WellCare Reports Third Quarter 2012 Results

WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) today reported results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012. As determined under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), net income for the third quarter of 2012 was $38.3 million, or $0.87 per diluted share, compared with $88.3 million, or $2.03 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2011. Adjusted net income for the third quarter of 2012 was $46.2 million, or $1.05 per diluted share, compared with $93.2 million, or $2.15 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2011.

WellCare’s third quarter 2012 results were below the Company’s expectation, principally as a result of an isolated matter in the Georgia Medicaid program, as well as lower-than-targeted performance of the Kentucky Medicaid program. In the Georgia program, premium revenue was reduced by $18 million in the third quarter of 2012 related to an unanticipated partial disallowance by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of a 2011 settlement. The settlement resolved issues with certain premium payments that covered the period from the inception of the program through the settlement and resulted from a comprehensive review and negotiation involving the three health plans that operate in the program. The Company is in discussions with the state regarding a resolution to this matter.

In addition, WellCare’s Kentucky Medicaid program operating results for the third quarter 2012 were below the Company’s target, due in part to unfavorable development of medical benefits payable related primarily to fourth quarter of 2011 and first quarter of 2012. Please refer to the schedule on page 12 of this news release that reconciles the Kentucky program medical benefits ratio (“MBR”) as determined in accordance with GAAP to an MBR recast to reflect the development of medical benefits payable in the period in which the services were provided. During the past few months, the Company has continued to make progress toward its long-term goals for the Kentucky program and anticipates further gains in performance in the coming months. The improvement is expected to result from the combined effect of medical expense management initiatives and a 3% increase in premium rates that was effective October 1.

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