Wellcare Medicare Plans Review: Pros, Cons, & Alternatives (2024)

If you are 65 or older, you qualify for Medicare coverage. There are a few different routes you can choose when considering Medicare, and Wellcare Medicare is one option that might appeal to you.

With Wellcare, individuals can choose from different Medicare Advantage Plans that might work better for them than Original Medicare.

While Original Medicare offers one option for coverage that is cut and dry, Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by various insurance companies. However, they vary a bit when it comes to coverages.

Before you decide on a Medicare Advantage plan, be sure to shop around for free insurance quotes online. Here you can compare Medicare Advantage quotes from multiple companies at once.

As you consider your own medical needs, you may prefer a Medicare Advantage plan over Original Medicare. If that’s the case, Wellcare Medicare plans could work well for you.

You can use our free quote tool above to find and compare Medicare Advantage rates from top companies in your area to see how much you would pay.

What is Wellcare?

Wellcare is a Medicare Advantage Plan offered by the Centene Corporation, which is one of the leading Medicare Advantage providers in the United States.

Wellcare offers numerous Medicare Advantage Plans. These plans will vary when it comes to monthly rates, overall coverage, and individual benefits.

Wellcare Medicare Advantage Plans include the following types of coverage for policyholders:

• HMO – You are typically required to use a specific network of doctors to cover your medical visits.
• HMO-POS – You can use some out-of-network services, but you can expect to pay more with copays and other out-of-pocket costs.
• PPO – You can choose from any provider that accepts your specific Medicare Advantage coverage, and you may not have to declare a primary physician.
• PFFS – You can see any Medicare-approved physician that accepts your specific coverage.
• SNPs – Your special needs, such as chronic conditions like diabetes, are covered by a network of physicians.

The choice of a Medicare Advantage Plan appeals to some people who find Original Medicare coverage lacking or restrictive when it comes to certain services. Wellcare Medicare providers span a wide range of disciplines, and because policyholders can customize their coverages, a Wellcare Medicare plan may be more appealing to you.

It’s important to find the best doctors that accept Medicare in your area so you know you’ll be happy with the care you receive with your coverage.

How much does Wellcare cost?

The amount you pay for a Wellcare Medicare Advantage Plan will depend on a number of factors, including the type of plan you choose, your individual health needs, where you live, and more.

Monthly rates for a Wellcare Medicare plan range from zero to $286. The majority of Wellcare’s HMO, PPO, and PFFS plans do not require you to pay a monthly premium. However, Special Needs plans with Wellcare Medicare range from $10 to $42 per month.

If you choose a Medicare Advantage Plan, you will likely still have to pay the monthly premiums for Medicare Part B. The premiums are anywhere from $150 to $180, depending on your annual income.

You will also want to consider additional costs that come with a Medicare Advantage Plan, which include:

• Yearly deductibles
• Copayments and/or coinsurance obligations
• In-network and out-of-network maximums for out-of-pocket expenses
• Add-ons to your Medicare Advantage Plan that cost extra

You can compare quotes from different Medicare Advantage Plans — with different insurance providers — to see which offers you the lowest monthly rates. But keep in mind that there will likely be unforeseen expenses with most of the options you find.

Does Wellcare cover prescriptions?

Most of Wellcare’s Medicare Advantage Plans cover prescription medications. The company also offers policyholders the option of choosing a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan.

For Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Part D covers prescription needs but does not offer any medical coverage.

Wellcare Medicare prescription plans include:

• Wellcare Value Script – You pay $11.85 a month and have a $480 annual drug deductible.
• Wellcare Classic – You pay $30.82 a month and have a $480 annual drug deductible.
• Wellcare Medicare RX Value Plus – You pay $68.70 a month and do not have to pay an annual deductible.

If you take medications on a regular basis, or if you expect to have medication needs in the future, it’s a good idea to consider adding a Medicare Part D plan with Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Does Wellcare have good ratings?

A.M. Best has attributed a B++ (Good) rating to the Centene Corporation and its various subsidiaries. Wellcare Medicare Advantage Plans offered by Centene have a stable outlook and a fairly strong financial backing.

The Centene corporation does not garner high praises from its customers. Most policyholders with the Centene corporation rate the Wellcare Medicare Advantage Plans lower than other Medicare Advantage providers.

It’s hard to know which plan will be the best option until you research online. Along with reading company reviews, compare quotes from multiple Medicare Advantage providers to make sure the rates you’re paying are the best you can get in your area.

Should I buy a Wellcare Medicare plan?

The first choice you need to make when considering Medicare options is to decide between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans.

If you find that Original Medicare covers your needs well, and you do not need much (if any) additional coverage, then you may want to stick with Original Medicare and save some money.

But if you know you need a Medicare Advantage Plan, you should price other options before going with Wellcare or any other Medicare Advantage provider.

An agent could use their Wellcare Medicare login to explain the different benefits of Medicare Advantage Plans, discuss doctors and providers who would be covered, and answer your questions.

Online quote tools will show you how much people are paying for Medicare Advantage Plans in your area. In fact, use our free quote tool below to find and compare Medicare Advantage Plans today.