TAMPA, Fla. (Jan. 28, 2014) - WellCare Health Plans, Inc., (NYSE: WCG) today announced that it has named John J. Kirchner state president of New Jersey, effective Jan. 20. Kirchner is responsible for WellCare's Medicaid and Medicare Advantage operations in New Jersey, and for growth initiatives across the state. He joined WellCare in 2012 and previously served as market director for WellCare in the state. He continues to report to Dave Reynolds, WellCare's region president for Conn., Ill., Mo., N.J., N.Y., and Ohio.


"John's extensive experience with government-funded health care programs in New Jersey is an asset to WellCare as we work to serve our current members and providers, and welcome new ones through our expansion in the state," said Reynolds.


John Kirchner, state president, WellCare of New Jersey

"I look forward to continuing WellCare's strong relationship with the state and our partnerships with health care providers to enhance the quality and coordination of care that we provide to our members in New Jersey", said Kirchner.


Prior to joining WellCare, Kirchner was director of plan operations for Healthfirst Health Plan of New Jersey. Before that, he held several roles with AmeriChoice of New Jersey, most recently as the health plan acquisition team lead, coordinating the acquisition of the HealthNet Medicaid business by UnitedHealthcare. His previous roles with AmeriChoice of New Jersey include serving as plan president, vice president of operations, vice president of business integration, and vice president of government affairs. Earlier in his career, he held various positions of leadership at Home Life Financial (Anthem Health) and the New Jersey Department of Health. He earned a bachelor's degree in business management from Stonehill College.


As of Sept. 30, 2013, WellCare serves approximately 1,400 Medicare Advantage and 15,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan in New Jersey. It began offering Medicaid plans in the state on Dec. 1, 2013.


About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
WellCare Health Plans, Inc. provides managed care services targeted to government-sponsored health care programs, focusing on Medicaid and Medicare. Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare offers a variety of health plans for families, children, and the aged, blind and disabled, as well as prescription drug plans. The company serves approximately 2.8 million members nationwide as of Sept. 30, 2013.www.wellcare.com.


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CONTACTS:
Investor Relations
Gregg Haddad
813-206-3916
gregg.haddad@wellcare.com

Media Relations
Marq Caughell
813-206-3956
marq.caughell@wellcare.com


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