WellCare of South Carolina Offers 2017 Medicare Advantage Options That Promote Preventive and Maintenance Care

COLUMBIA, S.C. and TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare of South Carolina, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG), will offer people eligible for Medicare an expanded variety of Medicare Advantage plans for 2017 that provide more benefits and services than Original Medicare.

During the 2017 Open Enrollment Period, which runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2016, Medicare-eligible individuals will be able to select WellCare plans that are specifically designed to meet the needs of cost-conscious seniors seeking to get and stay healthy. All South Carolina plans offer a $0 premium combined with expanded benefits that include dental, vision, and hearing not available under Original Medicare as well as a free fitness membership. 

"Selecting a plan is one of the most critical decisions that seniors make each year," said Kathy Warner, WellCare's state president for South Carolina. "WellCare in South Carolina is proud to offer expanded benefits to for eligible seniors including zero dollars on monthly premiums, labs and x-rays, and diabetic supplies."

All plans feature a monthly allowance to help in purchasing needed over-the-counter health care items like vitamins, toothbrushes and cold remedies, and transportation to medical appointments. 

WellCare's Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans feature a $0 copay for Tier 1 generic pharmacy prescriptions, a national pharmacy network with key national retailers (CVS, Walgreens and Walmart*), and a simplified, single cost schedule that is the same for 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 the plan to look up drugs, coverage options and formulary alternatives. To learn more about WellCare's plans and benefits, go to www.WellCareNow.com.

WellCare Medicare Advantage plans are available in these 10 counties: Abbeville, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, McCormick, Newberry, Pickens, Saluda, Spartanburg and Union counties.

As of June 30, 2016, WellCare serves approximately 92,000 Medicaid members, 3,000 Medicare Advantage plan members and 12,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members in South Carolina.

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. 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 AdvantageWellCare (HMO) is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in WellCare (HMO) depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on Jan. 1 of each year. 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 their Medicare Part B premium. Please contact WellCare for details.*Other pharmacies and providers are available in our network.

DisclaimersWellCare complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. 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).ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-374-4056 (TTY: 711). 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-877-374-4056（TTY：711）。

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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.