WellCare of Georgia, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc., enhanced its Medicaid benefits by adding new incentives to its healthy rewards program and increasing its over-the-counter and vision program benefits. These enhanced benefits are now available to qualifying members.

The healthy rewards program is available to all WellCare of Georgia Medicaid members. It incentivizes members to complete specific preventive health, wellness and engagement milestones. The achievement of a healthy behavior earns the member a debit card with an amount up to $50, depending upon the type of healthy behavior completed. New to the program this year, members who meet their prescribed prenatal and postpartum visits will receive a $50 debit card plus their choice of a stroller, portable playpen or six packs of diapers.

"Preventive care is crucial to achieving and maintaining health," said Dr. John Alexander Johnson, senior medical director for WellCare of Georgia. "We are committed to continually improving the care and services we provide to our members to help them stay healthy. The earlier we seek preventive care the better, which is why we work very hard to ensure expectant mothers get the care they need for their babies. Babies born to mothers who lack prenatal care have three times the chance of being born with low-birth weight. Our goal is for mothers to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies."

WellCare of Georgia Medicaid members will also receive a 20 percent increase in their credit toward OTC supplies. Each Medicaid member will receive a $12 monthly allowance to help purchase over 200 items, such as vitamins, toothbrushes and cold remedies.

The increased vision benefit includes a $50 credit towards eyeglasses, with additional frame options beyond what is covered by traditional Medicaid. Members age 21 and over will also have the option to receive an upgrade on their eyeglasses to include an anti-reflective coating, polycarbonate lenses and tint or scratch-resistant coating. An annual eye exam and eye care supplies, including OTC reading glasses, eyewashes and eye drops are also available at no cost to these members.

"Our enhanced benefits are designed to positively impact the health of our Georgia Medicaid members and ultimately can help to reduce the long-term costs of health care," said Roman Kulich, WellCare's region president, Georgia and South Carolina.

WellCare of Georgia Medicaid members will continue to have access to its other value-added benefits including a free cell phone for qualified high-risk pregnancy members, free General Educational Development testing for eligible members, free MyWellCare App for smartphones to keep track of members' health benefits and dental benefits including oral exams and teeth cleanings every six months.