WellCare vs. Oscar Insurance

Which health insurance company is the best option for you and your family? Compare WellCare and Oscar side by side.

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WellCare vs. Oscar: 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 2012, Oscar Ceo Mario Schlosser and his wife were preparing to have a baby and saw how difficult it was to navigate through the healthcare system. Schlosser’s friend, Josh Kushner, had also had a similar frustration in treating an injury. They founded Oscar Health on a hope to help consumers feel less powerless in managing their health. What makes Oscar different is the Concierge Team that guides members and handles customer service questions and coordination of clinical care.

To learn more about each company, you can check out the WellCare Overview and Oscar Overview.

What is WellCare and Oscar Insurance Rating?

Which health insurance company is better? We've made it easy to compare companies side by side. See how WellCare and Oscar ranked among the industry ratings.

Comparison WellCare Oscar
Year Founded 1985 2012
Medicare Star Rating 3.57 stars (out of 5)  
BBB Rating A+ A+
NAIC Complaint Index:   0.12%

Pros & Cons of WellCare or Oscar

Pros

WellCare
  • Affordable Medicare plans with many options for savings.
  • Offers PPO plans for Medicare Advantage, allowing for more freedom in choosing providers.
Oscar
  • Affordable marketplace plans with different tiers of coverage.
  • Health plan concierges who offer guidance and answer questions.
  • Very low complaint ratio, which means they offer great customer service.

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.
Oscar
  • Oscar Health Insurance is only available in New York, California, Texas, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, Arizona, Florida, and Michigan.

WellCare and Oscar 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 Oscar app allows you to access your health information anytime you need it. It allows you to search for doctors & drugs and even have virtual visits with a doctor.

WellCare Mobile App
iOS      1.7 53 users
Android      2.3 209 users
Oscar Mobile App
iOS      4.8 2.5K users
Android      3.3 433 users

WellCare and Oscar Enrollment Process

WellCare

You can get several free health insurance quotes with SmartFinancial. For Wellcare enrollment forms visit here.

Oscar

Oscar Health Insurance offers plans through the health insurance marketplace. You can begin 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/.

How to File a Claim with WellCare and Oscar 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.

Oscar

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 855-672-2755 with any additional questions.

Common Questions About Oscar and WellCare Insurance

WellCare

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.

What coverage do WellCare plans offer?

WellCare offers Medicaid and Medicare plans.

Does WellCare cover dental implants?

Healthplex is WellCare's dental network provider. They do not cover dental implants.

Check out our full list of common questions about WellCare.

 

Oscar

What lab does Oscar insurance cover?

Quest Diagnostics is Oscar’s preferred lab so your preventive labs will be free if they are processed there. Not all labs participate with your health plan so make sure you’re going to a preferred lab.

Where is Oscar insurance available?

Oscar Insurance is available in New York, California, Texas, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, Arizona, Florida, and Michigan.

What do Oscar's health insurance plans cover?

Oscar's health insurance plans cover a wide range of medical services and drugs. You have the option of selecting from different tiers, based on the coverage you anticipate needing. There’s an Oscar health insurance plan for every budget. Oscar also offers Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements.

Does CVS take Oscar insurance?

CVS pharmacy is Oscar’s preferred pharmacy in New York.

Is Oscar insurance a PPO?

No, Oscar is an Exclusive Provider Organization plan or EPO. Consumers receive coverage for in-network providers and they don’t need a primary care physician to refer them to a specialist. Out-of-network providers are only accepted in case of an emergency.

Check out our full list of common questions about Oscar.

WellCare and Oscar Insurance Contact Info

WellCare Contact Info
Address P.O. Box 31370
Phone 1 (800) 960-2530
Website https://www.wellcare.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WellCareHealthPlans/
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpI5y9aJ895uevK-EAG67eA
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wellcaremedicare/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellcare/
Oscar Contact Info
Address 75 Varick St. 5th Fl, New York, NY 10013
Phone 1 (844) 392-7589
Website https://www.hioscar.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OscarHealth/
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/OscarHealthInsurance
Twitter https://twitter.com/OscarHealth
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscar-health/

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