WellCare Offers Comprehensive Dental Benefits to Its Medicaid Members in the NJ FamilyCare Program

NEWARK, N.J. and TAMPA, Fla., June 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare of New Jersey, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc., (NYSE: WCG), wants to remind its NJ FamilyCare members of the important link between oral health and physical health, and of the need to get regular dental check-ups and cleanings. WellCare of New Jersey offers comprehensive dental benefits to its members, both children and adults, who participate in the NJ FamilyCare program. These benefits include oral exams, X-rays, fillings, root canals, extractions, crowns, and dentures, along with preventive cleanings and fluoride treatments.

"Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke and pregnancy-related problems and needs to be addressed as part of a person's overall health care," said
Dr. Deborah Brown, WellCare of New Jersey's director of dental health. "WellCare is pleased to partner with the NJ FamilyCare program to deliver comprehensive health care solutions that address the link between oral and physical health."

Dr. Brown is passionate about ensuring access to dental care for underserved populations. She joined WellCare in February of 2016 and previously served as dental director for one of the largest practices serving NJ FamilyCare populations. Prior to that, Dr. Brown served as the dental director for a Federally Qualified Health Clinic.

Under Dr. Brown's direction, WellCare will promote preventive and maintenance dental care, with the goal of increasing the number of members who access available care. This will include assisting WellCare members in finding dental homes and coordinating with members' primary care physicians to better address their oral health as part of their total care.

Without proper oral hygiene, bacteria that are normally found in the mouth can reach unhealthy levels that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. Research indicates that gum disease may play a role in heart disease, diabetes, stroke and pregnancy-related problems, such as premature birth and low birthweight. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease, can also adversely affect oral health.

WellCare of New Jersey is available to eligible NJ FamilyCare individuals in 10 New Jersey counties: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex and Union.

As of March 31, 2016, WellCare serves approximately 55,000 NJ FamilyCare members, 1,000 Medicare Advantage members, 30,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members and 2,900 Managed Long Term Care Services and Supports members in New Jersey.

About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) focuses exclusively on providing government-sponsored managed care services, primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs. WellCare serves approximately 3.7 million members nationwide as of March 31, 2016. For more information about WellCare, please visit the company's website at www.wellcare.com or view the company's videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/WellCareHealthPlan.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150701/227667LOGO

SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.wellcare.com