addition to the expansion of its Medicare Advantage service area, WellCare recently announced that it has agreed to acquire Windsor Health Group, Inc. from Munich Re. Windsor currently offers Medicare Advantage plans primarily in Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas and South Carolina. WellCare expects the Windsor acquisition to close in the next three to four months, subject to customary regulatory approvals. Windsor has been approved to serve 192 counties in 2014. In addition, Windsor also offers stand-alone prescription drug plans in various other counties across the country.   For information on becoming a WellCare member, or to learn more about the company's plans and services, Arizona and Kentucky residents can call 1-866-765-4385 (TTY/TDD: 1-877-247-6272) and California residents can call 1-866-999-3945 (TTY/TDD: 1-800-735-2929).