Tampa health firm acquires South Carolina company

TAMPA — WellCare Health Plans Inc., a Tampa-based Medicare and Medicaid provider, acquired Advicare Corp., a Medicaid provider in South Carolina.

As a result of the acquisition, Advicare members will become members of WellCare South Carolina, according to a statement. Terms of the deal, expected to close in the second quarter, were not disclosed.

WellCare currently serves 60,000 Medicaid members in South Carolina, 3,000 Medicare Advantage members and 26,000 Medicare prescription drug plan members. Advicare has 32,500 Medicaid members in the state.

WellCare Health Plans has been expanding nationwide. In October the company signed a contract to serve Iowa's Medicaid Managed Care program.