Which health insurance company is the best option for you and your family? Compare WellCare and Anthem side by side.
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.
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 |
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
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/.
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.
WellCare
Healthplex is WellCare's dental network provider. They do not cover dental implants.
People who qualify for Medicaid and Medicare qualify for WellCare health insurance.
Wellcare offers Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage. They also offer Medicare Part D, Medicare Prescription Drug coverage.
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
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.
Like most health care plans, Anthem has an annual flat-dollar deductible you must meet before your plan begins to pay your medical expenses.
Anthem offers health insurance as a Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliate.
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.
WellCare Contact Info | |
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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 | |
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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/ |
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