WellCare Offers South Carolina Seniors 2016 Medicare Advantage Options That Support Preventive and Maintenance Care

COLUMBIA, S.C. and TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare Health Plans, Inc. WCG will offer seniors an expanded variety of Medicare Advantage plans in South Carolina for 2016 that provide more benefits and services than Original Medicare.

During the 2016 Open Enrollment Period (OEP), which began Oct. 15, 2015, and ends Dec. 7, 2015, those who are eligible for Medicare 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. With this in mind, most plans offer a $0 premium combined with extra benefits that include dental, vision and hearing coverage not available under Original Medicare.

All plans feature a monthly allowance to help purchase needed over-the-counter health items, such as vitamins, toothbrushes and cold remedies. All plans also offer a flat rate for outpatient surgeries, and most plans include a complimentary fitness membership.

WellCare's Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans now also 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 for a medication at all network pharmacies, and it eliminates the need for seniors to have to worry about preferred pricing rules. 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 access this tool, go to www.wellcare.com/South-Carolina/Find-My-Plan and enter their plan type and zip code.

"Selecting a plan is one of the most critical decisions that seniors make each year," said Kathy Warner, WellCare's state president in South Carolina. "WellCare of South Carolina is proud to offer additional benefits to fill the crucial coverage gap for eligible seniors with $0 premiums, no deductible for Tier 1 formulary drugs and a flat rate for outpatient surgery."

WellCare Medicare Advantage plans are available in these 10 counties: Abbeville, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, McCormick, Newberry, Pickens, Saluda, Spartanburg and Union. 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.

As of Sept. 30, 2015, WellCare serves approximately 62,300 Medicaid members, 27,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members and 3,000 Medicare Advantage members in South Carolina.

About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health Plans, Inc. 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 Sept. 30, 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.

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.

*Other pharmacies and providers are available in our network.

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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.