WellCare of Kentucky Awards Bowling Green ID Card Program $1,500 Grant

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. and TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Imagine trying to turn your life around, but not having the documents you need to apply for a job, rent an apartment or even qualify for health care assistance.

That's why WellCare of Kentucky has awarded a $1,500 micro-grant to Bowling Green's LifeSkills, Inc. "Documentation Assistance Program," which helps qualified individuals obtain identification cards and other necessary documents.

The grant was awarded through WellCare's micro-grant program. This year, WellCare awarded a total of $20,000 to 18 organizations across the Commonwealth. Nearly 100 applicants competed for grants.

Sharli Rogers, a senior advocate for WellCare of Kentucky, said that LifeSkills' mission was a perfect match for the micro-grant program.

"Some of LifeSkills' clients literally just have what's on their backs, so it's easy to lose an ID," she said. "When applying for jobs or housing, this kind of documentation is crucial. WellCare is proud to support this work to help people obtain the personal identification they need to enter the workforce, obtain housing and to get needed assistance."

Rogers said this is a first step to helping these individuals get their lives back on track.

"LifeSkills hopes to enable individuals with low-income and substance use disorders to gain access to general assistance, state aid, homeless prevention services, sustainable housing and gainful employment by implementing the Documentation Assistance Program through this partnership with WellCare of Kentucky," said Kristin Pruitt, LifeSkills' supported housing manager.

The program provides funds for those needing assistance obtaining Kentucky State IDs, Kentucky driver's license renewals, Kentucky's driver's license reinstatements and certified birth certificates. 

This is the second year WellCare has provided micro-grants to social service agencies across Kentucky. The micro-grants are awarded in increments of $500, $1,000 and $1,500. A short application process is required and applicants must meet certain qualifications.

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. To learn more about how we care for Kentuckians, watch Brandi's story at http://youtu.be/YwOw5EgeSYo.

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 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.

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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.