- About us
- Agent Login
- 855.214.2291
WellCare vs. Anthem Insurance
Which health insurance company is the best option for you and your family? Compare WellCare and Anthem side by side.
Compare Health Insurance Rates in Your Area
WellCare vs. Anthem: What You Need to Know
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.
In 2004, WellPoint Health Networks Inc and Anthem, Inc. merged and became the nation’s leading health benefits company. In December 2014 WellPoint Inc. changed its corporate name to Anthem, Inc. The Anthem companies offer health care plans and related services like dental, vision, behavioral health, life insurance and disability insurance benefits as well as long-term care insurance and flexible spending accounts. Anthem has about 40 million members and is ranked 33rd on the Fortune 500.
To learn more about each company, you can check out the WellCare Overview and Anthem Overview.
What is WellCare and Anthem Insurance Rating?
Which health insurance company is better? We've made it easy to compare companies side by side. See how WellCare and Anthem ranked among the industry ratings.
| Comparison | WellCare | Anthem |
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1985 | 2004 |
| Medicare Star Rating | 3.57 stars (out of 5) | |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 0.30% for individual health insurance | |
| Market Share Percentage | 6.3% | |
| Financial Strength | Excellent |
Get Personalized Health Insurance Quotes Here
Pros & Cons of WellCare or Anthem
Pros
WellCare
- Affordable Medicare plans with many options for savings.
- Offers PPO plans for Medicare Advantage, allowing for more freedom in choosing providers.
Anthem
- Anthem Inc. is one of the largest providers of health insurance plans in the country, serving approximately 40 million members
- Anthem Inc. is a financially secure health insurance carrier.
Cons
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.
Anthem
- Anthem received some bad press in 2014, for refusing to cover the hospitalization of a man with stage 4 cancers. Anthem ended up paying for coverage after public outcry.
- In 2017, Anthem was fined for untimely responses to complaints.
WellCare and Anthem Mobile Apps Options
The MyWellCare app allows you to keep track of your benefits, look for providers, and use it as a digital ID Card.
The Anthem Medicaid app is only available to policyholders in 5 states. Indiana, Kentucky, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Virginia. The app allows users to find doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies, view claims, pay your bill, and manage your prescriptions.
| WellCare Mobile App | ||
|---|---|---|
| iOS | 1.7 | 53 users |
| Android | 2.3 | 209 users |
| Anthem Mobile App | ||
|---|---|---|
| iOS | 2.2 | 42 users |
| Android | 2.9 | 101 users |
WellCare and Anthem Enrollment Process
WellCare
You can get several free health insurance quotes with SmartFinancial. For Wellcare enrollment forms visit here.
Anthem
Anthem is available through the health insurance marketplace or you can get several free quotes with SmartFinancial. Each state has their own marketplace. If you’re not sure where to begin, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/.
How to File a Claim with WellCare and Anthem Insurance
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.
Anthem
Make sure you use the claim form from your benefit plan because each type is different. You’ll need to get procedures codes from your doctor’s office. File the paperwork within the time limit. Include pre-approval if it’s needed.
Common Questions About Anthem and WellCare Insurance
WellCare
Does WellCare cover dental implants?
Healthplex is WellCare's dental network provider. They do not cover dental implants.
Who qualifies for WellCare health insurance?
People who qualify for Medicaid and Medicare qualify for WellCare health insurance.
What Medicare Plans Are Offered by WellCare?
Wellcare offers Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage. They also offer Medicare Part D, Medicare Prescription Drug coverage.
Does WellCare have a mail-order pharmacy?
As a member, you may have your prescriptions filled by any network pharmacy. However, the amount you pay may be lower if you fill your prescription through CVS/Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy.
Check out our full list of common questions about WellCare.
Anthem
Is Anthem medical insurance good?
Anthem is a trusted medical insurance provider that serves millions of Americans. Complaint ratios, however, tend to be a bit higher than average on group insurance plans.
How does Anthem deductible work?
Like most health care plans, Anthem has an annual flat-dollar deductible you must meet before your plan begins to pay your medical expenses.
Is Anthem Blue Cross the same as Blue Shield?
Anthem offers health insurance as a Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliate.
What is the policy number on the Anthem insurance card?
Your policy number is the same as your ID number, which should be on the front of the card.
Check out our full list of common questions about Anthem.
Get Personalized Health Insurance Quotes Here
WellCare and Anthem Insurance Contact Info
| 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://twitter.com/PlansWellcare | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellcare/ | |
| Anthem Contact Info | |
|---|---|
| Address | 220 Virginia Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46204 |
| Phone | 1 (800) 331-1476 |
| Website | https://www.anthem.com/ |
| https://www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossBlueShield/ | |
| Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCInrJqNqrSpvHwNErijbVyg |
| https://twitter.com/AnthemInc | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/antheminc/ | |
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.
Compare Health Insurance Rates for Free
Answer a few questions and let Penny find the best rates in your area.