WellCare Honors High-Performing Physicians in New York

NEW YORK and TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG), a leading provider of managed care services for government-sponsored health care programs, announced today that it honored its high-performing network physicians in New York by making them the first inductees into WellCare of New York's new All-Star Quality Team.

WellCare of New York launched the All-Star Quality Team to recognize the instrumental role that physician providers play in helping its members live better, healthier lives. The 25 physicians selected demonstrated excellence in caring for members per federal metrics called Health Care Effectiveness Data and Information Set® (HEDIS) and were recognized for their HEDIS 2015 results. These measures gauge how effectively WellCare manages its members' chronic diseases, such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, and ensures that members receive preventive care, such as immunizations and health screenings.

WellCare now ranks fourth highest out of 16 plans in providing quality care for Medicaid recipients in New York. The ranking is based on health care quality metrics, member and provider satisfaction, and regulatory compliance measurements as determined by New York's Office of Health Insurance Programs.

"These physicians were instrumental to us being named a Quality Health Plan by the state of New York again this year, and their work reflects WellCare's strong commitment to providing our members with the high quality care they need to get and stay healthy," said John J. Burke, state president, WellCare of New York.  "A strong relationship with a primary care physician – who can urge members to get needed screenings and help manage health issues – is essential to good health."

Five doctors received special recognition for their superior performance on quality metrics and the number of WellCare members they serve:

• Dr. Batool Hussaini of Best Medical Care in Richmond Hill.
• Dr. Azra Wasti of Family Health Care Plaza in Brooklyn.
• Dr. Jaime Roman of Roman Clinics in Jackson Heights.
• Dr. Ferdous Khandaker of Western Care Professional Corp. in Jackson Heights.
• Dr. Jose Goris in New York.

"I am proud to receive this award and to be a part of a caring team that strives to provide quality care to all," said Dr. Wasti of Family Health Care Plaza in Brooklyn. "WellCare has always provided me with cooperation and given extended help where we need it to provide the best care for our patients."

"It was a pleasure to have been invited to receive an award and to be inducted into WellCare of New York's new Quality All-Star Team," said Dr. Roman of Roman Clinics in Jackson Heights. "Not only does it reflect the excellent work physicians are doing, but also the great work that WellCare is doing in helping physicians maintain a high standard of excellent health care."

As of Sept. 30, 2015, WellCare serves approximately 112,000 Medicaid members, 47,000 Medicare Advantage members, 51,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members and 7,500 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. The Company serves approximately 3.8 million members nationwide as of Sept. 30, 2015. 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.