WellCare of Texas Offers 2017 Medicare Advantage Options to Help Seniors Achieve and Maintain Optimal Health

SAN ANTONIO and TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare of Texas, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc., 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.

"At WellCare, we are focused on providing our Medicare Advantage members with access to affordable, high quality health care," said Anthony Valdés, WellCare's vice president of market performance. "Our plans offer extra benefits designed for people who want to take an active role in their health, in addition to options specifically created for those who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid."

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 plans that offer a $0 monthly premium combined with extra benefits beyond those offered by Original Medicare, such as vision and dental coverage. Some plans also offer hearing coverage, a health club membership, a monthly allowance to help purchase needed over-the-counter health items, such as vitamins, toothbrushes and pain relievers, and complimentary transportation to medical appointments.

One of the key components of health and wellness is to have a good relationship with a primary care physician. To help achieve this, WellCare plans offer a $0 - $5 copay for primary care visits, as well as $0 copays for physician-ordered lab tests and x-rays. Some plans also return a portion of Part B premiums to the enrollee, ranging from $15 to $40.

WellCare's Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug 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, go to www.WellCareNow.com.

As of June 30, 2016, WellCare serves approximately 34,000 Medicare Advantage members and 94,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members in Texas.

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.

WellCare (HMO) - Medicare Advantage
WellCare (HMO SNP) is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Texas Medicaid program. Enrollment in WellCare (HMO SNP) depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, co-payments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or co- payments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. Premiums, co-pays, coinsurance and deductibles may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details. 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. If you meet certain eligibility requirements for both Medicare and Medicaid, your Part B premiums may be covered in full. Some plans are available to those who have medical assistance from both the state and Medicare. Please contact WellCare for details.
*Other pharmacies and providers are available 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).
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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.