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Molina vs. WellCare Insurance
Which health insurance company is the best option for you and your family? Compare Molina and WellCare side by side.
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 Written & Edited by Fran Majidi Fran MajidiFran Majidi manages content on SmartFinancial's website. She's had nearly a decade's worth of experience writing about i... Read more |
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Molina vs. WellCare: What You Need to Know
Molina Healthcare was founded in 1980 by C. David Molina, an emergency room physician in Long Beach, CA. After seeing that patients were being turned away because the hospital would not accept Medi-Cal, he established his first primary care clinic in Wilmington, California in 1980. His goal was to treat the lowest-income patients. For 20 years, his son and fellow physician, J. Mario Molina, ran the company while he served as president and CEO. His younger son, John, was the CFO of Molina Healthcare. The two sons took over the company after their father’s death in 1996.
In 1985, Wellcare began as a Medicaid provider for the state of Florida, with operations in Tampa, Florida. After the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 was passed, WellCare began offering Medicare Part C, now called Medicare Advantage. In 2003, it offered Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage. In 2004, Wellcare went public. In November 2013, WellCare appointed Chairman David Gallitano to serve as interim CEO. He increased spending on technology and famously dorned the walls with photographs and portraits of health plan members, including people who suffer from chronic conditions like cancer, homelessness and hunger. In 2014, WellCare hired Kenneth Burdick as the new CEO and board member. He’d originally joined the company as the president of national health plans but was promoted first to president and COO and eventually CEO. In September 2017, Wellcare announced a rebrand with a focus on holistic health: “Beyond Healthcare: A Better You.” In October 2017, Wellcare announced the UNC Health Alliance primary care physicians and specialists into its Medicare Advantage network. Wellcare operates in 20 states and was recognized by Fortune magazine as One of the World’s Most Admired Companies in January 2018. In January 2020, Wellcare was acquired by Centene Corporation.
To learn more about each company, you can check out the Molina Overview and WellCare Overview.
What is Molina and WellCare Insurance Rating?
Which health insurance company is better? We've made it easy to compare companies side by side. See how Molina and WellCare ranked among the industry ratings.
| Comparison | Molina | WellCare |
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1980 | 1985 |
| Medicare Star Rating | 3.5 stars (out of 5) | 3.57 stars (out of 5) |
| BBB Rating | F | A+ |
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Pros & Cons of Molina or WellCare
Pros
Molina
- Affordable coverage for underserved communities, like Medicaid and Medicare recipients.
- Affordable marketplace plans for people who do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare.
- Popular mobile app makes it easy to stay on top of your account.
WellCare
- Affordable Medicare plans with many options for savings.
- Offers PPO plans for Medicare Advantage, allowing for more freedom in choosing providers.
Cons
Molina
- Molina Healthcare only offers Medicaid plans in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.
WellCare
- The PPO plans are only available in select counties in New York, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina.
- Medicare ratings have dropped over the past few years, possibly due to rapid expansion and acquisition.
Molina and WellCare Mobile Apps Options
The Molina app allows users to find doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies, view claims, and pay your bill.
The MyWellCare app allows you to keep track of your benefits, look for providers, and use it as a digital ID Card.
| Molina Mobile App | ||
|---|---|---|
| iOS | 4.6 | 1.6K users |
| Android | 2.9 | 351 users |
| WellCare Mobile App | ||
|---|---|---|
| iOS | 1.7 | 53 users |
| Android | 2.3 | 209 users |
Molina and WellCare Enrollment Process
Molina
Molina offers plans through the health insurance marketplace. You can begin searching plans here or you can get several free health insurance quotes.
Each state has its own marketplace. If you’re not sure where to begin, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/.
WellCare
You can get several free health insurance quotes. For Wellcare enrollment forms visit here.
How to File a Claim with Molina and WellCare Insurance
Molina
To submit claims for reimbursement, contact member services at 1-888-898-7969. You can only inquire about 3 or fewer claims per call. You can also submit claim to: Molina Healthcare, P.O. Box 22668, Long Beach, CA 90801. You must make timely submissions of your claims or else you may forfeit your right to payment. For filing limits and instructions about electronic claims submissions with Molina Healthcare visit here.
WellCare
Your doctor or care provider should submit a claim to the insurer. You should be covered except for copay. Your insurer will send you an explanation of benefits. If you owe anything, your doctor will send you a bill. If you visit an out-of-network provider, you will not be covered unless it was an emergency. Call 1-800-919-8807 with any additional questions.
Common Questions About WellCare and Molina Insurance
Molina
Does Walgreens accept Molina’s insurance?
As of January 1, 2017, Molina’s Medicaid pharmacy network no longer accepts Walgreens. Molina Medicare members, however, may continue using Walgreens. Walgreens does not participate in the Molina Marketplace pharmacy network.
Which dentists take Molina insurance?
Molina Healthcare covers dental services including oral surgery, x-rays, sealants, fillings, crowns (caps), root canals, dentures and extractions. It also covers a dental exam and one cleaning every six months. To find a provider, visit here and at the top of the page pick your state. At the bottom of the page you’ll be directed to an online provider directory.
How to renew Molina Healthcare?
You need to renew your Medicaid eligibility and your child’s Medicaid eligibility with your local County Department of Social Services every 12 months. This is called Medicaid Re-determination. Your Medicaid does not automatically renew. If you miss the deadline you may lose benefits for a whole year. You can renew either by phone using the Medicaid Renewal Hotline in your state or your local County Department of Social Services (each state has a different name for this).
What is Molina’s healthcare coverage?
Molina Healthcare is a managed care company headquartered in Long Beach, Ca. The company provides health insurance to lower-income people through government programs like Medicaid and Medicare as well as the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) also called CHIP in some states.
Check out our full list of common questions about Molina.
WellCare
What is WellCare insurance?
WellCare provides managed care services through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Prescription Drug plans.
Is WellCare good insurance?
WellCare received 3.57 stars out of 5 by Medicare’s rating system. It has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Who takes WellCare insurance?
Wellcare has a network of providers. To find a WellCare provider or to see if your doctor accepts Wellcare, visit here.
Are Wellcare and Centene the same?
Centene acquired Wellcare in January 2020.
Check out our full list of common questions about WellCare.
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Molina and WellCare Insurance Contact Info
| Molina Contact Info | |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 Oceangate, Suite 100, Long Beach, CA 90802 |
| Phone | 1 (562) 435-3666 |
| Website | https://www.molinahealthcare.com/ |
| https://www.facebook.com/groups/Molinaheathcare/ | |
| Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/user/MolinaHealthcare |
| https://twitter.com/molinahealth | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/molina-healthcare/ | |
| WellCare Contact Info | |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 31370 |
| Phone | 1 (800) 960-2530 |
| Website | https://www.wellcare.com/ |
| https://www.facebook.com/WellCareHealthPlans/ | |
| Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpI5y9aJ895uevK-EAG67eA |
| https://www.instagram.com/wellcaremedicare/ | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellcare/ | |
Fran Majidi manages content on SmartFinancial's website. She's had nearly a decade's worth of experience writing about insurance-related topics. Prior, she was an arts and entertainment editor in New York City. She has a B.A. from Barnard College and an M.F.A. in writing from The New School. She writes books under her given name, Afarin Majidi.
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