Galileo and Wellcare have collaborated in Maine to improve healthcare accessibility for 23,000 Medicare Advantage members, addressing healthcare deserts largely caused by a shortage of primary care providers.

Current estimates classify over 80% of US counties as healthcare deserts, or regions having insufficient care access.

As per Galileo, around 20% of Aroostook County residents must travel over 30 miles for primary care.

Starting 1 September 2023, Wellcare members have gained access to Galileo's personalised care, offered in various settings, including in-home, mobile clinics, and virtual care.

Through its Health Advocate Team, Galileo provides coordinated care management for all patients.

Galileo chief partnership officer Alex Blum said: “Like many parts of America, Maine residents experience inadequate access to quality healthcare, due to the remote nature of many of its rural communities.

“At Galileo, we have pioneered a quality care model that can reliably reach last-mile populations with not just standard care but superior population-based primary and complex chronic care management."

“This flexible care model with innovative partners like Wellcare will help us solve today's toughest healthcare challenges and improve outcomes.”

Launched in New York and later expanded to South Carolina and Maine, the alliance benefits over 95,000 Wellcare members in three states.

Centene Medicare CEO Rich Fisher said: “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Galileo as we work together to improve access to quality care and support improved clinical outcomes for our diverse and complex Medicare Advantage members.

“We look forward to continued success as we work collaboratively in Maine for the benefit of Medicare Advantage members.”

Galileo focuses on enhancing healthcare quality and affordability, while Wellcare offers a range of Medicare products, including dental, vision, and wellness services.