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WellCare vs. CareSource Insurance
Which health insurance company is the best option for you and your family? Compare WellCare and CareSource 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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WellCare vs. CareSource: 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 1989, CareSource was founded on the premise of providing quality health care coverage for Medicaid consumers. Today it offers one of the nation’s largest Medicaid managed care plans. CareSource also offers private health insurance plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace, including Medicare Advantage and MyCare Ohio plans. CareSource has more than 1.9 million members across five states. The company employs about 3,800 people and is considered a nonprofit organization.
To learn more about each company, you can check out the WellCare Overview and CareSource Overview.
What is WellCare and CareSource Insurance Rating?
Which health insurance company is better? We've made it easy to compare companies side by side. See how WellCare and CareSource ranked among the industry ratings.
| Comparison | WellCare | CareSource |
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1985 | 1989 |
| Medicare Star Rating | 3.57 stars (out of 5) | 2.5 stars (out of 5) |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 7.17% |
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Pros & Cons of WellCare or CareSource
Pros
WellCare
- Affordable Medicare plans with many options for savings.
- Offers PPO plans for Medicare Advantage, allowing for more freedom in choosing providers.
CareSource
- CareSource is one of a few options that lower-income, underserved communities have for a managed health plan.
- Affordable marketplace plans with different tiers of coverage.
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.
CareSource
- CareSource has a high number of complaints.
WellCare and CareSource 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 CareSource app allows you to view your digital ID Card, find a doctor, file claims, make payments and more.
| WellCare Mobile App | ||
|---|---|---|
| iOS | 1.7 | 53 users |
| Android | 2.3 | 209 users |
| CareSource Mobile App | ||
|---|---|---|
| iOS | 4 | 1K users |
| Android | 3.3 | 397 users |
WellCare and CareSource Enrollment Process
WellCare
You can get several free health insurance quotes with SmartFinancial. For Wellcare enrollment forms visit here.
CareSource
CareSource is available through the health insurance marketplace by searching plans here or you can get several free health insurance quotes with SmartFinancial.
Each state has its own marketplace. If you’re not sure where to begin, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/. Also, remember that CareSource only covers Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana Georgia, and West Virginia.
How to File a Claim with WellCare and CareSource 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.
CareSource
CareSource accepts claims in various formats, including paper and electronic claims. Reimbursement is based on the prevailing state Medicaid or Medicare fee schedule. With Marketplace Plans, you can make claims inquiries at (866) 286-9949 (Indiana), (855) 852-5558 (Kentucky), (937) 224-3300 (Ohio), (678) 214 7500, (Georgia) and (855) 202-1091 (West Virginia). Visit your app or www.caresource.com to find the right claim forms for the state in which you live.
Common Questions About CareSource and WellCare Insurance
WellCare
What is WellCare Value Script?
WellCare Value Script has a low premium and $0 copays for Tier 1 prescriptions when filled at a preferred cost-share pharmacy.
What is the deductible for WellCare?
The annual deductible for WellCare is $415.
How does WellCare flex card work?
WellCare flex is a prepaid debit card to help cover out-of-pocket expenses for services such as dental, vision, and hearing. Members pay $0 for certain over-the-counter (OTC) products worth up to $1,800 annually, depending on the plan.
Does WellCare have a PPO plan?
WellCare has launched Preferred Provider Organization plans (local PPOs) in select counties in New York, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina.
Check out our full list of common questions about WellCare.
CareSource
How do I know if I qualify for CareSource?
If you qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, you are eligible for CareSource. Your savings on their marketplace plans are also based on total household income. Government plans require that all incomes in the household be taken into consideration unless the person is not required to file federal taxes.
What states does CareSource cover?
CareSource covers Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana Georgia, and West Virginia.
How to cancel CareSource insurance?
Cancellation inquiries can be made at (866) 286-9949 (Indiana), (855) 852-5558 (Kentucky), (937) 224-3300 (Ohio), (678) 214 7500, (Georgia) and (855) 202-1091 (West Virginia).
Does CareSource require prior authorization?
Some procedures, like MRIs, MRAs, CT scans, CTA scans, and PET scans, require pre-authorization unless they are provided in an emergency department. All services that require prior authorization from CareSource need to be authorized before the service is rendered.
Check out our full list of common questions about CareSource.
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WellCare and CareSource 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/ | |
| CareSource Contact Info | |
|---|---|
| Address | 230 N. Main St., Dayton, OH 45402 |
| Phone | 1 (937) 224-3300 |
| Website | https://www.caresource.com/ |
| https://www.facebook.com/CareSource/ | |
| Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU8XjYqtJ-0 |
| https://twitter.com/caresource | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/caresource/ | |
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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