WellCare of Georgia increases OTC, vision Medicaid benefits to boost preventative care

ATLANTA - WellCare of Georgia, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, enhanced its Medicaid benefits Thursday by adding new incentives to its healthy rewards program and increasing its over-the-counter and vision program benefits.

The healthy rewards program incentivizes Georgia Medicaid members to complete specific preventive health, wellness and engagement milestones. The achievement of a healthy behavior earns the member a debit card with an amount up to $50, depending upon the type of healthy behavior completed. New to the program this year, members who meet their prescribed prenatal and postpartum visits will receive a $50 debit card plus their choice of a stroller, portable playpen or six packs of diapers.

"Preventive care is crucial to achieving and maintaining health," stated John Alexander Johnson, senior medical director for WellCare of Georgia. "We are committed to continually improving the care and services we provide to our members to help them stay healthy. The earlier we seek preventive care the better, which is why we work very hard to ensure expectant mothers get the care they need for their babies," he said. "Babies born to mothers who lack prenatal care have three times the chance of being born with low-birth weight. Our goal is for mothers to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies."

WellCare of Georgia Medicaid members will also receive a 20% increase in their credit toward OTC supplies. Each Medicaid member will receive a $12 monthly allowance against an asssortment of more than 200 items, including vitamins, toothbrushes and cold remedies.

And the increased vision benefit includes a $50 credit towards eyeglasses, with additional frame options beyond what is covered by traditional Medicaid. An annual eye exam and eye care supplies, including OTC reading glasses, eyewashes and eye drops are also available at no cost to these members.

"Our enhanced benefits are designed to positively impact the health of our Georgia Medicaid members and ultimately can help to reduce the long-term costs of health care," said Roman Kulich, WellCare's region president, Georgia and South Carolina.

As of March 31, 2016, WellCare serves approximately 583,000 Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids plan members, 37,000 Medicare Advantage plan members and 24,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members in Georgia.