TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately 1 in 5
adults in the United States
experiences mental illness in a given year, according to the
National Alliance on Mental Health. To address the prevalence of
mental health conditions, Staywell Health Plan, a WellCare Health
Plans, Inc. (NYSE:WCG) health plan dedicated to serving Medicaid
members in Florida, has
implemented a new physician incentive program designed to improve
follow-up care for members who need behavioral health treatment
following a hospitalization for mental illness.
It is vital for members to follow up with a licensed behavioral
health practitioner within seven days after hospitalization for
mental illness. Continued treatment can lower readmission rates,
maintain and extend improvements achieved in the hospital, and help
detect any problems or medication adjustments.
WellCare's new physician incentive program will provide
financial rewards to behavioral health facilities that ensure
members get needed follow-up appointments within seven days of
discharge. In addition to their regular reimbursement rates,
facilities will receive a bonus payment for each kept follow-up
appointment. The bonus will be determined by the percentage of
total members who received follow-up care: the higher the
percentage, the higher the bonus.
"The consequences of lack of treatment for behavioral health
issues can be significant," said Dr. Alan
Smith, WellCare of Florida's senior medical director.
"Individuals living with serious mental illness face an increased
risk of having chronic medical conditions. In addition, adults
living with serious mental illness die on average 25 years earlier
than others, largely due to treatable medical conditions."
For more information on this program or to learn more about
Staywell, please visit www.wellcare.com/Florida or call toll-free
855-538-0454.
As of Sept. 30, 2016, WellCare
serves approximately 779,000 Medicaid members, 62,000 Florida
Healthy Kids members, 93,000 Medicare Advantage members, and 29,000
Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members in Florida.
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. The company serves approximately 3.8 million members
nationwide as of Sept. 30, 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.
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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.