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  3. Wellcare Simple Essential
Wellcare logo, a registered trademark of Wellcare

Wellcare Simple Essential (HMO) Medicare Advantage Plan H5779-002 • 2026

CMS Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ (3.0 out of 5 stars*)

This Medicare Advantage HMO plan, identified by CMS Plan ID H5779-002, is offered by Wellcare for the 2026 plan year. The plan uses a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) provider network and comes with Part D prescription drug coverage.

Last update: May 6, 2026  
* The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) evaluates Medicare plans annually using a 5-star rating system. The Wellcare logo is a registered trademark.[2]
  • Doctor Visits
  • Foot Care
  • Chiropractic
  • Urgent & Emergency
  • Mental Health
  • Rehab Services
  • Equipment & Supplies
  • Diag, Lab, Imaging
  • Part B Drugs
  • Dental
  • Hearing Aids
  • Vision
  • Prescriptions

Wellcare Simple Essential Overview

Medicare Advantage Plan Overview (2026)
Plan Overview for H5779-002-0
CMS Plan ID:H5779-002-0
Plan Type:HMO
Plan Year:2026
Monthly Premium:$0.00
Plus your Medicare Part B premium.
Medical Deductible:$0.00
Maximum Out-of-Pocket:$4200.00 (In-Network)
Part B Give Back:Not offered
Prescription Drug Coverage:Enhanced, $615.00 deductible
Additional Benefits:Dental, Vision, Hearing
Service Area:See List
Enrollment (Nationwide)5,679 beneficiaries
Provided By:Wellcare

Plan Availability

Wellcare Simple Essential (H5779-002-0) is available in the following locations (click to open):

Adams
Bond
Boone
Brown
Bureau
Calhoun
Carroll
Cass
Champaign
Christian
Clark
Clay
Clinton
Coles
Cook
Crawford
Cumberland
Dekalb
Dewitt
Douglas
Dupage
Edgar
Edwards
Effingham
Fayette
Ford
Franklin
Fulton
Gallatin
Greene
Grundy
Hamilton
Hancock
Hardin
Henderson
Henry
Iroquois
Jackson
Jasper
Jefferson
Jersey
Johnson
Kane
Kankakee
Kendall
Knox
La Salle
Lee
Livingston
Logan
Macon
Macoupin
Madison
Marion
Marshall
Mason
Mcdonough
McHenry
Mclean
Menard
Mercer
Monroe
Montgomery
Morgan
Moultrie
Ogle
Peoria
Perry
Piatt
Pike
Pope
Pulaski
Putnam
Randolph
Richland
Rock Island
Saint Clair
Saline
Sangamon
Schuyler
Scott
Shelby
Stark
Stephenson
Tazewell
Union
Vermilion
Warren
Washington
Wayne
White
Whiteside
Will
Williamson
Winnebago
Woodford

Coverage Overview for Wellcare Simple Essential

This Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) HMO plan includes hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage under Medicare Parts A and B. The monthly premium is $0.00, and services are generally covered when received from in-network providers, except in emergency situations. The annual Part D deductible is $615.00.

Primary care visits have a $0 copay, specialist visits come with a $20 copay, urgent care services carry a $0 copay, and ambulance transportation is $350 copay. These costs apply toward the annual maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit of $4200.00. After this limit is reached, in-network services are fully covered.

This plan is listed by CMS under Plan ID {title_plan_id}. A summary of cost sharing is provided below.

Out-of-Pocket Costs

Wellcare Simple Essential includes cost-sharing, which refers to out-of-pocket expenses for covered healthcare services. The table below outlines the most common in-network out-of-pocket costs associated with plan H5779-002.

This section outlines in-network costs for primary care and specialist office visits, along with related preventive services.

In-network cost sharing for primary and specialist office visits.
Covered Service In-Network Cost
Primary: In-network: $0 copay
Specialist: In-network: $20 copay

This section outlines in-network costs for preventive and wellness services included in the plan.

In-network cost sharing for preventive and wellness services.
Covered Service In-Network Cost
Annual wellness exam: In-network: $0 copay
Telehealth benefit: In-network: $0-$40 copay, 20% coinsurance
Routine chiropractic: Not covered
Fitness benefits: In-network: $0 copay
Health education: Not covered
Counseling services: Not covered
Over-the-counter drug benefits: In-network: $0 copay
Health transportation (non-emergency): Not covered

This section outlines in-network costs for diagnostic services, lab tests, x-rays, and other imaging services.

In-network cost sharing for diagnostic, lab, and imaging services.
Covered Service In-Network Cost
Diagnostic radiology services: In-network: $0-$400 copay
Lab services: In-network: $0-$50 copay
Outpatient x-rays: In-network: $50 copay
Diagnostic tests and procedures: In-network: $0-$100 copay

This section outlines in-network costs for emergency services, urgent care, ambulance transportation, inpatient hospital stays, and skilled nursing facility care.

In-network cost sharing for emergency, urgent care, and inpatient hospital services.
Covered Service In-Network Cost
Emergency room care: $150 copay
Worldwide emergency care: $150 copay
Urgent care: $0 copay
Inpatient hospital care: Tier 1 | $375 per day for days 1-8 | $0 per day for days 9-90 | $0 per stay
Skilled Nursing Facility: Tier 1 | $0 per day for days 1-20 | $218 per day for days 21-40 | $0 per day for days 41-100
Ground ambulance: In-network: $350 copay

This section outlines in-network costs for mental health services, including outpatient therapy and inpatient psychiatric care.

In-network cost sharing for mental health services.
Covered Service In-Network Cost
Outpatient individual therapy: In-network: $40 copay
Outpatient group therapy: In-network: $40 copay
Inpatient psychiatric hospital care: Tier 1 | $375 per day for days 1-8 | $0 per day for days 9-90 | $0 per stay

This section outlines in-network costs for rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy.

In-network cost sharing for rehabilitation services.
Covered Service In-Network Cost
Physical therapy and speech and language therapy: In-network: $40 copay
Occupational therapy: In-network: $40 copay

This section outlines in-network costs for medical equipment and supplies, including diabetes supplies, durable medical equipment, and prosthetics.

In-network cost sharing for medical equipment and supplies.
Covered Service In-Network Cost
Diabetes supplies: In-network: $0 copay
Durable medical equipment: In-network: 20% coinsurance
Prosthetics: In-network: 20% coinsurance

This section outlines in-network cost sharing for chemotherapy and other Medicare Part B-covered drugs.

In-network cost sharing for Medicare Part B-covered drugs.
Covered Service In-Network Cost
Chemotherapy: In-network: 0%-20% coinsurance
Other Part B drugs (Medicare-covered): In-network: 0%-20% coinsurance

This section outlines in-network cost sharing for dental services, including preventive care, exams, x-rays, cleanings, and comprehensive dental procedures.

In-network cost sharing for dental services.
Covered Service In-Network Cost
Oral exam: In-network: $0 copay
Dental x-rays: In-network: $0 copay
Cleaning: In-network: $0 copay
Periodontics: In-network: $0 copay
Endodontics: In-network: $0 copay
Restorative services: In-network: $0 copay
Implant services: Not covered
Orthodontics: Not covered
Oral/Maxillofacial surgery: In-network: $0 copay

This section outlines in-network cost sharing for vision services, including eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses.

In-network cost sharing for vision services and eyewear.
Covered Service In-Network Cost
Routine eye exam: In-network: $0 copay
Contact lenses: In-network: $0 copay
Eyeglass frames only: In-network: $0 copay
Eyeglass lenses only: In-network: $0 copay
Eyeglasses (frames & lenses): In-network: $0 copay
Upgrades: In-network: $0 copay

This section outlines in-network cost sharing for hearing-related services, including exams, fittings, and hearing aids.

In-network cost sharing for hearing aids and related services.
Covered Service In-Network Cost
Hearing exam: In-network: $0 copay
Fitting/evaluation: In-network: $0 copay
Prescription hearing aids: In-network: $0 copay
OTC hearing aids: Not covered

This section outlines in-network cost sharing for additional and special needs services that may be included in the plan.

In-network cost sharing for additional and special needs services.
Covered Service In-Network Cost
Adult day health services: Not covered
Home-based palliative care: Not covered
Personal emergency response system: In-network: $0 copay
Weight management programs: Not covered
Wigs for chemotherapy-related hair loss: Not covered
Alternative therapies: In-network: $0 copay
Massage therapy: Not covered
Home/bathroom safety devices: Not covered

Certain preventive services are covered 100% by Wellcare Simple Essential as a Part B benefit.

Prescription Drug Coverage

Wellcare Simple Essential includes a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP). Plan type and coverage level are defined by CMS and may vary between basic and enhanced benefit designs.

This plan includes an enhanced benefit Medicare Part D plan (PDP), providing coverage beyond the standard CMS-defined minimum.

Prescription Drug Plan Premium

The Part D prescription drug plan premium is included in the overall Medicare Advantage plan cost. Additional adjustments may apply through the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program, also known as Extra Help, administered by Social Security. LIS benefits are separate from Medicare Advantage coverage.

Wellcare Simple Essential Prescription Drug Plan Premium Details
Basic Part D Premium: $-10.90
Supplemental Part D Premium: $10.90
Total Part D Premium: $0.00
Low-Income Premium Subsidy: $15.20
Low-Income Premium Subsidy Paid by CMS: $0.00
Low-Income Subsidy Premium: $0.00

For more details, visit the Social Security Extra Help program.

Prescription Drug Plan Deductible

This plan has a $615.00 annual Part D deductible. You'll pay this deductible at the pharmacy before Wellcare starts contributing towards your prescription costs.

Prescription Drug Plan Out-of-Pocket Costs

Beyond premiums and deductibles, Wellcare Simple Essential may have additional costs at pharmacies. The table below outlines out-of-pocket expenses by drug tier.

Wellcare Simple Essential Pharmacy Out-of-Pocket Costs by Drug Tier
Drug Tier Retail Mail Order
Preferred Generic$0.00 copayComing soon
Generic$0.00 copayComing soon
Preferred Brand25% coinsuranceComing soon
Non-Preferred Drug34% coinsuranceComing soon
Specialty Tier25% coinsuranceComing soon
Select Care Drugs$0.00 copayComing soon
*Deductible does not apply.

CMS 5-Star Ratings

CMS evaluates Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D plans annually using a 5-star rating system. Ratings reflect performance in preventive care, chronic condition management, and member experience.

2026 Medicare Star Ratings for Wellcare Simple Essential
CMS Measure Star Rating
2026 Overall Rating☆☆☆☆☆
Staying Healthy: Screenings, Tests, Vaccines☆☆☆☆☆
Managing Chronic (Long Term) Conditions☆☆☆☆☆
Member Experience with Health Plan☆☆☆☆☆
Complaints and Changes in Plans Performance☆☆☆☆☆
Health Plan Customer Service☆☆☆☆☆
Drug Plan Customer Service☆☆☆☆☆
Complaints and Changes in the Drug Plan☆☆☆☆☆
Member Experience with the Drug PlanNot enough data available
Drug Safety and Accuracy of Drug Pricing☆☆☆☆☆

Is there a monthly premium for this plan in 2026?

For 2026, the monthly premium is $0.00. Medicare Part B premiums apply in addition to this amount.

What is the in-network MOOP for plan H5779-002?

For 2026, the in-network maximum out-of-pocket is $4200.00. The plan pays 100% of covered in-network services beyond this amount.

What is the CMS star rating for this plan?

CMS rates this plan at ★3.0 out of 5 stars for 2026.

What is the total enrollment for plan H5779-002?

Total enrollment is 5,679 beneficiaries based on the latest CMS data.

Is there a Part D deductible for this plan?

The Part D deductible is $615.00.

Contact Information for Wellcare

Wellcare Plan Contact Details for Wellcare Simple Essential (HMO)
Contact Type Details
Website: Wellcare Plan Page
New Members: 1-844-480-0680
Existing Members: 1-866-892-8340
Plan Address: PO Box 31392 | Tampa, FL 33631

Enrollment status and eligibility information are available through the Social Security Administration. Additional information about Medicare Advantage is available at medicare.gov.

  • CMS.gov, Landscape Source Files — Last accessed May 2, 2026
  • CMS.gov, Medicare Part C & D Performance — Last accessed May 2, 2026
  • CMS.gov, Plan Benefits Package — Last accessed May 2, 2026
  • CMS.gov, Monthly Enrollment by Contract/Plan/State/County — Last accessed May 2, 2026

Data sources and methodology documentation..

  • Wellcare (official source), http://www.wellcare.com/medicare — Last accessed October 13, 2025
  • CMS.gov, "Medicare Advantage Plan Fact Sheet" — Last accessed 25 May, 2025
  • Medicare.gov, "Joining a plan" — Last accessed 25 May, 2025
  • Medicare.gov, "Your coverage options" — Last accessed 25 May, 2025

MedicarePlans.com is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.

Provenance documentation for this data is maintained under the U.S. Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI) Provenance standard.

Page content independently curated and maintained by David W. Bynon, Editorial Steward, using a standardized, data-driven methodology for accurate, non-commercial Medicare plan interpretation and resolution.

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