Care1st Health Plan Arizona Launches First Ever "Pacify" Mobile App Initiative for its AHCCCS (Medicaid) Members Who Are New Mothers

PHOENIX and TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Care1st Health Plan Arizona (Care1st), a WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) company, recently announced the launch of its Pacify mobile app pilot program. The initiative is currently available to its Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) (Medicaid) members who are expectant mothers and up to 12 months postpartum.

This innovative partnership between Pacify Health, Inc. and Care1st is the first Pacify app initiative offered by an AHCCCS (Medicaid) plan in the state. Care1st was also chosen to be the inaugural WellCare health plan to kick start this unique program.

The Pacify app is a live video chat service, available 24/7 through smartphones, that provides new mothers immediate access to certified providers including lactation consultants and nutritionists. Mothers can receive breastfeeding support as well as guidance related to any health issues their babies may be experiencing such as colic, digestion, transitioning to solid foods and more. Care1st believes that new mothers need extra support during this important time in their infant's growth and development.

"We understand how important these early years are to both mothers and their young children when instilling healthy habits that will affect a lifetime," said Scott Cummings, state president of Care1st. "This collaboration is exciting because it will aid us as we strive to promote the health and wellness of our members in a more interactive and modern way."

The Pacify app also features push notifications that appear regularly on the mobile devices of registered members. These helpful alerts include health and safety tips that are beneficial to both mothers and their babies.

"The Pacify mobile app will provide immediate, cutting-edge support for new moms at the touch of a button," said George Brandes, co-founder and chief operating officer of Pacify Health, Inc. "Care1st members will now have an unprecedented level of access to care, with video-enabled consults available even in the middle of the night and on weekends when there aren't a lot of other options." 

To learn more about Care1st and its services, visit www.care1st.com/az. For additional information about Pacify Health, Inc., go to www.pacify.com.

About Care1st Health Plan Arizona, Inc.

Care1st Health Plan Arizona, a WellCare Company, serves approximately 158,000 AHCCCS (Medicaid) members, 2,000 Medicare Advantage Special Needs members, and 21,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) members.

About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.

Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) focuses exclusively on providing government-sponsored managed care services, primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs. The company serves approximately 4.4 million members nationwide as of June 30, 2017. For more information about WellCare, please visit the company's website at www.wellcare.com or view the company's videos at www.youtube.com/user/WellCareHealthPlan.

About Pacify Health, Inc.

Launched in 2014, Pacify Health was founded on the idea that more can be done to use mobile technology to help families access excellent maternal and pediatric care, regardless of their circumstances. Pacify's industry-leading mobile platform provides instantaneous support to new mothers. Video-visits on the app connect mothers with providers including nutritionists and lactation consultants. Mothers using Pacify express greater satisfaction, engagement, and health outcomes compared to alternative support services. 

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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.