Health care provider opening office downtown

Missouri Care, a provider of health care plans through the state’s MO HealthNet program, is opening a downtown Springfield office.

H.C. Rogers Construction Group LLC owner Cade Rogers said his Springfield firm recently completed infill work for the subsidiary of Tampa, Florida-based WellCare Health Plans Inc. (NYSE: WCG). He said the 308 Park Central East office would open soon and referred further questions to Missouri Care. Officials with the company could not be reached for comment by deadline.

The project cost was an estimated $150,000, said Springfield Building Development Services Director Chris Straw. The space is located between The Sterling and the newly opened Studio Bar and Ultra Lounge LLC off Park Central Square. Mers Goodwill previously operated its Springfield career center in the space before relocating in June near Hammons Field. The building is owned by by Titus Williams.

WellCare Health Plans in 2013 bought Missouri Care Inc. from Aetna Inc. (NYSE: AET). At the time, Missouri Care served more than 100,000 MO HealthNet members. As of Sept. 30, Missouri Care had 130,000 Missouri members, including 117,200 through MO HealthNet, according to a news release.

WellCare Health Plans focuses on government-sponsored managed care services through Medicaid and Medicare. MO HealthNet helps those with limited income and resources gain access to health care.