WellCare Health Plans, Inc. and Care1st Health Plan Arizona, a WellCare company, will establish a regional hub in Phoenix to better serve Medicaid members in Arizona, augment the company’s clinical and operational functions in Tampa, and support the organization’s long-term growth.

Care1st Health Plan Arizona was awarded a new Medicaid contract from Arizona’s Medicaid agency, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) on March 5, 2018. Under the contract, the health plan provides physical and behavioral health services to Medicaid members in Maricopa, Gila, Pinal, Mohave, Coconino, Apache, Navajo and Yavapai counties effective Oct. 1, 2018.

To support the new state contract and the company’s long-term growth, WellCare will establish a new regional hub and increase hiring efforts in Phoenix. Currently, WellCare has approximately 300 employees in Arizona, and over the next 12 months, intends to hire more than 250 new employees to support its population health services, pharmacy, IT, operations and public affairs departments.

The regional hub will be located at the Phoenix Gateway Center at 432 N. 44th Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85008. The health plan will occupy floors one through three of the Two Gateway building.

“We’re excited to announce these changes and embark on this new chapter for our Arizona operations,” said Scott Cummings, state president, Care1st Health Plan Arizona. “As we grow as a company, our number-one priority is to ensure our members continue to receive the quality care and services they need to live better, healthier lives.”

“As a company, we continue to invest in our people, processes and technology to improve operational performance and support growth,” said Ken Burdick, WellCare’s chief executive officer. “Our growth and expansion in Arizona is just one more example of these investments that will enable us to better serve Arizonans and our 5.5 million members across the country.”