WellCare Gives Micro-Grants to Community-Based Organizations That Support Autism Assistance

ATLANTA and TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare of Georgia, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. WCG, announced that it has given micro-grants to six nonprofit community-based organizations across the state that provide assistance to children and families dealing with autism.

Nearly 1 in 64, or 1.6 percent, of 8-year-old children in Georgia were identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by the Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program.

The grants, totaling $6,000, support Augusta Urban Ministries, Beyond Limits Therapeutic Riding, Inc., Boys2Men, Home & Sanctuary for Youth, Inc., Connections on the Parkway, Inc., Life Church International and The Matthew Reardon Center for Autism.

"Community-based organizations are vital to supporting the social safety net for low-income and other vulnerable populations," said Veatrice Futch, manager of WellCare of Georgia's Community Advocacy team. "However, decreases in funding are causing public assistance organizations to cut back services, increasing the burden on families. These donations will further the resources available to help enrich the lives of children with ASD in Georgia."

"This grant allows us to share our passion with others about the benefits of therapeutic horse riding," said Dr. Kimberly Oviedo, executive director, Beyond Limits Therapeutic Riding, Inc. "These funds will support a horse show that will give our riders a chance to show off their skills. The thrill of competition is one we often take for granted, but to those who rarely get the opportunity to earn an award, this event is an important one they will never forget."

WellCare's micro-grant program in Georgia is one facet of its commitment to building partnerships with nonprofit, community-based organizations that offer support in meeting basic social needs. In 2016, WellCare of Georgia awarded a total of $20,000 to 22 organizations across the state.

As of Dec. 31, 2016, WellCare serves approximately 571,000 Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® plan members, 40,000 Medicare Advantage plan members and 23,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members in Georgia. To learn more about how WellCare cares for Georgians, watch Gloria's story at http://youtu.be/qyn-nywze04.

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. The company serves approximately 3.9 million members nationwide as of Dec. 31, 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.