WellCare of Kentucky Earns Highest Consumer Satisfaction Ratings from Members for Medicaid Health Plans in Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky. and TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to consumer satisfaction among Kentucky's managed Medicaid members, no one beats WellCare of Kentucky, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG).

WellCare of Kentucky earned a 5 out of 5 rating for consumer satisfaction of physician care and received a consumer satisfaction rating of 4 out of 5, making WellCare the state's top-rated managed care organization for member satisfaction. Overall, WellCare of Kentucky was rated 3.5 out 5 in the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Medicaid Health Insurance Plan Ratings 2016-2017.

These quality measures are especially important for improving health outcomes. Research indicates that patients who are satisfied with their relationship with their physician tend to utilize more preventive care and health screenings. 

"We know it's incredibly valuable to our members to have preferred doctors in our health plan, and these ratings prove that our members appreciate this high-quality network of providers. But WellCare goes a step beyond just connecting members to health care providers," said Dr. Howard Shaps, medical director for WellCare of Kentucky. "Our deep investments in community advocacy and care management are making vital improvements in our members' lives. Many families struggle with social determinants that place them at a disadvantage for living a healthy life. By helping families navigate these challenges, WellCare of Kentucky removes major roadblocks to health improvements. We look forward to continuing to improve the lives and health of hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians." 

WellCare of Kentucky employs more than 110 care managers in communities across the state who can provide in-home visits for members as well as help close gaps in social and health care services gaps.

Consumer Satisfaction Important for Health

Member satisfaction among the Medicaid population is crucial, said Dr. Shaps, because patients are more likely to manage chronic health conditions and reduce unhealthy behaviors when they have a positive relationship with their physicians.

An August 2016 report from Health Affairs (funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation) noted that among lower-income patients, trust and respect were their primary concern in the health care system. Many reported the issue they were most passionate about was distrust of health care workers and a sense that they were seen as "less-than" by medical providers.

"Because our primary care physicians have done an extraordinary job in building patient relationships and offering helpful, manageable ways for members to improve their health, we're seeing measureable improvements in health outcomes," said Dr. Shaps. "Our members trust their physicians, and that helps people better manage their health."

Last year, the Harvard Business Review reported that in a series of case reviews, medical practices and systems that prioritize relationships with patients report improved satisfaction as well as lowered costs and improved health measures.

As of Sept. 30, 2016, WellCare serves approximately 440,000 Medicaid members, 8,000 Medicare Advantage plan members and 20,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members in Kentucky. To learn more about how WellCare cares for Kentuckians, watch Brandi Logan's member story at http://youtu.be/YwOw5EgeSYo.

About NCQA Ratings
The NCQA Accreditation ratings are calculated based on Health Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) scores, Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) scores and NCQA Accreditation standard scores. The NCQA Health Insurance Plan Ratings is considered the most comprehensive evaluation in the health care industry.

For a more detailed review of the latest NCQA health insurance plan ratings report, visit: http://healthinsuranceratings.ncqa.org/2016/search/Medicaid/KY.

About NCQA
NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA is committed to providing health care quality information for consumers, purchasers, health care providers and researchers.

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.