California Seniors Now Have More Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans to Choose from in 2026 Thanks to Health Net and Centene
Centene (NYSE:CNC) — Wellcare by Health Net announced expanded Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug plan availability for 2026, increasing reach to 32 states and more than 51 million beneficiaries across ~1,850 counties, plus 51 new counties in eight markets. Health Net will offer Medicare plans in 13 California counties, including D-SNP and C-SNP options. The release highlights automatic transitions from MMPs to integrated D-SNPs, member onboarding improvements, the Wellcare Spendables® card at >66,000 retailers, and benefit features including insulin cost caps and $0 preventive care copays.
Centene (NYSE:CNC) — Wellcare by Health Net ha annunciato l'espansione della disponibilità dei piani Medicare Advantage e Medicare Prescription Drug per il 2026, estendendo la copertura a 32 stati e oltre 51 milioni di beneficiari in circa 1.850 contee, oltre a 51 nuove contee in otto mercati. Health Net offrirà piani Medicare in 13 contee della California, comprese opzioni D-SNP e C-SNP. Il comunicato evidenzia transizioni automatiche dai MMP alle D-SNP integrate, miglioramenti nell'onboarding dei membri, la carta Wellcare Spendables® presso oltre 66.000 rivenditori e caratteristiche dei benefici tra cui i tetti dei costi per l'insulina e i copay di prevenzione a 0$.
Centene (NYSE:CNC) — Wellcare by Health Net anunció la expansión de la disponibilidad de los planes Medicare Advantage y Medicare Prescription Drug para 2026, aumentando el alcance a 32 estados y más de 51 millones de beneficiarios en unos ~1.850 condados, además de 51 nuevos condados en ocho mercados. Health Net ofrecerá planes de Medicare en 13 condados de California, incluidas las opciones D-SNP y C-SNP. El comunicado destaca transiciones automáticas de MMP a D-SNP integradas, mejoras en la incorporación de miembros, la tarjeta Wellcare Spendables® en más de 66.000 minoristas y características de beneficios que incluyen topes de costos para la insulina y copagos de atención preventiva de 0 $.
센턴(Centene) (NYSE:CNC) — Health Net의 Wellcare는 2026년 Medicare Advantage 및 Medicare Prescription Drug 플랜의 가용성을 확대했다고 발표했으며, 범위를 32주로 확장하고 약 5100만 명 이상의 수혜자가 ~1,850개 카운티에 걸쳐 배치되며, 또한 여덟 개 시장에서 51개 신규 카운티를 포함합니다. Health Net은 California 주의 13개 카운티에서 Medicare 플랜을 제공하며 D-SNP 및 C-SNP 옵션을 포함합니다. 발표는 MMP에서 통합 D-SNP로의 자동 전환, 구성원 온보딩 개선, 66,000곳 이상 소매점에서 이용 가능한 Wellcare Spendables® 카드, 인슐린 비용 상한 및 예방 진료 코페이 0$ 등의 혜택 특징을 강조합니다.
Centene (NYSE:CNC) — Wellcare by Health Net a annoncé l'expansion de la disponibilité des plans Medicare Advantage et Medicare Prescription Drug pour 2026, élargissant la couverture à 32 états et à plus de 51 millions d'assurés répartis dans ~1 850 comtés, ainsi que 51 nouveaux comtés dans huit marchés. Health Net proposera des plans Medicare dans 13 comtés en Californie, y compris des options D-SNP et C-SNP. Le communiqué met en avant les transitions automatiques des MMP vers les D-SNP intégrés, des améliorations à l'intégration des membres, la carte Wellcare Spendables® dans plus de 66 000 points de vente et des caractéristiques d'avantages comprenant des plafonds de coût pour l'insuline et des copays préventifs à 0 $.
Centene (NYSE:CNC) — Wellcare by Health Net kündigte die Erweiterung der Verfügbarkeit von Medicare Advantage- und Medicare Prescription Drug-Plänen für 2026 an, wodurch sich die Reichweite auf 32 Bundesstaaten und mehr als 51 Millionen Begünstigte in ca. 1.850 Bezirken erhöht, plus 51 neue Bezirke in acht Märkten. Health Net wird Medicare-Pläne in 13 Kalifornien-Bezirken anbieten, einschließlich D-SNP- und C-SNP-Optionen. Die Mitteilung hebt automatische Übergänge von MMPs zu integrierten D-SNPs hervor, Verbesserungen bei der Mitgliederaufnahme, die Wellcare Spendables®-Karte bei über 66.000 Einzelhändlern und Leistungsmerkmale wie insulinbezogene Kostenobergrenzen und 0 $ Präventions-Copays hervor.
Centene (NYSE:CNC) — Wellcare by Health Net أعلنت توسيع توفر خطط Medicare Advantage وMedicare Prescription Drug للعام 2026، مما يزيد الوصول إلى 32 ولاية وأكثر من 51 مليون مستفيد عبر نحو 1,850 مقاطعة، بالإضافة إلى 51 مقاطعة جديدة في ثمانية أسواق. ستقدم Health Net خطط Medicare في 13 مقاطعة في كاليفورنيا، بما في ذلك خيارات D-SNP و C-SNP. يسلّط البيان الضوء على الانتقالات التلقائية من MMPs إلى D-SNPs المتكاملة، وتحسينات في دمج الأعضاء، وبطاقة Wellcare Spendables® لدى أكثر من 66,000 بائع، وميزات المزايا بما في ذلك حدود تكلفة للأنسولين وCopays الوقائية بقيمة 0$.
- Expansion to 32 states and >51 million beneficiaries
- Added 51 new counties across eight markets
- Integrated D-SNP transitions replacing MMPs with auto-enrollment
- Wellcare Spendables® card accepted at >66,000 retailers
- Insulin cost capped at $35 or 25%
- Offering 68 PDPs nationwide across 34 regions
- Phase-out of VBID limits extra benefits to specific-condition members
- Members not eligible for extra benefits limited to OTC and out-of-pocket items
- Automatic MMP-to-D-SNP enrollment requires members to review ANOC for changes
Insights
Expansion of Wellcare/Health Net MA and PDP offerings materially increases Centene's Medicare footprint and enrollee reach.
Centene's Wellcare will offer Medicare Advantage in
Key dependencies include state approvals, smooth D-SNP integration for dual eligibles and member communication ahead of the
Product changes broaden benefits and simplify member tools, likely improving competitiveness in value-focused Medicare segments.
Plans emphasize coordinated HMO networks, expanded D-SNP and C-SNP options, enhancements to the Wellcare Spendables® card and integrated rewards, and specific cost protections such as insulin caps at
Operational risks include eligibility rules that limit extra benefits after VBID phase‑out and county-by-county benefit variation. Track plan-level formularies, preferred pharmacy participation and ANOC notices before the
Health Net to offer health plans for seniors in 13 select
Nationally, Centene's Wellcare health plan will be available to more than 51 million beneficiaries in 32 states across more than 1,850 counties, including 13 in
"Expanding our Medicare portfolio across
Health Net's options include Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans for Medicare beneficiaries. These plans provide coordinated care through a network of providers and may include added benefits like vision, dental and wellness programs.
The company also offers specialized plans: D-SNPs for those with both Medicare and Medi-Cal, and the Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (C-SNP) for individuals managing certain chronic conditions.
Additional plan information can be found on Health Net's Wellcare by Health Net website.
Centene's Multi-year Journey
The company's multi-year journey to maximize Centene's unique market position focuses on creating a seamless integrated experience for D-SNP members, caregivers and their providers. Medicare provides coverage primarily based on a member being 65 and older or eligible through disability, while Medi-Cal typically offers coverage to individuals and families who meet specific income and financial eligibility requirements. Members eligible for both programs are referred to as "Dual Eligibles" or "Duals."
"We are deeply committed to offering a diverse range of plans that support our members' health and well-being," said Wellcare Chief Executive Officer, Michael Carson. "We're especially excited about the continued growth and integration of our Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans, in collaboration with our federal and state partners, which help us better serve individuals who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Supporting the health of our aging population isn't just a priority – it's a responsibility. These offerings reflect our dedication to delivering quality care, improving health outcomes and creating a seamless experience for some of the most vulnerable populations in our communities."
This shift aligns with the conclusion of the Medicare-Medicaid Financial Alignment Initiative (FAI), which phases out MMPs nationwide. Wellcare currently offers MMPs in five of the eight launch states (
This transition is designed to improve the coordination of care and streamline services for individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Existing Centene members will be automatically enrolled in their new integrated D-SNP and should review their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) for important updates regarding their coverage and benefits.
The company also continues to invest in member experience with digital tools and resources for members and prospective members. This includes:
- Delivering a modernized, supportive and engaging onboarding experience to new and renewing members.
- Providing member onboarding videos in eight languages: Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Tagalog, Chinese Traditional, Chinese Taiwan, Chinese Hong Kong and Korean.
- Proactively engaging and communicating with members on understanding their benefits and access to services and providers.
- Leveraging data, analytics and technology to measure our operational performance and adjust to meet members' needs and improve overall experience.
- Conducting frequent member surveys to better understand what matters most to them and where we can improve to make their experience better.
For more details about Wellcare's MA plans visit WellcareNow.com and Medicare PDPs, visit pdpwellcare.com.
MAPD Highlights:
In 2026, a variety of plan offerings for value-conscious beneficiaries are available with predictable copays and extra benefits*:
- The Wellcare Spendables® card continues to offer eligible members a single card with preloaded funds available at more than 66,000 nationwide retailers across Wellcare's 32-state footprint. Eligible members may use their Wellcare Spendables® card on multiple benefits. Depending on the plan, benefits may include an allowance for over-the-counter health items and covered out-of-pocket dental, vision and hearing costs. Members who are eligible may use the allowance for other benefits to support their overall well-being. Additionally, an integrated experience combines the Wellcare Spendables® card and Wellcare Rewards™ programs into one platform.
- Members earn rewards for health actions, including annual preventive visits, using the member portal, flu shots and health screenings.
- With the phase out of the Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) program, extra benefits like assistance with groceries, gas, rent and utilities will only be available to members who meet specific health conditions under a different program, but we've made the process easier for members to check if they are eligible. Members who aren't eligible for additional benefits will be limited to certain types of care, like over-the-counter items or out-of-pocket medical costs.
$0 - Dario's digital mental health and social support resources (formerly Twill Therapeutics) provide online behavioral health support and is available 24/7 across all Medicare Advantage plans. Services include peer-to-peer support, self-guided behavioral health programs and access to Centene health plan resources.
- Monthly cost for insulin under Medicare plans will be capped at either
$35 25% of the drug's negotiated or maximum fair price, whichever is lower. $0 - The Part D benefit will continue to consist of three phases with members' out-of-pocket costs capped at no more than
$2,100 - Preferred retail pharmacy networks will include Walgreens**, CVS** and select grocers**. A robust network is expected with more than 60,000 total pharmacies.
- Express Scripts® Pharmacy home delivery will continue to be the preferred mail order (Home Delivery) pharmacy focusing on providing convenient and efficient service for prescriptions that are filled for more than 35 days.
- Benefits also include
$0
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) Highlights*:
Wellcare's Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) will continue to be available nationwide with competitive benefits:
- Two products (Classic and Value Script) will be offered in all 34 regions across all 50 states and the
District of Columbia ; 68 PDPs nationwide. - We continue to offer products to meet the unique needs of Medicare beneficiaries including:
- Dual eligibles
- Low premium "value" shoppers
- A competitive formulary design will be offered across both plans.
- The Value Script plan will continue to offer members a cost-effective option, with one of the lowest premiums in the nation.
- The Classic plan will be under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) benchmark in all regions making this plan a great option for members receiving a Low-Income Subsidy (LIS).
- Both plans feature a
$0
*Plan benefits vary by county and by specific plan.
About Health Net
Founded in
About Wellcare
Wellcare offers a range of Medicare products, including Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDP), which offer affordable coverage beyond Original Medicare. Wellcare is the Medicare brand of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives. Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, Centene's Medicare brands, including Allwell, Health Net, Fidelis Care, Trillium Advantage, 'Ohana Health Plan and TexanPlus transitioned to the Wellcare brand. For more information about Wellcare, visit www.wellcare.com.
Benefits and allowance amounts vary by plan. Please call for more details. Allowance amounts cannot be combined with other benefit allowances which may be on the prepaid card. Limitations and restrictions may apply.
Wellcare is the Medicare brand for Centene Corporation, an HMO, PPO, PFFS, PDP plan with a Medicare contract and is an approved Part D Sponsor. Our D-SNP plans have a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. Dental benefits work in addition to the Medi-Cal dental coverage that includes, Initial examinations, X-rays, cleanings and fluoride treatments, restorations and crowns, root canal therapy, and partial and complete dentures adjustments, repairs, and relines. For more information please contact, Medi-Cal Dental Fee-for-Service 1-800-322-6384 (TTY: 1-800-735-2922) 8:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or visit http://www.dental.dhcs.ca.gov/. For Wellcare CalViva Health Dual Align members: CalViva Health is a Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan (MCP) and is the Local Initiative Health Plan for Medi-Cal managed care in
**Other Pharmacies/Physicians/Providers are available in our network.
H3561_WCM_4749220E_M FINAL1 CMS Accepted 10222025
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FAQ
What Medicare changes did Centene (CNC) announce for 2026 AEP?
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What benefits and cost protections are included in Wellcare's 2026 Medicare plans?
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