Missouri Care's "Show Me Smiles" Program Brings Dental Education to 10,000 Children

COLUMBIA, Mo. and TAMPA, Fla., May 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Missouri, Care Inc., a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG), provided 10,000 children throughout the state with toothbrushes, dental floss and toothpaste as a part of its "Show Me Smiles" dental health program.

Since "Show Me Smiles" debuted in 2010, more than 64,000 children have received dental supplies, an educational coloring book and dental education for their parents. Missouri Care partnered with 340 organizations including Head Start, day care programs, elementary schools and child sports leagues to educate pre-kindergarten to third-grade children about the importance of dental health and the role it plays in overall health through songs and role playing. Students also practiced what they learned by brushing the teeth of Allie, an alligator puppet with its own oversized toothbrush.

"Establishing healthy habits, like regular brushing and flossing, early is essential to maintaining good oral health," said Dr. Justin Cramer, medical director at Missouri Care. "The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children begin to receive oral health risk assessments by six months of age. By sharing this message in a fun, engaging way, Missouri Care helps to have a positive impact on the health and well-being of children in Missouri."

As of March 31, 2016, Missouri Care and WellCare serve approximately 130,000 members in Missouri, including 117,000 MO HealthNet Managed Care (Medicaid) members and 13,000 Medicare Prescription Drug members.

About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: 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 3.7 million members nationwide as of March 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.