WellCare expands management

WellCare Health Plans Inc. changed the structure of its management team Oct. 18, when it replaced its chief operating officer's position with a new role.

Walter Cooper is WellCare's new chief administrative officer, the company announced in a release. And as Cooper enters the fold, former COO Rex Adams said he will leave the Tampa-based firm, effective Nov. 1.

Cooper joined WellCare in 2006, and since March he's been serving the company as both its chief marketing officer and as president of the firm's specialty business unit. Cooper served in a number of senior-level positions with UnitedHealth Group prior to joining WellCare.

Concurrently with the change at the management level, WellCare announced that Marc Russo would join the company as president of its North division, a market that includes operations in Illinois, New York, and Ohio.

WellCare Health Plans Inc. provides managed care services to approximately 2.2 million Medicare and Medicaid members nationwide. The company posted a $128.9 million net loss last quarter.