WellCare’s Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

By Rhonda Mims

In November, WellCare participated in a gathering hosted by the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ (CEO Action), the largest CEO-driven coalition to advance diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the workplace.

Tackling Rural Health Challenges on National Rural Health Day

By Kelly Munson

National Rural Health Day (NRHD) is Nov. 21, and it’s a good opportunity to examine the current state of rural healthcare and new approaches to reduce the long-standing health inequalities between rural and urban America.

Turning the Spotlight on Our Nation’s Caregivers

Many times it’s the hard-working people behind the scenes who are the unsung heroes.

At WellCare, we applaud the starring role caregivers play in the health and well-being of our members and our local communities.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Is Here: How to Find a Plan That’s Right for You

By Michael Polen

It’s that time of year again – the Annual Enrollment Period.

A time when millions of Americans age 65 and older and those with certain disabilities and conditions can make changes to their Medicare coverage.

It’s also a time to evaluate options, shop for the best deals, and select a plan that fits your budget and health needs.

Flu Season Is Here: A Reminder to Get Vaccinated

By Mark Leenay, M.D.

Anyone who has suffered from the flu will likely remember it as a miserable experience – fever, chills, aches, cough and fatigue – and one that they don’t want to repeat.

With the beginning of fall also comes the official start of the flu season. Flu occurs in the US throughout the year but picks up in late October, peaks in February and the season can last through May.  September and October are the ideal times to get a flu vaccine in order to reduce your risk of falling ill and missing out on work, important life activities or the holiday season.

Addressing Social Determinants of Health: WellCare Study Examines Top Social Services Needs in First Half of 2019

By Rhonda Mims

Social determinants of health (SDOH) – the conditions in which we live, learn, work and play – can explain, in large part, why some Americans are healthier than others.

That’s why at WellCare, we go beyond healthcare, helping our members manage the many challenges of daily life.

Through our Community Connections program, we help connect our members and non- members, to needed resources – from food and housing to transportation and child care – all in an effort to eliminate barriers to care and pave a path toward better health and independence.

Forbes Names WellCare a Best Employer for New Grads

By Timothy Trodden and Rhonda Mims

This week, Forbes magazine named WellCare one of America’s “Best Employers for New Grads.” Each year, the magazine conducts an anonymous survey with 10,000 new or recent graduates asking them to rank their employers based on factors like workplace, professional development, working conditions, salary, diversity and whether they would recommend their employer to others.

And while it is an honor to be recognized, we know it wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of our talented team of associates.

The Importance of Celebrating Diversity and Giving Back During Hispanic Heritage Month

By Gregg MacDonald

At WellCare, we take great pride in celebrating the diversity of our members and our associates.

During National Hispanic Heritage Month (celebrated Sept. 15 to Oct. 15), we recognize the culture, traditions, history and important contributions made by Hispanic and Latino Americans. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 60 million people, or 18% of the U.S. population, identifies as Hispanic or Latino in origin – the largest minority in the United States.

Going Beyond Medical Care: Delivering Value with Medicaid Managed Care

By Kelly Munson

Today, 40 states partner with managed care organizations (MCOs), or private health insurance providers, to administer their Medicaid benefits and cover the costs of delivering care (North Carolina, the 40^th state, is expected to launch its managed care program on Nov. 1, 2019). These plans now cover more than 66 million of the 73 million Americans who depend on Medicaid, the largest source of public health insurance coverage in the nation.

WellCare Named a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion

By Mark Leenay, M.D.

This month, WellCare earned a top score of 100% in the 2019 Disability Equality Index (DEI®). This highly respected recognition is based on an annual national survey that scores businesses on their disability inclusion policies and practices and distinguishes WellCare as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion^TM” by the United States Business Leadership Network (USBLN) and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).

Focusing on disability inclusion for our associates and our members is a business imperative and an important part of our comprehensive diversity and inclusion efforts. According to the DEI, companies that improve disability inclusion over time outperform their peers, and leading companies report 28% higher revenue, double the net income and 30% higher economic profit margins.

Recognizing Perinatal and Postpartum Depression

By Dr. Traci Thompson Ferguson

Pregnancy and new parenthood can often be emotional times. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there’s a big difference between what is sometimes called the “baby blues” and the clinical condition known as perinatal and postpartum depression – or PPD.

WellCare Celebrates 50 Years of Pride

By Mike Radu

This month, the nation celebrates Pride Month, but this year is particularly special as we recognize the 50^th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. This dark period in our history became the catalyst for the modern movement for LGBTQ+ equality in the United States and around the world, and WellCare associates are proud to join in and show their true colors of diversity and inclusion.