Category: WellCare Voices

Addressing Social Determinants of Health: WellCare Study Examines Top Social Services Needs in First Half of 2019

By Rhonda Mims

Social determinants of health (SDOH) – the conditions in which we live, learn, work and play – can explain, in large part, why some Americans are healthier than others.

That’s why at WellCare, we go beyond healthcare, helping our members manage the many challenges of daily life.

Through our Community Connections program, we help connect our members and non- members, to needed resources – from food and housing to transportation and child care – all in an effort to eliminate barriers to care and pave a path toward better health and independence. Continue reading “Addressing Social Determinants of Health: WellCare Study Examines Top Social Services Needs in First Half of 2019”

The Importance of Celebrating Diversity and Giving Back During Hispanic Heritage Month

By Gregg MacDonald

At WellCare, we take great pride in celebrating the diversity of our members and our associates.

During National Hispanic Heritage Month (celebrated Sept. 15 to Oct. 15), we recognize the culture, traditions, history and important contributions made by Hispanic and Latino Americans. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 60 million people, or 18% of the U.S. population, identifies as Hispanic or Latino in origin – the largest minority in the United States. Continue reading “The Importance of Celebrating Diversity and Giving Back During Hispanic Heritage Month”

Going Beyond Medical Care: Delivering Value with Medicaid Managed Care

By Kelly Munson

Today, 40 states partner with managed care organizations (MCOs), or private health insurance providers, to administer their Medicaid benefits and cover the costs of delivering care (North Carolina, the 40th state, is expected to launch its managed care program on Nov. 1, 2019). These plans now cover more than 66 million of the 73 million Americans who depend on Medicaid, the largest source of public health insurance coverage in the nation. Continue reading “Going Beyond Medical Care: Delivering Value with Medicaid Managed Care”

WellCare Named a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion

By Mark Leenay, M.D.

This month, WellCare earned a top score of 100% in the 2019 Disability Equality Index (DEI®). This highly respected recognition is based on an annual national survey that scores businesses on their disability inclusion policies and practices and distinguishes WellCare as a “Best Place to Work for Disability InclusionTM” by the United States Business Leadership Network (USBLN) and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).

Focusing on disability inclusion for our associates and our members is a business imperative and an important part of our comprehensive diversity and inclusion efforts. According to the DEI, companies that improve disability inclusion over time outperform their peers, and leading companies report 28% higher revenue, double the net income and 30% higher economic profit margins. Continue reading “WellCare Named a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion”

Recognizing Perinatal and Postpartum Depression

By Dr. Traci Thompson Ferguson

Pregnancy and new parenthood can often be emotional times. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there’s a big difference between what is sometimes called the “baby blues” and the clinical condition known as perinatal and postpartum depression – or PPD. Continue reading “Recognizing Perinatal and Postpartum Depression”

Tomorrow, March 26, is Diabetes Alert Day

By Mark Leenay, M.D.

As a physician, I have seen firsthand the devastating complications type 2 diabetes can have on not only a patient, but also their families. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body’s blood glucose (sugar) levels are too high and can lead to serious complications such as kidney disease, blindness and amputations. Continue reading “Tomorrow, March 26, is Diabetes Alert Day”

The Importance of Mentoring Women Leaders

By Rhonda Mims

On the eve of International Women’s Day, which is tomorrow, March 8th, I’m reflective on and appreciative of all the women who have paved an incredible path for me and  who afforded me the opportunity to pay it forward by driving change for others. Thanks to a number of good women and a few good men over the years who mentored me, I have been enormously fortunate to work with some amazing community partners and thought leaders, while leading diversity initiatives for Fortune 200 and global professional services organizations. It has been an incredible journey, and the ride continues with fast-paced momentum.  Continue reading “The Importance of Mentoring Women Leaders”

Conversations on Understanding: Driving Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace

By Ken Burdick

Today, on this national Day of Understanding, WellCare continued its journey toward creating an environment where all ideas are welcome and our associates feel confident and empowered to bring their “full selves” to work each day. In partnership with CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion, I’m proud to join 150 other companies across the country in hosting the nation’s largest conversation to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Continue reading “Conversations on Understanding: Driving Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace”

Do You Know Your Risk for Prediabetes?

By Dr. Mark Leenay

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 84 million Americans have prediabetes, a condition that if not treated, can lead to Type 2 diabetes within five years.

Mark Leenay

Prediabetes means your blood sugar level is higher than normal. Although prediabetes is a precursor to Type 2 diabetes, the long-term damage — especially to your heart, blood vessels and kidneys — may already be starting. Continue reading “Do You Know Your Risk for Prediabetes?”

The Loneliness Epidemic

By Ken Burdick

Did you know loneliness poses the same health risk as smoking 15 cigarettes a day? In fact, new research indicates weak social connections and feelings of extreme isolation could shorten a person’s life by 15 years. With more than one-third of U.S. adults age 45 or older indicating they are lonely, we’ve reached a critical number of individuals who are at risk for serious health outcomes. Continue reading “The Loneliness Epidemic”

A Thanks to Our Interns on National Intern Day

WellCare’s 47 summer interns are nearly finished with their 12-week program, and we can think of no better day than July 26 – National Intern Day – to recognize their talents, hard work and efforts to support WellCare’s mission of helping our members live better, healthier lives.

With guidance from their people leaders and the Internship Advisory Board, WellCare interns are working across various lines of business, while learning about our corporate culture and mission to serve. Group activities have included a volunteering event with Feeding Tampa Bay, the largest food rescue and distribution organization in the Tampa Bay community, and speed-dating style meetings with members of WellCare’s executive leadership team. The interactive session allowed leaders to share an overview of their area, their educational background, career story and answer questions. Continue reading “A Thanks to Our Interns on National Intern Day”