WellCare Health Plans announces transition to CVS Health

WellCare is a provider of managed care services for government-sponsored healthcare programs; CVS health is the nation's second-largest PBM company, and will administer pharmacy benefits and process claims for about 3.8 million WellCare members who participate in the company's nationwide Medicare, Medicaid and Prescription Drug Plan programs.

Members will have access to a network that includes both national chain stores and local pharmacies.

"WellCare is committed to improving the quality of care and services we provide to our members to help them live better, healthier lives," said the company's chief pharmacy officer, Laura Hungiville, in a statement. "We are pleased to partner with CVS Health to provide a comprehensive network of pharmacies and clinical programs designed to promote better health outcomes for our members."

[Also: CVS buys Target's pharmacy business for $1.9 billion]

The clinical programs are ostensibly designed to improve medication adherence and use among its members. The programs use a coordinated care approach including both plan members and providers, with the goal of eliminating potential drug therapy issues, gaps in care, and the over or underutilization of medicine.

Studies published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggest that taking medications as prescribed is one of the most effective ways to combat chronic diseases like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. A recent CVS Health study published in the journal "JAMA Internal Medicine" found a link between this improved medication adherence and pharmacy networks that incentivize members to use in-network pharmacies.

[Also: CVS Caremark set to complete $1.25B Universal American Medicare Part D buyout]

"We are pleased to support WellCare and their members starting in 2016," said Jonathan C. Roberts, president of CVS/caremark, the pharmacy benefit management portion of CVS Health. "We believe that CVS Health's unique integrated model for pharmacy care will provide WellCare members with innovative, cost-effective pharmacy benefit management services that also improve health outcomes."

Members were informed of the changes earlier this year and were issued new prescription ID cards. Those new cards will need to be presented to in-network pharmacies beginning in 2016.

Twitter: @JELagasse