Governor Appoints WellCare of Nebraska's Medical Director, Dr. Stephen Lazoritz, to the Palliative Care and Quality of Life Advisory Council

LINCOLN, Neb. and TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare of Nebraska, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG), announced today that its medical director, Dr. Stephen Lazoritz, has received a governor appointment to the newly established Palliative Care and Quality of Life Advisory Council.

In May 2017, Gov. Pete Ricketts approved the Adopt the Palliative Care and Quality Act, which was created to help patients with life-threating illnesses by identifying vital pain and treatment needs early. By supporting the medical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families, palliative care aims to relieve the symptoms and stress that are often caused by serious conditions and improve quality of life.

Approximately, 6 million people in the United States could benefit from palliative care. Unlike hospice care, it can begin once the serious illness is diagnosed.

The passing of the bill established the Palliative Care and Quality of Life Advisory Council. Consequently, a Palliative Care Consumer and Professional Information and Education Program will also be launched in the next several months.

"I am honored to serve on the Palliative Care and Quality of Life Advisory Council on behalf of WellCare, and I thank the Governor for the opportunity," said Dr. Lazoritz, medical director at WellCare of Nebraska. "By providing accurate and comprehensive information regarding palliative care, we can help improve the quality of care and, ultimately, the quality of life of all Nebraskans with serious illnesses."

The advisory council as well as the education program will promote vital education opportunities for healthcare professionals regarding best practices and resources on the delivery of palliative care in the home environment and at care facilities, such as hospices.

"WellCare is proud that our own, Dr. Stephen Lazoritz has been chosen to serve on the Palliative Care and Quality of Life Advisory Council," said Lauralie Rubel, president of WellCare of Nebraska. "This is a well-deserved appointment and we have the utmost confidence that the outstanding expertise and commitment that he will impart during his service will greatly benefit our members, the healthcare industry and our communities."

Dr. Lazoritz completed medical school and earned a Bachelor's degree in sociology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He has more than 11 years of U.S. military service and has served as the chief medical officer at the Omaha Military Entrance Processing Station where he was bestowed the Achievement Medal for Civilian Service, the Commanders Award for Civilian Service, and the Department of the Army Superior Civilian Service.

He is board certified in pediatrics and as a certified physician executive (CPE). He also engages in community service as chairman of the Nebraska Medical Association Commission on Education, a member and past chairman of the Omaha Archdiocese's Review Board for the Protection of Children and Young People, a member of the State of Nebraska Medical Assistance Advisory Committee as well as the board of the Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative.

As of Sept. 30, 2017, WellCare of Nebraska serves approximately 86,000 members in Nebraska, including 79,000 Medicaid members and 7,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan 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 4.3 million members nationwide as of Sept. 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.

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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.