Published on August 20, 2009 at 8:38 AM
WellCare Health Plans, Inc. announced that it voluntarily disclosed to the Florida Elections Commission questionable campaign contributions by certain subsidiaries from 2003 through 2007.
The Company has resolved the matter by entering into a Consent Order, which the Commission has approved. Under the Consent Order, the Company agreed to pay a total civil penalty of $142,000, and did not contest the Commission’s finding that there was probable cause that the contributions in question violated Florida Statutes section 106.08(5)(a).
“We are pleased this matter has been resolved,” said Thomas F. O’Neil III, WellCare’s vice chairman. “Our voluntary disclosure to the Commission demonstrates our enterprise-wide commitment to regulatory compliance, transparency, and accountability. Those responsible for these issues are no longer employed by the Company.”
As set forth in the Consent Order, from 2003 through 2007, the four WellCare subsidiaries at issue lacked a source of revenue independent of affiliate transfers or cash balances. In addition, some of the contributions exceeded the legal limit. There is no evidence that the violations were intentional, or that any subsidiary was created or maintained for the purpose of making the contributions. WellCare suspended its contributions to Florida election campaigns during the second quarter of 2008.
www.wellcare.com