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Wellcare vs. UnitedHealthcare
Which health insurance company is the best option for you and your family? Compare Wellcare and UnitedHealthcare side by side.
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Wellcare vs UnitedHealthcare: 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.
UnitedHealth Group was founded in 1977 by Richard Burke and went public in 1984. It was Dr. Paul Ellwood, who coined the term “health maintenance organization,” and who helped Burke start up UnitedHealth. In 1979, the company created the first network senior health plan.In 1995, the company acquired MetraHealth, which combined the group health care operations of The Travelers Insurance Company and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. In 1996, the company automated its claims review process using Artificial Intelligence. UnitedHealth grew in prominence in 1997, when the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) selected UnitedHealth to provide coverage to its members. That same year UnitedHealth expanded its Evercare program, which is designed to cover long-term care in nursing homes, elderly people living at home and people with chronic illnesses.
To learn more about each company, you can check out Wellcare Overview and UnitedHealthcare Overview.
What is Wellcare and UnitedHealthcare Rating?
Which health insurance company is better? We've made it easy to compare companies side by side. See how Wellcare and UnitedHealthcare ranked among the industry ratings.
| Comparison | Wellcare | UnitedHealthcare |
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1985 | 1977 |
| Medicare Star Rating | 3.57 stars (out of 5) | 4.5 stars (out of 5) |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
Pros & Cons of Wellcare & UnitedHealthcare
Pros
Wellcare
- Affordable Medicare plans with many options for savings.
- Offers PPO plans for Medicare Advantage, allowing for more freedom in choosing providers.
UnitedHealthcare
- Robust health plans and benefits for Medicare and Medicaid recipients.
- Marketplace plans for individuals and families that do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare.
- Popular mobile app makes it easy to stay on top of your account.
- UnitedHealth is available in all 50 states.
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.
UnitedHealthcare
- Plans are in general more expensive than those of other health insurance providers.
Wellcare and UnitedHealthcare 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 Health4Me app from UnitedHealthcare allows you look for doctors and review your coverage and benefits..
| Wellcare Mobile App | ||
|---|---|---|
| iOS | 1.7 | 53 user reviews |
| Android | 2.3 | 209 user reviews |
| UnitedHealthcare Mobile App | ||
|---|---|---|
| iOS | 4.5 | 10.1K user reviews |
| Android | 4.6 | 16K user reviews |
WellCare and UnitedHealthcare Enrollment Process
Wellcare
You can get several free health insurance quotes here. For Wellcare enrollment forms visit here.
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealth Group offers plans through the health insurance marketplace. You can begin searching plans here.
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 UnitedHealthcare
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 855-672-2755 with any additional questions.
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealth Group pays network providers directly but if you are billed by a provider, you can contact UnitedHealth Group at 1 (800) 328-5979. If you are filing a claim for an out-of-network provider for an emergency or because you were referred to the provider by UnitedHealth Group you must submit the following information
- The Policyholder's name and address.
- The patient's name and age.
- The number stated on your ID card.
- The name and address of the provider of the service(s).
- The name and address of any ordering Physician.
- A diagnosis from the Physician.
- An itemized bill from your provider that includes the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes or a description of each charge.
- The date the Injury or Sickness began.
- A statement indicating either that you are, or you are not, enrolled for coverage under any other health insurance plan or program. If you are enrolled for other coverage you must include the name of the other carrier(s).
The above information should be sent to: UnitedHealthcare P.O. Box 740800 Atlanta, GA 30374-0800
If filing a claim for Outpatient Prescription Drug Benefits, your claims should be submitted to: Optum Rx P.O. Box 29077 Hot Springs, AR 71903
Common Questions About WellCare and UnitedHealthcare
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
UnitedHealthcare
What is UnitedHealth Group?
UnitedHealth Group is an American for-profit managed health care company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. They offer a wide variety of health plans for individuals and businesses. They also offer Medicare and Medicaid.
What Are UnitedHealth Medicare Advantage plans?
Medicare Advantage is Medicare Part C, which replaces original Medicare Parts A and B and is administered through a private insurer. Medicare Advantage plans offer some benefits that Original Medicare does not. UnitedHealth also offers special Medicare Advantage plans for patients with Alzheimer’s or chronic dementia.
Is UnitedHealth the same as UnitedHealthcare insurance?
Yes, in 1998, the company rebranded and changed the name UnitedHealthcare insurance to UnitedHealth Group.
What is UnitedHealth insurance coverage for Individuals and Families?
If you don’t have health insurance through an employer, you can buy private insurance for yourself and/or your family with UnitedHealth insurance. For health insurance rates visit here and fill out a brief form.
Check out our full list of common questions about UnitedHealthcare
Wellcare & UnitedHealthcare 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/ | |
| UnitedHealthcare Contact Info | |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 1459, Minneapolis, MN 55440-1459 |
| Phone | 1 (800) 328-5979 |
| Website | https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/ |
| https://www.facebook.com/groups/uhgemployees/ | |
| https://twitter.com/UnitedHealthGrp | |
| Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/user/UnitedHealthGroup |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/unitedhealth-group// | |
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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