Wellcare Medicare Advantage Plans
Founded: 1985
Home Office: Tampa, Florida
WellCare, now part of Centene Corporation, offers a range of Medicare Advantage plans designed to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to seniors enrolled in Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, serve as an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and often include additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage (Part D), dental, vision, hearing, and wellness programs. WellCare's Medicare Advantage plans are crafted to provide a wide array of healthcare services under a single, integrated plan.
WellCare's Medicare Advantage plan options typically include Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans, Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, and Special Needs Plans (SNPs), among others. These plans come with varying features, including network restrictions and cost-sharing structures, enabling seniors to choose a plan that aligns with their specific healthcare needs and budget preferences.
WellCare, known for its commitment to delivering value-based care, focuses on preventive care, wellness initiatives, and care coordination. The company often collaborates with healthcare providers to enhance healthcare quality and member experiences. Overall, WellCare's Medicare Advantage plans aim to offer comprehensive and accessible healthcare coverage, promoting the well-being of seniors enrolled in Medicare and ensuring they have access to the care they require.
About Wellcare
WellCare Health Plans, Inc. is a managed care company that specializes in providing government-sponsored healthcare programs, including Medicaid and Medicare, to individuals and families in the United States.
WellCare was founded in 1985 by Dr. Kiran Patel and a group of physicians in Tampa, Florida. The company initially focused on providing Medicaid services in Florida, aiming to improve access to quality healthcare for low-income individuals and families.
WellCare expanded rapidly over the years, both in terms of its service areas and the range of healthcare programs it offered. The company entered multiple states and began offering Medicare Advantage plans in addition to its Medicaid services.
WellCare became known for its specialization in government-sponsored healthcare programs, particularly Medicaid and Medicare. The company aimed to serve populations eligible for these programs, including low-income individuals, seniors, and individuals with complex healthcare needs.
WellCare has consistently focused on innovative healthcare solutions, including care coordination, preventive care, and value-based care models. These approaches aim to improve healthcare outcomes for its members while managing costs effectively.
In 2019, WellCare Health Plans was acquired by Centene Corporation, a large healthcare company specializing in government-sponsored healthcare programs. The acquisition expanded Centene's footprint and further solidified WellCare's role in the managed care industry.
WellCare's history reflects its commitment to providing healthcare solutions for vulnerable and underserved populations, particularly those eligible for government-sponsored healthcare programs. Under the Centene umbrella, WellCare continues to play a significant role in the managed care industry, offering comprehensive healthcare coverage and services to millions of individuals and families across the United States.