WellCare to Award $8,000 in Micro-Grants to Support Social Service Agencies in Buffalo, New York

BUFFALO, N.Y. and TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare of New York, Inc., a WellCare (NYSE: WCG) company, announced it will offer $8,000 in micro-grants to support local social service organizations that address needs related to behavioral health, healthy food access and transportation in Erie County.

Nonprofits and 501(c)(3) organizations that offer services in these areas are encouraged to apply. The micro-grants will be awarded in denominations of $500, $1,000 and $1,500.

"At WellCare, we understand the importance of supporting the social safety net to help improve and strengthen the communities we serve," said Maria Auciello, WellCare of New York's manager of advocacy and community-based programs. "It can be hard for our members to prioritize their health when they have more urgent needs around food, transportation or access to behavioral health services. By supporting community-based groups, we aim to help residents in Erie County live better, healthier lives."

Qualifying organizations can apply by completing a short application online at http://www.thecommunitycommitment.org/micro-grant-request-submission/. The application period closes on Nov. 18, 2016. For more information about the micro-grants, email Maria Auciello at [email protected].

As of Sept. 30, 2016, WellCare serves approximately 126,000 Medicaid members, 43,000 Medicare Advantage members, 56,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members and 6,000 Managed Long Term Care members in New York.

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 Sept. 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.

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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.