WELLCARE MANAGEMENT GROUP INC
ARS, 1998-05-01
HOSPITAL & MEDICAL SERVICE PLANS
Previous: SUPREME INTERNATIONAL CORP, 10-K, 1998-05-01
Next: WELLCARE MANAGEMENT GROUP INC, DEF 14A, 1998-05-01






                                      The
                           [Logo]     WellCare
                                      Management
                                      Group, Inc.
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                      1997 Annual Report

                                      [Graphic: Photograph of
                                       Corporate Headquarters]


<PAGE>


         Table of Contents


Letter to Shareholders ......................................................  2

Selected Consolidated Financial Data ........................................  4

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
    and Results of Operations ...............................................  6

Report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Auditors ....................... 15

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 ................ 16

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
   December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 ......................................... 19

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years
   ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 ................................... 20

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
   December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 ......................................... 22

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements .................................. 23



Safe Harbor  Statement  under the Private  Securities  Litigation  Reform Act of
1995:  The  statements  contained in this annual report that are not  historical
facts are forward-looking statements,  actual results may differ materially from
those projected in the forward-looking statements which statements involve risks
and uncertainties,  including but not limited to, the following:  that increased
regulation will increase health care expenses; that increased competition in the
Company's  markets or change in product  mix will  unexpectedly  reduce  premium
revenue;  that the  Company  will not be  successful  in  increasing  membership
growth; that there may be adverse changes in Medicare and Medicaid premium rates
set by federal and state governmental agencies; the ability to satisfy statutory
net worth requirements;  the exercise of the existing this party option to merge
with the owner and manager of the Alliances; that health care costs in any given
period may be greater than expected due to unexpected  incidence of major cases,
natural  disasters,   epidemics,   changes  in  physician  practices,   and  new
technologies;  that the  Company  will be  unable  to  successfully  expand  its
operations into its recently  approved  service areas,  including New York City,
Westchester  County and State of  Connecticut;  that major health care providers
will be unable to  maintain  their  operations  and  reduce or  eliminate  their
accumulated deficits;  and the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Investors are also directed to the other risks  discussed in the Company's  Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, as well as other  documents  filed by
the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                                               1


<PAGE>


         Letter to Shareholders


[Graphic:                 April 24, 1998
Photograph]
Robert W. Morey, Jr.
Chairman                  To our Shareholders:


                              The year 1997 was a very challenging one; it was a
                          year  of  problems,  but  more  importantly  a year of
                          solutions.  We believe that our  infrastructure is now
                          in  place  in  all  areas:  premiums,  product  lines,
                          geographic  coverage,  medical cost  through  provider
                          recontracting and utilization management,  and general
                          and administrative expenses.
[Graphic:
Photograph]
Joseph R. Papa                While commercial  membership declined in 1997, we,
President/CEO             where necessary,  in late 1997 adjusted our commercial
                          premium rates to be  competitive  within our principal
                          markets.   We  believe  that  such   adjustments  have
                          positioned  the Company to increase  1998 New York HMO
                          premiums   rates   within  the   guidelines   recently
                          announced by the New York State Insurance  Department.
                          The  recent  addition  of  Tom  Curtin,  as  our  Vice
                          President of Sales and  Marketing,  and the  increased
                          efforts in  telemarketing  and selling efforts focused
                          on small and  mid-size  employer  groups  should  also
                          benefit our future  commercial  membership  growth. We
                          also  are  pleased  with  our  continuing  Connecticut
                          initiative:   commercial  enrollment  there  currently
                          exceeds 4,000  members,  an increase of  approximately
                          2,200 members from December 31, 1997.


                              WellCare  now  operates in 25 counties in New York
                          State, including four of the five counties in New York
                          City, and statewide in  Connecticut.  In 1997, we also
                          received  approval  from HCFA to expand  the  Medicare
                          Risk  Program  into New York City.  At  year-end,  our
                          Medicare  Risk  Product  reached  17  counties  and is
                          available  to   approximately   1.5  million  eligible
                          enrollees.


                              In order to improve  our  medical  cost  economics
                          during   1997,   our  New   York   HMO's   contractual
                          arrangements focused the Plan on our assuming risk. By
                          year-end,  most of the significant  hospital contracts
                          had been recontracted. In addition, 1997 was our first
                          full year  utilizing a new claims  management  system,
                          which tracks a daily  inventory  of hospital  days and
                          patient stays by line of business.  Further, virtually
                          all claims  are  immediately  entered  into the claims
                          inventory  providing  for a more timely  pended claims
                          liability accounting.


2


<PAGE>


                              Although  still  encumbered  by  continuing  legal
                          costs  associated with litigation and related matters,
                          our  general and  administrative  costs are now at the
                          lowest  level in many  years.  Our  current  full-time
                          equivalent  employees have been reduced to levels that
                          are in line with industry ratios.


                              While  our  auditors   included  a  going  concern
                          paragraph  in  their  opinion  on our  1997  financial
                          statements,   primarily   because  of  our  continuing
                          operating  losses  and  cash  used in  operations,  we
                          believe  that the year  1998 has  great  promise.  The
                          Company  announced in early January 1998 that The 1818
                          Fund II,  L.P., a private  investment  fund managed by
                          Brown  Brothers  Harriman  &  Co.,  that  holds  a $20
                          million  subordinated note issued by WellCare,  agreed
                          to convert $5  million of that  indebtedness  into the
                          Company's  Common  Stock  at  $4  per  share.  We  are
                          confident that our operations will continue to improve
                          to  profitability,  and that our recent  engagement of
                          Bear  Stearns  &  Co.,   Inc.  to  explore   strategic
                          opportunities   is  well  timed  and  should   present
                          opportunities to enhance shareholder value.


                              In   closing,   we   want   to   acknowledge   the
                          extraordinary   effort   of  our   present   staff  in
                          addressing the many problems of a turn around. We also
                          wish to thank our medical providers,  employer groups,
                          members and shareholders for their continued support.


                                                       Sincerely,


                                                       /s/ Robert W. Morey, Jr.
                                                       ------------------------
                                                       Robert W. Morey, Jr.
                                                       Chairman

                                                       /s/ Joseph R. Papa
                                                       ------------------------
                                                       Joseph R. Papa
                                                       President/CEO


                                                                               3


<PAGE>


         Selected Consolidated Financial Data

<TABLE>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
(in thousands, except per share data)
<CAPTION>
                                                              Year Ended December 31,
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------

                                             1997         1996         1995        1994       1993(1)
                                            ------       ------       ------      ------     --------
<S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>      
Revenue:
   Premiums earned ....................   $ 142,115    $ 157,156    $ 144,518   $ 120,411   $  72,905
   Interest and other income ..........       1,755        3,930        8,031       2,171       3,417
                                          ---------    ---------    ---------   ---------   ---------
Total revenue .........................     143,870      161,086      152,549     122,582      76,322
                                          ---------    ---------    ---------   ---------   ---------
Expenses:
   Medical expenses ...................     126,251      135,957      115,560      98,411      58,471
   General and administrative .........      34,485       39,334       30,279      15,599       9,641
   Depreciation and
     amortization expenses ............       3,624        3,254        2,292       1,611         761
   Interest and other expenses ........       1,652        2,361        1,629       1,099       1,331
                                          ---------    ---------    ---------   ---------   ---------
Total expenses ........................     166,012      180,906      149,760     116,720      70,204
                                          ---------    ---------    ---------   ---------   ---------
(Loss)/income before income taxes and
   change in accounting principle .....     (22,142)     (19,820)       2,789       5,862       6,118
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes (2)         --       (8,038)       1,116       2,403       2,533
                                          ---------    ---------    ---------   ---------   ---------
(Loss)/income before change in
   accounting principle ...............     (22,142)     (11,782)       1,673       3,459       3,585
Change in accounting principle (3) ....          --           --           --          --       1,063
                                          ---------    ---------    ---------   ---------   ---------

Net (Loss)/income .....................   $ (22,142)   $ (11,782)   $   1,673   $   3,459   $   4,648
                                          =========    =========    =========   =========   =========

(Loss)/earnings per share:
 Basic:
    (Loss)/income before change
      in accounting principle .........   $   (3.52)   $   (1.87)   $    0.27   $    0.56   $    0.72
    Change in accounting principle (3)           --           --           --          --        0.21
                                          ---------    ---------    ---------   ---------   ---------
    Net (Loss)/income ................    $   (3.52)   $   (1.87)   $    0.27   $    0.56   $    0.93
                                          =========    =========    =========   =========   =========


Weighted average shares
  of Common Stock outstanding .........       6,299        6,296        6,250       6,224       4,995
- -----------------------------
 Diluted:
    (Loss)/income before
      change in accounting principle ..   $   (3.52)   $   (1.87)   $    0.26   $    0.54   $    0.71
    Change in accounting principle (3).          --           --           --          --        0.21
                                          ---------    ---------    ---------   ---------   ---------
    Net (Loss)/income ................    $   (3.52)   $   (1.87)   $    0.26   $    0.54   $    0.92
                                          =========    =========    =========   =========   =========
    Weighted average shares
      of Common Stock and Common Stock
      equivalents outstanding ..........         (5)          (5)       6,396       6,354       5,025
</TABLE>


4


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
Balance Sheet Data:
(in thousands)
<CAPTION>
<S>                                       <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>     
Working capital/(deficiency)              $  (5,115)   $  11,172     $ 12,733    $  4,776    $  9,582
Total assets                                 52,538       71,340       72,011      57,793      49,947
Long-term debt                               25,852       26,467       19,209       6,336       5,982
Total liabilities                            54,389       51,066       40,207      28,486      23,850
(Deficiency in assets)/
  Shareholders' equity (4)                   (1,851)(4)   20,274       31,804      29,307      26,097
- ------------------------
(1) During 1993, the Company acquired Mid-Hudson Health Plan, Inc.
(2) Continuing  operating losses during 1997 resulted in additional deferred tax
    benefits of approximately $7.8 million.  Although  management  believes that
    profitable  operations  will be achieved in 1998, the Company has provided a
    100%  valuation  allowance  with  respect to these  additional  deferred tax
    assets in view of their size and length of the expected  recoupment  period.
    (See Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
(3) Cumulative   effect  of  a  change   in   accounting   principle   upon  the
    implementation  of  Statement  of Financial  Accounting  Standards  No. 109,
    "Accounting for Income Taxes".
(4) In  January  1998,  The 1818 Fund II,  L.P.  agreed to  convert,  subject to
    regulatory approval,  $5 million of the Company's  subordinated  convertible
    debt  into  1,250,000   shares  of  the  Company's  Common  Stock.  If  this
    transaction had occurred in December 1997, the Company's shareholders equity
    would  have been  $3,149.  (See Note 12 of Notes to  Consolidated  Financial
    Statements).
(5) Weighted average shares of common stock and common stock equivalents are not
    shown as the effect on per share would be anti-dilutive. 5
</TABLE>


                                                                               5


<PAGE>


       Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
         and Results of Operations

     The following  discussion and analysis  should be read in conjunction  with
the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  and Notes thereto  included  elsewhere
herein.

     The  WellCare  Management  Group,  Inc.'s  ("WellCare"  or  the  "Company")
financial  statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue
as a going concern.  The auditors'  report states that "the Company's  recurring
losses  from  operations,  cash  used in  operations,  deficiency  in  assets at
December  31,  1997 and  failure  to  maintain  100% of the  contingent  reserve
requirement for the New York State Department of Insurance ("NYSID") at December
31,  1997 raise  substantial  doubt  about its  ability to  continue  as a going
concern." (See Consolidated Financial Statements).

     Certain  statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are  forward-looking
statements  and  are  not  based  on  historical   facts  but  are  management's
projections or best estimates.  Actual results may differ from these projections
due to risks and uncertainties.  These risks and uncertainties include a variety
of factors.  The  Company's  results of  operations  and  projections  of future
earnings depend in large part on accurately  predicting and effectively managing
medical  costs and other  operating  expenses.  A variety of factors,  including
competition,  changes in health care practices, changes in federal or state laws
and regulations or the  interpretations  thereof,  inflation,  provider contract
changes, new technologies,  government-imposed surcharges, taxes or assessments,
reductions in provider  payments by  governmental  payors  (including  Medicare,
whereby such reductions may cause providers to seek higher payments from private
payors),  major  epidemics,  disasters and numerous other factors  affecting the
delivery and cost of health care, such as major health care providers' inability
to maintain their operations and reduce or eliminate their accumulated deficits,
may in the future affect the Company's  ability to control its medical costs and
other operating expenses. Governmental action (including downward adjustments to
premium  rates  requested by the Company,  which could result in adjusted  rates
lower than  premium  rates then in effect)  or  business  conditions  (including
intensification  of  competition  and the other factors  described  above) could
result in premium  revenues  not  increasing  to thus  offset any  increases  in
medical costs and other  operating  expenses.  Once set,  premiums are generally
fixed for one year periods  and,  accordingly,  unanticipated  costs during such
periods cannot be recovered through higher premiums. The expiration,  suspension
or termination of contracts to provide health coverage for governmental entities
or other significant  customers would also negatively impact the Company. Due to
these factors and risks, no assurance can be given with respect to the Company's
premium levels or its ability to control its medical costs.

     Legislative  and  regulatory  proposals  have been made at the  federal and
state  government  levels  related to the health care system,  including but not
limited  to  limitations  on  managed  care  organizations   (including  benefit
mandates) and reform of the Medicare and Medicaid programs.  Such legislative or
regulatory  action could have the effect of reducing  the  premiums  paid to the
Company by  governmental  programs or increasing  the Company's  medical  costs.
Specifically, pending federal budgetary action could reduce the premiums payable
to the Company under the Medicare  program as compared to  previously  announced
levels.  The  Company is unable to predict  the  specific  content of any future
legislation,  action or  regulation  that may be enacted or when any such future
legislation or regulation will be adopted. Therefore, the Company cannot predict
the effect of such future  legislation,  action or  regulation  on the Company's
business.

GENERAL OVERVIEW

     WellCare  has  instituted  programs to  increase  premium  revenue,  reduce
medical expenses,  and reduce general and  administrative  expenses.  Management
believes  that  these  initiatives  have had a  favorable  impact in 1997 on the
Company's  established  Commercial and Medicaid programs.  Unfavorable trends in
the relatively-new  Medicare Program,  particularly during the fourth quarter of
1997,  have  partially  offset the  improvements  achieved in the commercial and
Medicaid programs.

     The Company has also  implemented  changes  that have  reduced  general and
administrative   ("G&A")  expenses.   Increases  in  certain  non-operating  G&A
expenses,   partially  those  related  to  the  Securities   Litigation,   other
governmental  investigations  and  non-recurring  severance  expenses related to
downsizing and overall reductions, have partially offset the cost-savings.

     The Company also implemented  full time equivalent  ("FTE") staff reduction
programs   in  1996,   1997  and  1998  to  reduce  the  level  of  general  and
administrative  costs and bring FTE levels in line with industry  ratios.  FTE's
were as follows:

                    December 31, 1995         407
                    December 31, 1996         300
                    December 31, 1997         288
                    March 13, 1998            227

     WellCare's  principal source of revenue is premiums earned from WellCare of
New York,  Inc.  ("WCNY")  and  WellCare of  Connecticut,  Inc.  ("WCCT"),  (the
"WellCare  HMOs"),  while  interest and other income  consists of management and
administrative fees, interest and investment income, reimbursements from certain
third-party insurers, contributions, rental income and


6


<PAGE>


miscellaneous service income.  Premium revenues represented 99% of the Company's
total revenue for the year ended December 31, 1997, and had grown  substantially
since the Company's  inception through 1996 as a result of increases in both HMO
membership  and premium rates.  Premiums  revenues  declined in 1997  reflecting
reduced  commercial HMO membership.  In addition,  management and administration
fee income decreased significantly in 1997.

     Medical  expenses  consist  of the  hospital  charges,  physician  fees and
related  health  care  costs for its  members.  Medical  expenses  also  include
estimates of medical  expenses  incurred  but not yet  reported  ("IBNR") to the
Company,  based on a number of factors,  including  hospital  admission data and
prior claims experience; adjustments, if necessary, are made to medical expenses
in the period the actual  claims costs are  ultimately  determined.  The Company
believes  the  IBNR  estimates  in the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  are
adequate;  however,  there can be no  assurance  that actual  health care claims
costs will not exceed such estimates.

     The  development  of the claims  management  system that tracks claims on a
current  basis has been an  ongoing  priority  of the  Company.  The  results of
operations depends in large part on the Company's ability to predict,  quantify,
and manage medical costs.  During 1997 the Company  instituted  procedures which
are  continually  reviewed,  modified  and  enhanced  to allow it to measure and
project  medical costs on a timely basis. A daily inventory of hospital days and
patient stays by line of business is maintained by medical management. The speed
with which  claims are entered  into the claims  inventory  system has  steadily
improved during the year.  Currently,  approximately  98% of all claims received
are entered and scanned to the claims system within two days of receipt.  Claims
are then  available  for  examiners  to either  process,  review and approve for
payment,  pend for additional  information from the provider or deny. All claims
are entered into the system at charges and evaluated.

     Ongoing studies  conducted  during the year for the three lines of business
have  provided the Company with the tools to estimate the  percentage  of pended
claims to be paid relative to submitted  charges.  All claims paid,  payable and
pended are evaluated weekly and a projection of ultimate payables is determined.
Moreover,  procedures  are now in place  whereby the actual runoff of claims for
each of the last twelve months versus the reserve for IBNR and the paid, pended,
payable   claims  are   reviewed  for  accuracy  as  compared  to  the  original
projections.  This  procedure  is intended  to allow the Company to  continually
estimate its unknown claims reserves ("IBNR") more effectively.

     The Company  believes that the process of trending the ultimate  resolution
of paid,  payable,  and pended claims  allows the Company to analyze  trends and
changes in payments and utilization  patterns and,  therefore,  react to medical
costs on a proactive  versus a reactive basis.  This weekly analysis also allows
the Company to prepare  detailed data for the Company's  independent  consulting
actuaries to review the Company's IBNR estimation methodology and results.

     The  Company  seeks  to  control  medical   expenses   through   capitation
arrangements with the independent practice  associations ("IPAs" or "Alliances")
and with non-Alliance/IPA primary care physicians,  capitation arrangements with
certain  specialty  providers,  and through its  quality  improvement  programs,
utilization management and review of hospital inpatient and outpatient services,
and educational programs on effective managed care for its providers.

     Effective  October 1994, WCNY changed its capitation  arrangements with the
majority of its providers from capitating primary care physicians with attendant
risk-sharing to capitating the  Alliances/IPAs  comprised of the specialists and
previously-capitated   primary  care   physicians.   In  an  effort  to  improve
profitability of the Company and the Alliances,  effective  September 1996, WCNY
entered into a letter of  understanding  with the Alliances to  restructure  the
capitation  arrangements.  WCNY reassumed risk for certain previously  capitated
services,  with a  corresponding  reduction in rates. At December 31, 1996, WCNY
capitated  the  Alliances  for all  physician  services,  both  primary care and
specialty services, on a per member per month ("PMPM") basis for each HMO member
associated  with an  Alliance/IPA  except for  physician  services  for  certain
diagnostics and mental health,  which are capitated through regional  integrated
delivery systems. This restructuring had a minimal impact on medical expenses in
1996. The Alliances/IPAs have operated at an accumulated deficit since inception
but have recently  instituted  measures  designed to reduce these deficits,  and
achieve  profitability.  The  Company  has  been  provided  unaudited  financial
statements  which  shows  profitable  operations  in the  second  half of  1997.
Although there is no contractual  obligation,  in the event of continuing losses
or increasing  deficit by the  Alliances/IPAs,  the  Alliances/IPAs  may request
increased  capitation  rates from the Company.  Management does not believe that
such   additional   funding   should  be  required  and,  if  requested  by  the
Alliances/IPA,  does not intend to provide it. During 1997,  the  Alliances/IPAs
received a $4.0 million cash  infusion from an unrelated  third-party,  which is
currently  considering  the  exercise  of its option to acquire  the IPA holding
company.


                                                                               7


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following table provides certain statement of operations data expressed
as a  percentage  of total  revenue  and  other  statistical  data for the years
indicated:
<CAPTION>
                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                           ---------------------------------------
                                             1997            1996            1995
                                           -------         -------         -------
<S>                                           <C>             <C>             <C>  
Statement of Operations Data:
Revenue:
     Premiums earned                          98.8%           97.5%           94.5%
     Interest and other income                 1.2             2.5             5.5
                                           -------         -------         -------
         Total revenue                       100.0           100.0           100.0

Expenses:
     Hospital services                        25.1            23.1            20.0
     Physician services                       58.5            59.5            51.1
     Other medical services                    4.2             1.7             4.5
                                           -------         -------         -------

         Total medical expenses               87.8            84.3            75.6

     General and administrative               24.0            24.4            19.8
     Depreciation and amortization             2.5             2.0             1.5
     Interest and other expenses               1.1             1.6             1.3
                                           -------         -------         -------
         Total expenses                      115.4           112.3            98.2

(Loss)/income before income taxes            (15.4)          (12.3)            1.8
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes            --            (5.0)            0.7
                                           -------         -------         -------

Net (loss)/income                            (15.4)%          (7.3)%           1.1%
                                           =======         =======         =======
Statistical Data:
 HMO member months enrollment              901,295       1,077,774       1,046,559
 Medical loss ratio(1)                        88.8%           86.5%           80.0%
 General and administrative
  ratio(2)                                    24.0%           24.4%           19.8%
- -----------------------------
(1) Total  medical  expenses as a percentage  of premiums  earned;  reflects the
    combined  rates for  commercial,  Medicaid,  Full Risk Medicare and Medicare
    supplemental members.
(2) General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue.
</TABLE>


8


<PAGE>


YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996

     Premiums  earned in 1997  decreased by 9.6%,  or $15.1  million,  to $142.1
million from $157.2 million in 1996. Commercial premium revenue decreased 29.6%,
or $35.1 million,  primarily because of a decrease in member months attributable
to the loss in membership.  The decline in commercial membership is attributable
to WellCare's more stringent  application of its credit  standards,  pursuant to
which  contracts  for  non-paying  or  slow-paying  groups were  canceled or not
renewed,  as well as to customers'  adverse  reaction to the negative  publicity
received  by the  Company  related  to the  restatement  of its  1994  financial
results.  The loss of commercial  membership in 1997 was also affected by WCNY's
non-competitive  rates  relative  to other  companies  operating  within  WCNY's
marketplace.  The rates in  effect  during  1996 and in the  first  half of 1997
caused a decline in  renewing  membership  for 1997.  During  1997,  the Company
adjusted its premium rates to be competitive  within the principal markets where
WCNY  operates.  The Company  believes it is positioned to increase 1998 premium
rates and  remain  competitive  in the  marketplace.  Medicaid  premium  revenue
increased  11.3%,  or $3 million,  primarily as a result of a 10.4%  increase in
member months. Medicare premium revenue increased 139.8%, or $17 million, due to
a 159% increase in member months, partially offset by a reduction in average per
member rates of 7.4%, or $2.3 million.  Total member months  decreased  16.4% in
1997 to 901,295.

     Interest and other  income  decreased by 53.8%,  or $2.1  million,  to $1.8
million in 1997.  This  decrease is primarily  due to  reductions  in management
fees, insurance reimbursements and interest income.

     Medical expenses decreased 7.1% or $9.7 million, to $126.3 million in 1997,
from  $136.0  million in 1996.  There was a 11.1%  increase  on a PMPM basis and
increase as a  percentage  of premiums  earned (the  "medical  loss ratio") from
86.5% in 1996 to 88.8% in 1997.  The decrease in medical  expenses  from 1996 is
primarily due to decreased  commercial  membership partially offset by increases
attributable to a change in product mix.  Beginning in the third quarter of 1996
and throughout 1997, the Company made a major effort to improve the medical cost
economics  of  the  business.  These  initiatives  principally  revolved  around
renegotiated   provider   contracts  and  an  improved   effort  in  utilization
management.  The  shift in the  percentage  of  member  months  attributable  to
Medicare versus commercial has also affected medical costs.  Medical expenses as
a percentage of premiums in the  commercial  and Medicaid lines of business have
decreased during the quarters,  however;  these gains have been offset by higher
than  anticipated  medical costs  associated  with the expansion of the Medicare
business occurring principally in the fourth quarter of 1997.

     The 1997 medical  expenses  include the  following  accrual  items:  a $2.5
million  charge for adverse  development  relating to 1996 medical  claims and a
$1.7 million charge for the estimated  liability related to NYSID's audit of the
1993-1995  demographic pool ($1.2 million) and the 1996 demographic  pool, and a
$435,000  credit  relating  to the  1994  restatement.  In the  absence  of such
additional  items,  medical  expenses  would have been  $122.5  million  and the
medical  loss  ratio  would  have been  approximately  86.2%.  The 1996  medical
expenses  include the recording,  as instructed by NYSID,  of medical expense of
(i) approximately  $3.7 million relating to unpaid inpatient hospital claims and
(ii)  approximately  $2.9 million relating to unpaid claims for the period prior
to  October  1994.  Both  of  these  charges  represent  obligations  which  had
previously  been  assumed  by the  Alliances  and for which the  Company  had no
contractual  obligation  to pay. A  percentage  of the  increase in 1996 medical
expenses  is  also  due  to  a  restructuring  of  the  contractual   capitation
arrangements  with  the  Alliances.  As  a  result  of  the  1994  prior  period
restatement, medical expenses in 1996 were reduced approximately $2,423,000 (See
Note 2b of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements"). After giving pro forma
effect to the impact of the aforementioned  changes on 1996, medical expenses in
1996 would have been $134.8  million and the medical  loss ratio would have been
85.8%.

     The decision to expand into the Medicare line of business  recognized  that
the early stages of expansion  would  generate a medical loss ratio in excess of
100% until sufficient  membership was achieved. As a result of the renegotiation
of many  provider  contracts  from a DRG to a per diem basis and the  efforts to
improve utilization management,  it appeared that the third quarter medical loss
ratio for Medicare  would  generate an adequate  profit margin before G&A costs.
Expected  utilization  improvements  in the  fourth  quarter  were  based on the
favorable  results of the third  quarter,  and led  management  to  anticipate a
fourth quarter  Medicare loss ratio in the range of 90-92%.  In late January and
early  February  1998,  additional  Medicare  claims were received for the third
quarter  of 1997,  beyond  the time  frame  within  which the  Company  had been
experiencing with its commercial product. The Company had been receiving greater
than 90% of its  Medicare  claims  within 12 weeks of the date of  service.  The
receipt of these  additional  late claims  beyond the 12 week  period  created a
situation  whereby the updated third quarter medical loss ratio is approximately
5% higher than originally estimated.  Additionally,  higher than expected fourth
quarter   Medicare   utilization   (together  with  the  third  quarter  adverse
development)   generated   medical  costs   approximately   $2.2  million  above
projections.


                                                                               9


<PAGE>


     General and administrative  expenses  decreased 11.2%, or $4.4 million,  to
$34.9  million  from $39.3  million in 1996 and  decreased as a percent of total
revenue  (the "G&A  ratio")  to 24.0% from 24.4% in 1996.  The  decrease  in G&A
expenses is the net result of a decrease of $3.2  million in the  provision  for
doubtful  trade  and  other   receivables;   an  increase  of  $0.3  million  in
advertising,  promotional and communication  costs; a decrease of $.9 million in
payroll and labor related expenses  because of reduced  staffing  levels;  and a
decrease of $1.0 million in extraordinary legal and other professional  services
primarily related to class action litigation. It is anticipated that legal costs
will increase during the normal progression of the class action litigation.

     Depreciation  and amortization  increased by 11.4% or $.4 million,  in 1997
due primarily to amortization of  preoperational  costs  associated with service
area and product line expansion. Interest and other expenses decreased by 32.1%,
or $.8  million,  in 1997 due  primarily to  retirement  of bank debt during the
fourth  quarter  of 1996,  and the  reduction  of the  annual  interest  rate in
February 1997, on the Subordinated Convertible Note.

     As previously reported in the Form 10-Q for the periods ended September 30,
June 30 and March 31, 1997,  the  quarterly  reported  results were affected by:
legislative  actions  affecting  the amount of recorded  Medicaid  premium,  the
effects of estimating the ultimate cost of New York State Demographic Pool Audit
assessment for the years 1993-1995 and on 1996, adverse development  reported in
the 1997 quarters  relating to 1996,  the operating  measures  instituted in the
third and fourth quarters to speed the processing of claims receipts and reflect
expected claim amounts  within the claim payment and IBNR process,  the writeoff
of 1996 and prior  years  receivable  balances  and the 1997  impact of the 1994
restatement.

     The following pro-forma (unaudited) table provides supplemental information
to assist the reader in evaluating the  improvements in operations  during 1997.
The tables  should be read in  conjunction  with the  narrative in the preceding
paragraphs.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1997 Quarters
                                    ---------------------------------------
                                    1st        2nd         3rd       4th            1997
                                    ----       ----        ----      ----           ----
                                                   (unaudited)
REPORTED
- --------
<S>                                 <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>  
Medical loss ratio (1)
   Commercial                       110.7%      81.5%      77.8%      83.3%          89.4%
   Medicaid                          98.3       57.1       77.5       61.7           70.6
   Medicare                         116.3       93.8      112.1      116.8          109.9
      Total                         108.9       78.5       85.0       84.3           88.8
G&A ratio (2)                        26.4       18.4       25.0       26.2           24.0
Pretax margin (3)                   (37.9)       0.3      (12.4)     (13.0)         (15.4)

PRO-FORMA
- ---------
Medical loss ratio(1)(4)
   Commercial                        89.2       86.6       84.0       81.6           85.6
   Medicaid                          72.1       70.0       70.1       70.6           70.7
   Medicare                         113.4      111.0       98.4      108.0          107.0
      Total                          88.7       87.6       84.2       84.2           86.2
G&A ratio (2)(5)                     20.0       20.0       21.5       23.4           21.2
Pre-tax margin (3)                  (11.4)     (10.3)      (8.1)     (10.4)         (10.1)
- ------------------------
(1) Total medical expenses as a percentage of premiums earned.
(2) General and administrative expenses as a percentage at total revenue.
(3) (Loss)/income before income taxes as a percentage of total revenue.
(4) Adjusted to reflect medical  expenses for the  non-recurring  effects of the
    medical expense adjustment described above.
(5) Adjusted to eliminate  non-operating  expenses  pertaining to the Securities
    Litigation,  other  governmental  investigations,   non-recurring  severance
    expenses and for prior years receivable balances.
</TABLE>


10


<PAGE>


YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995

     Premiums earned in 1996 increased 8.7%, or $12.7 million, to $157.2 million
from  $144.5  million  in 1995.  This  increase  was  attributable  to  premiums
generated  from WCNY's  Medicare  Risk  contract,  a new product line started in
October  1995,  of $12.0  million;  a net increase in Medicaid  premiums of $6.0
million  (principally  due to an  increase in member  months);  offset by a $5.3
million reduction in commercial  premiums  reflecting  reduced  membership.  The
decline in commercial  membership is  substantially  attributable  to WellCare's
more stringent application of its credit standards,  pursuant to which contracts
for non-paying or slow-paying groups were canceled or not renewed, as well as to
customers'  adverse reaction to the negative  publicity  received by the Company
related to the  restatement of its 1994  financial  results.  Although  Medicaid
member months increased,  there was a decrease in actual Medicaid  membership at
December 31, 1996 from December 31, 1995. The decline in Medicaid  membership is
attributable  to the ban on  direct  enrollment  of  Medicaid  eligibles  by any
managed  care plans  from  August  1995  through  August  1996 in New York City,
thereby not offsetting  normal Medicaid  disenrollments  or permitting growth in
enrollment during that period, as well as a statewide  decrease in the number of
individuals  eligible  for  Medicaid  which has caused a  decrease  in the total
number of Medicaid  eligibles  in all managed care  organizations.  Total member
months increased 3% in 1996 to 1,077,774.

     Interest and other income decreased 51.0%, or $8.3 million, to $4.1 million
in 1996 due to  decreases  in WellCare  University  revenues,  management  fees,
third-party and insurance reimbursements.

     Medical expenses  increased  17.7%, or $20.4 million,  to $136.0 million in
1996  representing  a 14.2%  increase  on a per  member  per  month  basis,  and
increased  medical loss ratio from 80.0% in 1995 to 86.5% in 1996.  The increase
in the  medical  loss ratio is due, in large  part,  to the Company  agreeing to
record  a  one-time  additional  liability  in the  second  quarter  of  1996 of
approximately  $3.7  million  resulting  from  assuming  the  cost  of  hospital
inpatient care for members, the cost of which had previously been assumed by the
Alliances and to the recording of medical expenses of approximately $2.9 million
relating to unpaid claims for the period prior to October 1, 1994 (classified as
physician services).  Both of the aforementioned  medical expenses were recorded
by WCNY at the instruction of NYSID. Both of these changes represent obligations
which had previously been assumed by the Alliances and for which the Company had
no  contractual  obligation  to pay. A  percentage  of the  increase  in medical
expenses  is  also  due  to  a  restructuring  of  the  contractual   capitation
arrangements  with the  Alliances.  As a result of a prior period  restatements,
medical expenses in 1996 were reduced  approximately  $2,423,000 (See Note 2b of
"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements").

     G&A expenses  increased  29.9%, or $9.1 million,  to $39.3 million in 1996,
and the G&A ratio increased to 24.4% in 1996 from 19.8% in 1995. The increase in
G&A  expenses  resulted  primarily  from  increased  salaries  and  benefits  of
approximately $2.5 million for severance payments, addition of senior management
at higher annual compensation levels, and service and product line expansion, an
increase  of  approximately  $2.4  million  in  reserves  established  for trade
accounts  receivables  and  notes  and other  receivables  (including  valuation
reserves  relating to obligations of the buyer of the assets of WellCare Medical
Management,  Inc. (See Note 4 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial  Statements"),
an  increase  of  approximately  $2.3  million in unusual  legal costs and other
professional  and outside  services  specifically  relating to the class  action
litigation,  and an increase of $1.5 million related to marketing and consulting
costs.

     Depreciation and amortization  increased by approximately  $962,000 to $3.3
million in 1996 as a result of amortization of  preoperational  costs associated
with service area and product line expansions.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     In  January,   1996,  the  Company  completed  a  private  placement  of  a
subordinated  convertible  note in the  principal  amount  of  $20,000,000  (the
"Note") due  December 31,  2002,  with The 1818 Fund II, L.P., a private  equity
fund managed by Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. The Company utilized a part of the
net proceeds of this private placement to retire a portion of its debt. The Note
was  amended  in  February  1997,  and  subsequently  in  January  1998,  and is
convertible  into shares of WellCare  Common Stock.  In January  1998,  the Fund
agreed to convert $5 million of the Note into  1,250,000  shares of Common Stock
of  the  Company  at a  conversion  price  of  $4  per  share,  subject  to  the
anti-dilution adjustment. The conversion requires approval by the New York State
Department  of  Health,  which the  Company  anticipates  receiving  in the near
future.  The Note initially accrued interest at 6.0% per annum,  amended to 5.5%
per annum in 1997 and  amended  to 8% per annum in 1998.  The  conversion  price
after the 1998 amendment is $8 per share for the remaining $15 million debt, and
the  mandatory  redemption  percentage  is 150%.  The Company will also have the
right to purchase  one half of the shares of the Common  Stock and the debt held
by the Fund, for $12 million plus accrued  interest,  if  consolidated  earnings
before taxes are positive for either the second or third  quarter of 1998.  This
right is  exercisable  after filing the relevant Form 10Q, and prior to December
31, 1998 (See Note 12 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements").


                                                                              11


<PAGE>


     The Company's  requirements  for working  capital are  principally  to meet
current  obligations,  fund geographic and product expansion for HMO operations,
maintain necessary regulatory reserves, and marketing and product expansion.

     Net cash used by operating  activities  was  approximately  $4.8 million in
1997 compared to $4.1 million in 1996. The use of cash in 1997 is principally to
fund the cash operating loss of $18.4 million,  reduced  principally by the cash
provided  from a $6.9  million  decrease in taxes  receivable,  a  reduction  in
accounts, notes and other receivables of approximately $3.2 million, an increase
in payables of $2.6 million and a reduction in  restricted  cash of $.9 million.
The decrease in tax receivables reflects primarily the collection in 1997 of the
1996 income tax refund which  resulted from carrying back the 1996 tax operating
loss against prior years' income. The Company also realized $.8 million from the
sale  of   investments.   Cash  used  for  capital   expenditures  in  1997  was
approximately  $.3 million  used  primarily  for  expanding  and  upgrading  the
Company's information systems.

     Recent  legislation by New York State ("Prompt Pay"  legislation)  requires
HMOs,  effective with claims  submitted for services  provided after January 22,
1998, to pay undisputed  ("clean") claims within 45 days of date of receipt. The
Company  believes it has been and continues to be in compliance  with this rule.
It is too early to  determine if the prompt pay rule will require the Company to
accelerate the payment pattern of its claims.

     New York State certified HMOs are required to maintain a cash reserve equal
to the greater of 5% of expected annual medical costs or $100,000. Additionally,
WCNY is  required  to  maintain a  contingent  reserve  which must be  increased
annually by an amount equal to at least 1% of statutory premiums earned limited,
in total,  to a maximum of 5% of statutory  premiums  earned for the most recent
calendar year and which may be offset by the cash  reserve.  The cash reserve is
calculated  at  December  31 of  each  year  and is  maintained  throughout  the
following  calendar  year.  At December  31, 1997,  WellCare  had required  cash
reserves of $5.8 million and a contingent reserve of $6.7 million.  In the event
the  contingent  reserve  exceeds the required cash  reserve,  the excess of the
contingent reserve over the required cash reserve is required to be maintained.

     NYSID has the  authority  to allow an HMO to maintain a net worth of 50% to
100% of the contingent reserve. WCNY executed a Section 1307 loan in March 1998,
which has  brought  WCNY's  December  31,  1997  statutory  net worth  above the
permitted 50% contingent reserve requirement. WCNY has been operating within the
50%  discretionary  contingent  reserve  requirement  during  1997 with the full
knowledge of NYSID.  In June 1997 and November 1997, the Company loaned $3.1 and
$1.3  million,  respectively  to WCNY  under the  provisions  of  Section  1307.
Management has had ongoing  discussions  and meetings with NYSID and has updated
NYSID of the Company's plans to obtain  additional  funds during 1998, which the
Company's Board has authorized to be contributed,  as needed, to WCNY's capital.
Management  expects that WCNY's 1998 budgeted return to profitability,  together
with the capital  contribution  and additional  Section 1307 loans, if required,
will fully fund the contingent reserve requirement in 1998.

     In January 1997,  WCNY received the final report on its biennial  statutory
examination  for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995 from NYSID. In 1996,
during the course of the audit,  the  Company  had  recorded  two  non-recurring
medical  charges (See Note 2d of "Notes to Consolidated  Financial  Statements")
based on the interim  findings  and  instructions  of NYSID.  Additionally,  the
examiners determined that WCNY was not in compliance with all pertinent New York
State regulation  sections relating to WCNY's underwriting and rating procedures
and referred the matter to NYSID's  Office of General  Counsel for  disciplinary
action.  In December 1997, WCNY entered into a Stipulation  Agreement whereby it
agreed to pay a penalty of $91,000 and to correct past violations. An additional
penalty of $66,000 may be assessed if NYSID  subsequently  determines  that WCNY
has not made a good faith effort to recoup  undercharges  from incorrectly rated
groups.

     As a result of the examination,  WCNY's statutory net worth at December 31,
1995 was deficient by  approximately  $1.1 million.  In March 1996,  the Company
made a capital  contribution  of $3 million to WCNY,  and in October  1996,  the
Company  loaned WCNY $3 million under the  provisions of Section 1307 of the New
York State  Insurance  Law.  Under Section 1307,  the principal and interest are
treated as equity capital for  regulatory  purposes and are repayable out of the
free and divisible surplus,  subject to the prior approval of the Superintendent
of Insurance of the State of New York. These two cash infusions more than offset
the examination's adjustment to WCNY's net worth.

     In June and  November  1997,  the Company  made  capital  contributions  of
$350,000 and $425,000 to WCCT to bring its  statutory  net worth to the required
$1  million.  The  Company,  on  March  2,  1998,  made  an  additional  capital
contribution  of $368,000 to WCCT to bring its  statutory net worth above the $1
million requirement.

     At December 31, 1997, the Company had a working capital  deficiency of $5.1
million,  excluding  the $5.8 million  cash  reserve  required by New York State
which is classified as a non-current asset, compared to working capital of $11.2
million,  excluding  the $6.7 million cash  reserve,  at December 31, 1996;  the
decrease in working capital is attributable primarily to the cash operating loss
incurred by the Company during 1997. The Company  intends to finance its current
and future  operations from the positive cash flow from its projected  return to
profitability  in 1998 via  increased  membership,  rate  increases  and further


12


<PAGE>


reductions in medical and general and  administrative  expenses.  The Company is
also aggressively  pursuing balances due from commercial customers in accordance
with  contractual  stipulations  to more closely match the collection of premium
with the payment of provider capitation fees and fees for service. A significant
portion of premiums  receivable are due from  governmental  agencies relating to
the Medicaid  program,  some of which relate to 1996 and the early part of 1997.
Approximately  $650,000  was  collected  in March  1998,  and the  remainder  is
anticipated  to be collected in the second  quarter of 1998.  The  collection of
these  balances  will  have a  positive  effect  on  the  Company's  cash  flow.
Additionally,  cash is expected from the proceeds upon the anticipated  exercise
of the  Investor's  option to merge with the Buyer,  as  discussed  in Note 4 of
"Notes to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements".  Management  believes  that the
Company will have sufficient  funds available from the above sources to maintain
its planned level of operations and programs for 1998.

     In March 1998, the Company engaged Bear,  Stearns & Co. Inc., to assist the
Company in exploring  its  strategic  opportunities.  This could  include  joint
venture, merger or sale of all or a portion of the Company.

     In January  1997,  the Company had  executed a  renegotiated  $6.0  million
line-of-credit  with Key Bank of New York (the  "Bank"),  which was to expire on
May 31, 1998.  There were no borrowings  under this  line-of-credit  and, in May
1997, both parties mutually agreed to terminate the line-of-credit.  In December
1996,  the  Company  had repaid the  outstanding  $3.1  million on the  previous
line-of-credit.  At December 31, 1996,  the Company was in technical  default of
certain financial covenants even though there were no borrowings  outstanding on
the  line-of-credit.  The Bank  granted the Company a waiver of these  financial
covenants for the period ended December 31, 1996 and as of that date.  (See Note
11 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.")

     At December 31, 1997, the Company had total mortgage  indebtedness  of $6.2
million  outstanding  on four of its office  buildings,  of which  approximately
$780,000 is due February 1, 1999,  approximately  $4.3 million is due January 1,
2000,  approximately $795,000 is due March 1, 2000 and approximately $325,000 is
due March 1, 2001.

     Between April and June 1996,  the Company,  its former  President and Chief
Executive Officer,  and its former Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial
Officer were named as  defendants  in twelve  separate  actions filed in Federal
Court (the  "Securities  Litigations").  An additional three directors were also
named in one of these actions.  Plaintiffs  sought to recover damages  allegedly
caused by the Company's  defendants'  violations of federal securities laws with
regard to the preparation and dissemination to the investing public of false and
misleading information concerning the Company's financial condition.

     Although  management is unable to predict the  likelihood of success on the
merits of the  consolidated  class  action,  it has  instructed  its  counsel to
vigorously  defend its  interests.  To date,  the Company has  indemnified  both
former  officers  who  are  defendants  for  costs  incurred  in  defending  the
Securities Litigations.  The Company has insurance in effect which may, at least
in part, offset any costs to be incurred in these litigations.

     The amount of legal fees incurred with respect to the defense of the former
President  and Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  in the
Securities Litigations, and included in G&A expenses, is as follows:

                             1996          1997          Total
                             ----          ----          -----
                                     (in thousands)


                  CEO        $360          $163          $523
                  CFO         159           190           349
                             ----          ----          ----
                             $519          $353          $872
                             ====          ====          ====


SALE OF WELLCARE MEDICAL MANAGEMENT, INC.

     In June 1995,  the Company  contributed  approximately  $5.1 million to its
then wholly-owned subsidiary,  WellCare Medical Management,  Inc. ("WCMM") which
was engaged in managing  physician  practices,  and then sold the assets of WCMM
for cash of $.6 million and a note  receivable of $5.1  million.  The buyer (the
"Buyer")  which had been newly  formed,  is in the business of managing  medical
practices  and  providing  related  consultative  services  and had entered into
agreements  to  manage  the  Alliances  (See  Notes  1a  and  18a of  "Notes  to
Consolidated Financial  Statements").  The Company also had received a five-year
option to  acquire  the  Buyer,  which  option was  canceled  in 1996.  The note
receivable  bears  interest  at a rate equal to prime plus 2% (10.5% at December
31, 1997) with interest  payable monthly through July 31, 2000 and,  thereafter,
principal and interest  monthly  through July 31, 2000.  The Buyer has paid only
interest through January 1996.

     Subsequently,  the Company  also  advanced  $3.4  million to the Buyer ($.6
million in 1997,  $2.1  million in 1996 and $.7  million in 1995) for  operating
expenses and unpaid  interest,  which  obligations  are  documented  by notes of
$215,000 and $2.1 million and interest receivable of $1.1 million.  The note for
$215,000, which is dated February 26, 1996, bears interest at a rate equal


                                                                              13


<PAGE>


to prime plus 2% (10.5% at December 31, 1997) and was due December 31, 1996.  No
payments of principal have been made, nor payments of interest beyond May 1996.

     In view of the Buyer's operating losses and advances to the Alliances,  the
Company  had  obtained  from  certain of the  Buyer's  equity  holders  personal
guarantees  of the  original  note and  pledges of  collateral  to secure  these
guarantees.  In April 1997, the Company's  Board of Directors  agreed to release
these guarantees and related  collateral pledged by the guarantors to secure the
guarantees  in  exchange  for the Buyer's  stock  options  that such  guarantors
originally  received  from the Buyer and a release from the  guarantors  for any
potential claims against WellCare  associated with the transactions.  In view of
the Buyer's financial  condition and difficulties  inherent in the collection of
personal  guarantees and  realization of collateral,  and the Buyer's default on
the payments of the notes,  the Company fully reserved in 1995 the original $5.1
million note  receivable,  plus the $.7 million  advanced in 1995. In 1996,  the
Company  established  an additional net reserve of $1.9 million for the $215,000
note,  interest  accrued  on the  notes,  and  advances  receivable,  net of the
deferred gain of $144,00 on the original sale. In 1997, the Company  established
a reserve of $.8 million for 1997 accrued interest not paid by the Buyer and for
advances made in 1997.

     In February 1997, the Buyer executed the promissory  note for $2.1 million,
bearing interest at the rate of prime plus 2% (10.5% at December 31, 1997), with
repayment of the  principal  over 36 months,  starting  upon the  occurrence  of
certain events  explained below (no interest has been paid on this  obligation).
Subsequently,  in February 1997, the Buyer entered into an Option Agreement with
a potential  investor (the  "Investor"),  whereby the Investor  loaned the Buyer
$4,000,000 and received an option to merge with the Buyer,  exercisable  through
June 30, 1998.  Concurrently,  WellCare entered into an agreement with the Buyer
whereby  WellCare  agreed to forbear on the collection of principal and interest
on the note for $5.1  million,  and on the  collection  of principal of the $2.1
million  note,  in exchange  for the right to convert the $5.1 million note into
43% of the Common Stock of the company resulting from the merger of the Investor
and the Buyer.

     If the  Investor  merges  with the Buyer,  the $2.1  million  note would be
payable  immediately,  and the Company  would have a 43% equity  interest in the
company  resulting from the merger of the Investor and the Buyer. At the earlier
of the Buyer  relinquishing its option to merge (which would include  expiration
of the option) or March 14, 1999,  the  forbearance  will be  rescinded  and the
original payment terms of the $5.1 million note  reinstated.  The Buyer would be
obligated to continue  paying  monthly  interest on the $2.1 million note,  with
principal payments over a thirty-six month period to commence upon rescission of
the forbearance.  The Buyer has not made any of the interest  payments due under
the $2.1 million note. The notes are  subordinated  to the  Investor's  security
interests.

INFLATION

     Medical  costs  have been  rising at a higher  rate than that for  consumer
goods as a  whole.  The  Company  believes  its  premium  increases,  capitation
arrangements and other cost control measures mitigate, but do not wholly offset,
the effects of medical cost  inflation on its  operations  and its  inability to
increase premiums could negatively impact the Company's future earnings.


14


<PAGE>


         Independent Auditors' Report


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
The WellCare Management Group, Inc.
Kingston, New York


     We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  of The
WellCare  Management Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December
31,  1997 and 1996,  and the  related  consolidated  statements  of  operations,
shareholders' equity (deficiency in assets) and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period  ended  December  31,  1997.  Our audits also  included  the
financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 14. These consolidated
financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of
the Company's  management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our
audits.

     We conducted  our audits in accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable  assurance about whether the  consolidated  financial  statements are
free of material  misstatement.  An audit includes  examining,  on a test basis,
evidence  supporting the amounts and disclosures in the  consolidated  financial
statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant  estimates  made by  management,  as well as evaluating  the overall
financial  statement  presentation.   We  believe  that  our  audits  provide  a
reasonable basis for our opinion.

     In our opinion,  such consolidated  financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects,  the financial position of the Company as of December 31,
1997 and 1996,  and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of
the three  years in the  period  ended  December  31,  1997 in  conformity  with
generally accepted accounting  principles.  Also, in our opinion, such financial
statement  schedules,  when  considered  in relation  to the basic  consolidated
financial  statements taken as a whole,  present fairly in all material respects
the information set forth therein.

     The accompanying 1997 consolidated  financial statements have been prepared
assuming  that the Company  will  continue as a going  concern.  As discussed in
Notes  1m  and  19 to  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  the  Company's
recurring losses from operations, cash used in operations,  deficiency in assets
at December 31, 1997,  and failure to maintain  100% of the  contingent  reserve
requirement  of the New York State  Department of Insurance at December 31, 1997
raised  substantial  doubt about its  ability to  continue  as a going  concern.
Management's  plans  concerning these matters are also described in Notes 1m and
19. The  consolidated  financial  statements do not include any adjustments that
might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
- -------------------------
Deloitte & Touche LLP
New York, New York
March 31, 1998


                                                                              15


<PAGE>


         Consolidated Balance Sheets
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          December 31,          December 31,
(in thousands, except share data)                             1997                  1996
                                                          ------------          ------------
<S>                                                       <C>                   <C>     
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
   Cash and equivalents ................................. $  3,368              $  7,869
   Short-term investments - available for sale ..........      103                   919
   Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful
    accounts of $2,422 in 1997 and $1,902 in 1996) ......    6,802                 8,133
   Notes receivable (net of allowance for doubtful
    accounts of $5,441 in 1997 and $2,032 in 1996) ......      679                   351
   Advances to participating providers ..................    2,860                 2,320
   Other receivables (net of allowance for doubtful
    accounts of $1,137 in 1997 and $4,995 in 1996) ......    4,873                 4,874
   Taxes receivable .....................................      284                 6,969
   Deferred tax asset ...................................    3,927                 3,932
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets ............      522                   400
                                                          --------              --------
   TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS .................................   23,418                35,767

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (net of accumulated depreciation
 and amortization of $6,528 in 1997 and $5,157 in 1996) .   11,094                12,261

OTHER ASSETS:
   Restricted cash ......................................    5,771                 6,667
   Notes receivable (net of allowance for doubtful
    accounts of $2,655 in 1997 and $3,313 in 1996) ......      122                 1,104
   Preoperational costs (net of accumulated amortization
    of $2,562 in 1997 and $1,237 in 1996) ...............    1,440                 2,764
   Other non-current assets (net of allowance for
    doubtful accounts of $1,133 in 1997 and $1,516 in
    1996 and accumulated amortization of $869 in 1997
    and $585 in 1996) ...................................    3,302                 4,749
   Goodwill (net of accumulated amortization of $2,339
    in 1997 and $1,702 in 1996) .........................    7,391                 8,028
                                                          --------              --------
   TOTAL ................................................ $ 52,538              $ 71,340
                                                          ========              ========
</TABLE>


          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


16


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          December 31,          December 31,
                                                              1997                  1996
                                                          ------------          ------------
<S>                                                       <C>                   <C>     
LIABILITIES AND (DEFICIENCY ASSETS)/
 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
   Current portion of long-term debt .................... $    618              $    702
   Medical costs payable ................................   16,199                15,965
   New York State demographic pool ......................    1,122                    --
   Accounts payable .....................................    1,188                 1,002
   Accrued expenses and other ...........................    3,722                 2,678
   Unearned income ......................................    5,684                 4,248
                                                          --------              --------

   TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES ............................   28,533                24,595

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
   Long-term debt .......................................   25,852                26,467
   Other liabilities ....................................        4                     4
                                                          --------              --------

   TOTAL LIABILITIES ....................................   54,389                51,066
                                                          --------              --------

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES ...........................       --                    --

(DEFICIENCY IN ASSETS)/
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
   Class A  Common  Stock  ($.01  par  value;
    1,199,015  and  1,484,482  shares authorized;
    1,084,025  and  1,369,492  shares  issued  and
    outstanding  at December 31,1997 and 1996,
    respectively) .......................................       11                    14
   Common Stock ($.01 par value; 20,000,000  shares
    authorized,  5,228,217  and  4,942,750  shares issued
    at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively) ........       52                    49
   Additional paid-in capital ...........................   26,624                26,624
   Accumulated deficit ..................................  (34,987)              (12,121)
   Statutory reserve ....................................    6,656                 5,932
                                                          --------              --------
                                                            (1,644)               20,498
   Unrealized loss on short-term investments ............       --                   (11)
   Less:
    Notes receivable from shareholders ..................        5                     6
    Treasury stock (at cost; 12,850 and 14,066 shares of
     Common Stock at December 31, 1997 and 1996,
     respectively) ......................................      202                   207
                                                          --------              --------

   TOTAL (DEFICIENCY IN ASSETS)/
  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ..................................   (1,851)               20,274
                                                          --------              --------

   TOTAL ................................................ $ 52,538              $ 71,340
                                                          ========              ========
</TABLE>


          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                                                              17


<PAGE>


                       This page intentionally left blank


18


<PAGE>


         Consolidated Statements of Operations
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Years Ended December 31,
                                                     -------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except per share amounts)               1997              1996             1995
                                                     --------          --------         --------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>              <C>     
REVENUE:
     Premiums earned .............................   $142,115          $157,156         $144,518
     Administrative fee income ...................         --             1,592            2,792
     Interest and investment income ..............      1,234             1,338              999
     Other income - net ..........................        521             1,000            4,240
                                                     --------          --------         --------
         TOTAL REVENUE ...........................    143,870           161,086          152,549
                                                     --------          --------         --------
EXPENSES:
     Medical expenses ............................    126,251           135,957          115,560
     General and administrative expenses .........     34,485            39,334           30,279
     Depreciation and amortization expense .......      3,624             3,254            2,292
     Interest expense ............................      1,652             2,185            1,447
     Expenses to affiliates - net ................         --               176              182
                                                     --------          --------         --------
         TOTAL EXPENSES ..........................    166,012           180,906          149,760
                                                     --------          --------         --------
(LOSS)/INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES ................    (22,142)          (19,820)           2,789
(BENEFIT)/PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES .............         --            (8,038)           1,116
                                                     --------          --------         --------
NET (LOSS)/INCOME ................................   $(22,142)         $(11,782)        $  1,673
                                                     ========          ========         ========

(LOSS)/EARNINGS PER SHARE - BASIC ................   $  (3.52)         $  (1.87)        $   0.27
                                                     ========          ========         ========
Weighted average shares of common
 stock outstanding ...............................      6,299             6,296            6,250
                                                     ========          ========         ========

(LOSS)/EARNINGS PER SHARE - DILUTED ..............   $  (3.52)         $  (1.87)        $   0.26
                                                     ========          ========         ========
Weighted average shares of common stock and
 common stock equivalents outstanding ............      Not               Not
                                                     Applicable        Applicable          6,396
                                                                                        ========
</TABLE>


          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                                                              19


<PAGE>


         Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            Years Ended December 31,
                               1997, 1996 and 1995
                                 (in thousands)

                                                               Class A                Additional
                                                               Common       Common     Paid-in
                                                                Stock        Stock     Capital
                                                               -------      -------   ----------
<S>                                                             <C>         <C>        <C>    
BALANCE, DEC 31, 1994 .......................................   $  16       $ 47       $25,861
Conversion of Class A Common shares to Common shares ........      (1)         1           --
Exercise of stock options ...................................      --         --          450
Issuance of treasury stock ..................................      --         --           60
Repayments/reclassification of shareholders' notes - net ....      --         --           --
Net change of valuation allowance on short-term investments .      --         --           --
Transfer to statutory reserve ...............................      --         --           --
Net income ..................................................      --         --           --
                                                              -------    -------      -------
BALANCE, DEC 31, 1995 .......................................      15         48       26,371
Conversion of Class A Common shares to Common shares ........      (1)         1           --
Exercise of stock options ...................................      --         --          252
Issuance of treasury stock ..................................      --         --            1
Repayments/reclassification of shareholders' notes - net ....      --         --           --

Net change of valuation allowance on short-term investments .      --         --           --
Transfer to statutory reserve ...............................      --         --        1,572
Net (loss) ..................................................      --         --           --
                                                              -------    -------      -------
BALANCE, DEC 31, 1996 .......................................      14         49       26,624
Conversion of Class A Common shares to Common shares ........      (3)         3           --
Adjustment to Treasury Stock ................................      --         --           --
Repayments/reclassification of shareholders' notes - net ....      --         --           --
Net change of valuation allowance on short-term investments .      --         --           --
Transfer to statutory reserve ...............................      --         --          724
Net (loss) ..................................................      --         --           --
                                                              -------    -------      -------
BALANCE, DEC 31, 1997 ....................................... $    11    $    52      $26,624
                                                              =======    =======      =======
</TABLE>



          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


20


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Unrealized                                  Total
        (Accumulated                    (Loss)/Gain                             (Deficiency in
          Deficit)/                          on            Notes                    Assets)/
          Retained       Statutory      Short-term      Receivable-   Treasury   Sharehodlers'
          Earnings        Reserve       Investments    Shareholders     Stock        Equity
       ----------        ---------      -----------    ------------   --------  --------------
       <S>               <C>              <C>             <C>           <C>       <C>     
       $  1,017          $2,903           $(104)          $ (38)        $(395)    $ 29,307
             --              --              --              --            --           --
             --              --              --              --            --          450
             --              --              --              --           184          244
             --              --              --              21            --           21
             --              --             109              --            --          109
         (1,457)          1,457              --              --            --           --
          1,673              --              --              --            --        1,673
       --------          ------          ------           -----         -----     --------
          1,233           4,360               5             (17)         (211)      31,804
             --              --              --              --            --           --
             --              --              --              --            --          252
             --              --              --              --             4            5
             --              --              --              11            --           11
             --              --             (16)             --            --          (16)
         (1,572)          1,572              --              --            --           --
        (11,782)             --              --              --            --      (11,782)
       --------          ------          ------           -----         -----     --------
        (12,121)          5,932             (11)             (6)         (207)      20,274
             --              --              --              --            --           --
             --              --              --              --             5            5
             --              --              --               1            --            1

             --              --              11              --            --           11
           (724)            724              --              --            --           --
        (22,142)             --              --              --            --      (22,142)
       --------          ------          ------           -----         -----     --------
       $(34,987)         $6,656          $   --           $  (5)        $(202)    $ (1,851)
       ========          ======          ======           =====         =====     ========
</TABLE>



          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                                                              21


<PAGE>


         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                        ---------------------------------
(in thousands)                                             1997        1996        1995
                                                        ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>                                                     <C>         <C>         <C>     
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
  ACTIVITIES:
Net (loss)/income ..................................... $(22,142)   $(11,782)   $  1,673
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss)/income to net
  cash (used)/provided by operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization ....................    3,624       3,254       2,292
     Increase in deferred taxes .......................       --      (1,711)     (1,788)
     Loss/(gain) on sale of assets and other ..........      103         (71)         57
Changes in assets and liabilities:
     Decrease/(increase) in accounts receivable - net .    1,331       5,808      (6,545)
     Increase in medical costs payable ................      234       1,935         522
     Decrease/(increase) in due from affiliates - net .       --         223         (27)
     Increase in NYSID payable ........................    1,122          --          --
     Decrease/(increase) in accounts receivable -
       non-current - net ..............................      530        (644)         --
     Decrease/(increase) in other receivables - net ...      732        (148)     (3,554)
     Increase/(decrease) in accounts payable,
       accrued expenses and other current liabilities .    1,230       1,531         (97)
     Decrease/(increase) in taxes receivable/payable ..    6,885      (5,021)     (2,186)
    (Increase)/decrease in prepaid expenses and other .     (122)         19          55
     Increase in unearned income ......................    1,436       1,187       1,048
     Decrease/(increase) in restricted cash ...........      896       1,574      (1,657)
    (Increase)/decrease in advances to participating
      providers .......................................     (540)        757       1,032
     Decrease/(increase)in other non-current assets -
       excluding preoperational costs and accounts
       and other receivables ..........................      191        (584)         41
     Other operating activities - net .................     (280)       (399)       (166)
                                                        --------    --------    --------
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES .................   (4,770)     (4,072)     (9,300)
                                                        --------    --------    --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of equipment .................................     (314)       (538)     (1,608)
Decrease in notes receivable ..........................      653         613         466
Sale of investments ...................................      811       6,841      12,702
Purchase of investments ...............................       --      (6,500)     (6,367)
Increase in preoperational costs ......................       --        (420)     (1,589)
Payments to acquire MCA, net of cash acquired .........       --          --        (215)
Other investing activities - net ......................       11         (16)        109
                                                        --------    --------    --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY/(USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES ...    1,161         (20)      3,498
                                                        --------    --------    --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of stock and treasury
 stock - net ..........................................        5           3         244
Repayment of notes payable and long-term debt .........     (898)    (15,002)     (8,295)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options ...............       --         254         450
Proceeds from notes payable and long-term debt ........       --      21,239      16,545
Other financing activities - net ......................        1          11          21
                                                        --------    --------    --------
NET CASH (USED IN)/PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES ...     (892)      6,505       8,965
                                                        --------    --------    --------
NET (DECREASE)/INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ..   (4,501)      2,413       3,163
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD ........    7,869       5,456       2,293
                                                        --------    --------    --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD .............. $  3,368    $  7,869    $  5,456
                                                        ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>



          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


22


<PAGE>



         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

1.  ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a. Description of Operations - The WellCare  Management Group, Inc.  ("WellCare"
or  the  "Company"),  a  New  York  corporation,  owns,  operates  and  provides
management services to health maintenance  organizations  ("HMOs"). An HMO is an
organization  that  accepts  contractual  responsibility  for the  delivery of a
stated  range of health care  services  to its  enrollees  for a  predetermined,
prepaid fee.

WellCare of New York, Inc. ("WCNY"), a wholly-owned  subsidiary,  operates as an
HMO in New York State.  WCNY has a certificate of authority  under Article 44 of
the New York State  Public  Health Law to operate in 25  counties  in the Hudson
River Valley,  Mohawk River Valley,  Albany and  Leatherstocking  regions of New
York State,  Westchester County and in four counties in New York City. WCNY is a
mixed IPA/Direct Contract model HMO. Under this type of arrangement,  agreements
are entered into with regional health care delivery networks currently organized
as independent  practice  associations  ("IPAs" or  "Alliances"),  which in turn
contract with  providers to render  health care services to an HMO's  enrollees,
and directly with individual primary care physicians or physician groups for the
provision of such medical care.

Effective  October 1994,  WCNY had entered into contracted  arrangements  with a
majority of its primary care physicians and specialists  through  contracts with
the Alliances to provide health care services to WCNY's  commercial and Medicaid
members.  Initially,  each  Alliance was a  professional  corporation  that then
contracted  with  individual  primary care physicians and specialists to provide
health  care  services.  At  inception,  there  were  four  Alliances  each with
different  equity owners;  by December 1995 the four Alliances had combined into
two Alliances  with the same equity owner.  The Company has been advised that in
late 1997, the Alliances  converted to IPAs by setting up new corporations  that
have  recontracted  with physicians.  WCNY's initial  agreement with each of the
Alliances,  for the period from October 1994 through  September  1995,  required
payment to the Alliances  based on a percentage of premium  revenue for effected
members. Effective October 1995, the Company entered into a three year agreement
with each of the  Alliances at specified  per member per month  ("PMPM")  rates,
providing for  increases  ranging from 1% to 6% for the period from October 1995
through  December  1998.  Such  rates  were  established   through   arms-length
negotiation   with  the  Alliances.   As  part  of  this  change  in  capitation
arrangements,  the  risk-sharing  accounts of Alliance  primary care physicians,
which had  previously  been  capitated  by WCNY  were  settled  and  outstanding
deficits  were paid to WCNY in the  fourth  quarter  of 1994,  thereby  reducing
WCNY's medical expenses during such quarter.

In an  effort to  improve  the  profitability  of WCNY and the  Alliances,  WCNY
entered into a letter of  understanding  with the Alliances in September 1996 to
restructure   its  capitation   arrangement.   Pursuant  to  the  terms  of  the
restructured  arrangement,  WCNY  reassumed  the  risk  for  certain  previously
capitated services,  and also reduced the capitation rates paid for the services
which  continued to be provided by the  Alliances.  WCNY capitated the Alliances
for all physician services,  both primary care and specialty services, on a PMPM
basis for each HMO member except for physician  services in the areas of certain
diagnostics and mental health,  which WellCare  capitated through contracts with
certain other regional  integrated  delivery systems.  Additionally,  if certain
conditions are met, these contracts will be extended to ten-year terms.

During 1995 and 1996,  WCNY  provided  incentives  to its IPAs and primary  care
physicians  to  control  health  care  expenses  through  the use of  capitation
arrangements.  Under  these  capitation  arrangements,  IPAs  and  primary  care
physicians  are entitled to the surplus to the extent health care costs incurred
are less than the negotiated capitation payments. Surpluses paid to the IPAs and
primary care physicians are recorded as medical  expenses in the period in which
the  related  health  care costs are  incurred.  During  1997,  these  incentive
arrangements were terminated.

Each IPA, in turn,  capitates  each IPA primary care  physician from the monthly
payments  received  from WCNY with a fixed  monthly  payment for each HMO member
designating  the IPA  physician as their  primary care  provider,  retaining and
allocating  the  balance  to a group  risk  pool  for  payment  to  specialists.
Specialists  are  compensated  on a  fee-for-service  basis  by each  IPA  which
disburses  payments  to these  specialists.  To the  extent  the risk  pools are
insufficient to cover the specialists' fees, the amounts paid to the specialists
as a group can be proportionately reduced, up to a maximum of 30%. To the extent
the risk  pools are still  insufficient  to cover the  specialists'  fee after a
maximum  reduction,  a  portion  of the  capitation  payments  to  primary  care
physicians can be withheld to cover the  specialists'  fees after the reduction.
Primary care physicians and specialists are furnished with periodic  utilization
reports and the IPA accounts are reconciled on a quarterly basis.


                                                                              23


<PAGE>


         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


WellCare of Connecticut,  Inc. ("WCCT"), a wholly-owned subsidiary,  operates as
an IPA model HMO in the state of  Connecticut.  Under this type of  arrangement,
agreements are entered into with IPAs and PHOs and individual physicians for the
provision  of all  medical  care to WCCT's  enrollees  for a  specified  fee for
services rendered. WCCT is approved to operate State-wide in Connecticut.

WCNY and WCCT are collectively referred to as the "WellCare HMOs."

WellCare Administration,  Inc. ("WCA") (a/k/a Agente Benefit Consultants,  Inc.-
"ABC") is a wholly-owned  subsidiary that  administers  the Company's  pharmacy,
vision  care,   dental  care  and  other  specialty  care  benefit  programs  as
stand-alone products to self-insured employer and other groups.

WellCare  Development,  Inc.  ("WCD")  is a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  formed to
acquire, own and develop real estate.

WellCare Medical Management,  Inc. ("WCMM"),  formerly a wholly-owned subsidiary
formed  to  provide   managerial,   administrative  and  financial  services  to
physicians, was sold in June 1995 (see Note 4).

WellCare  University  ("WCU"),  a division of WellCare,  was formed to focus on:
strategic  planning,  training  and research  and  development  for WellCare and
others  within  the  managed  care/health  care  arena.  WCU's  operations  were
substantially reduced during 1997 and WCU is dormant as of December 31, 1997.

Park West  Entertainment,  Inc.  ("PWE"),  an  affiliated  entity,  had provided
certain conferencing and administrative services through December 1996.

Bienestar,  Inc. ("Bienestar"),  was an unconsolidated  affiliate until December
17, 1996, at which time WellCare sold its interest in Bienestar to the Company's
former Chief Executive Officer and President. In July 1996, WCNY entered into an
agreement for Bienestar to provide consulting and educational services regarding
wellness and integrated health services.

In March 1998,  the Company  engaged  Bear,  Stearns & Co.  Inc.,  to assist the
Company in exploring  its  strategic  opportunities.  This could  include  joint
venture, merger or sale of all or a portion of the Company.

b. Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated  financial  statements include
the accounts of the Company and all majority owned subsidiaries. All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

c. Revenue Recognition - Premiums from subscribers are recorded as income in the
period that  subscribers are entitled to service.  Premiums  received in advance
are deferred.  Subscriber premiums, for both WCNY and WCCT, are determined on an
annual basis using  community  rating  principles  as required by the  Insurance
Department of each state. Although the rate filing requests and approval process
are  performed  on an  annual  basis,  the HMOs are  allowed  to  contract  with
subscribers   throughout  the  year  based  upon  a   "guaranteed"   rate  which
incorporates  an estimated  community  rate.  The WellCare  HMOs are required to
remit or collect any difference  between the community rate ultimately  approved
and the  guaranteed  rate in the subsequent  twelve-month  contract  period.  In
connection  with its  biennial  audit,  NYSID  determined  that  WCNY was not in
compliance with the requirement to settle these differences within twelve months
(see Note 19). Accounts receivable include approximately $729,000 and $1,763,000
at December 31, 1997 and 1996,  respectively,  which  represented  the excess of
subscriber  premiums  accrued  based on approved  community  rates over  amounts
actually  billed under  guaranteed  rates, of which  approximately  $224,000 and
$754,000, respectively, have been classified as non-current.

Administrative  and  management  fees  received  in  advance  are  deferred  and
recognized as income over the period in which services are rendered.

Accounts receivable,  other receivables,  notes receivable and other non-current
assets are  reported  net of reserves  for  doubtful  accounts of  approximately
$12,788,000 and $13,758,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

d. Medical  Costs  Payable and Medical  Expenses - Medical  expenses for primary
care,  hospital  inpatient  services,  outpatient  specialty  care and  pharmacy
services,  including  those for which advances have been made to providers,  are
recorded as expenses in the period in which  services are provided.  The expense
is based  in part on  estimates,  including  an  accrual  for  medical  services
incurred but not yet billed ("IBNR"), which accrual is included in medical costs
payable.  The IBNR accrual is based on a number of factors,  including  hospital
admission data and prior claims experience.  Adjustments, as necessary, are made
to  medical  expenses  in the  period the  actual  claims  costs are  ultimately
determined. The Company believe the IBNR estimates in the Consolidated Financial
Statements are adequate;  however,  there can be no assurance that actual health
care claims costs will not exceed such estimates.

e. Reinsurance - The WellCare HMOs insure excess loss for commercial health care
claims under policies with a reinsurance company. Effective September 1995, WCNY
reinsured a portion of its Medicare Full Risk program with a reinsurance company
under a quota share agreement and,  effective  November 1996,  supplemented this
agreement with a separate excess loss reinsurance policy.


24


<PAGE>


In March  1998,  the  Company  amended  its  quota  share  arrangement  with its
reinsurer. Such amendment will reduce the amount of future recoveries,  but does
not affect the arrangement in place for 1997 and prior periods.

Effective August 1996,  WCNY's Medicaid claims were covered under an excess loss
reinsurance  policy.  Previously,  this  coverage had been  provided by New York
State. Premiums for these policies are reported as medical expense and insurance
recoveries are recorded as a reduction of medical expense. Under the excess loss
reinsurance policies,  recoveries are made for annual claims of each enrollee or
each covered dependent of each enrollee in excess of the deductible  established
in the policy,  subject to certain  limitations.  From  November  1994,  through
October 1995, the  deductible  for  commercial  health care claims was $100,000,
increased  to $115,000 in November  1995,  and  decreased to $85,000 in November
1996.  The  deductibles  for the Medicaid and  Medicare  Full Risk  products are
$115,000 and $200,000, respectively.

Reinsurance   premiums   charged  to  medical   expenses  in  the   accompanying
consolidated financial statements amounted to approximately $585,000,  $560,000,
and $520,000 in 1997, 1996, and 1995,  respectively.  Reinsurance  recoveries of
approximately  $1,747,000,  $524,000,  and  $577,000  in 1997,  1996,  and 1995,
respectively, have been recognized as a reduction in medical expenses.

Included in other  receivables  at  December  31,  1997 and 1996,  were  amounts
recoverable  from the reinsurers of  approximately  $2,687,000  and  $1,155,000,
respectively.

f.  Short-term  Investments  - The Company has  determined  that the  securities
included in short-term investments,  consisting primarily of state and municipal
obligations  might be sold prior to maturity  to support its cash  requirements.
Such  investments  have,  therefore,  been classified as available for sale. The
basis for available for sale securities is market value.

g.  Advances to  Participating  Providers - Advances  to  participating  medical
providers consist of amounts advanced to providers, principally hospitals, which
are under contract with the Company to provide medical services to plan members.
Such advances help provide  funding to these  providers for claims  incurred but
not yet reported or claims in the process of adjudication.

h.  Property  and  Equipment - Property and  equipment  is stated at cost,  less
accumulated  depreciation.  Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method
based upon the  estimated  useful  lives of the assets  which range from 5 to 39
years.

i. Preoperational  Costs - Preoperational  costs, which include service area and
product  line  expansion  costs,  consist  of  certain  incremental   separately
identifiable costs directly  associated with building a provider base of network
physicians  in service  areas in which the Company is applying for licensure and
expanding the Company's  Medicare managed care program.  Such costs are deferred
until the  related  licensure  approval  is received at which time the costs are
amortized on a straight-line basis over a 36-month period.  Preoperational costs
are reported  net of  accumulated  amortization.  At December 31, 1997 and 1996,
accumulated amortization approximated $2,562,000 and $1,237,000, respectively.

j. Goodwill - Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair
value  of  the  net  assets  of  acquired  entities  and  is  amortized  on  the
straight-line method over a 15-year period.

The Company evaluates the recoverability of goodwill by monitoring,  among other
things,  reenrollment  trends of  membership  acquired  as well as the  inherent
profitability  of such  membership as determined in connection  with annual rate
filings.  The Company has determined  that no impairment  exists at December 31,
1997.

k.  Advertising  Costs -  Advertising  costs,  which  include  costs for certain
marketing  materials  and  development/implementation  of public  relations  and
marketing  campaigns,  are expensed as incurred.  Advertising  costs expensed in
1997, 1996, and 1995, were approximately $2,226,000, $2,046,000, and $1,723,000,
respectively.

l. Income Taxes - The Company recognizes deferred tax liabilities and assets for
the expected  future tax  consequences  of events that have been included in the
consolidated  financial  statements  or tax returns.  Accordingly,  deferred tax
liabilities  and assets  are  determined  based on the  difference  between  the
financial  statement and tax bases of assets and  liabilities  using enacted tax
rates in effect for the year in which the  differences  are  expected to reverse
and the  benefits of  operating  loss  carryforwards.  A valuation  allowance is
required to reduce net deferred tax assets unless management believes it is more
likely than not that such deferred tax assets will be realized.

m. Cash Flows - For  purposes  of the  statements  of cash  flows,  the  Company
considers all highly liquid debt instruments  purchased with a maturity of three
months  or  less  to be  cash  equivalents.  The  Company  considers  all  other
instruments to be short-term  investments.  Cash equivalents are carried at cost
which approximates market value.

At December  31,  1997,  the Company had a working  capital  deficiency  of $5.1
million,  excluding  the $5.8 million  cash  reserve  required by New York State
which is classified as a non-current asset, compared to working capital of $11.2
million,  excluding  the $6.7 million cash  reserve,  at December 31, 1996;  the
decrease in working capital is attributable primarily to the cash

                                                                              25

         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

operating  loss  incurred by the Company  during  1997.  The Company  intends to
finance its current and future  operations  from the positive cash flow from its
projected  return  to  profitability  in 1998  via  increased  membership,  rate
increases  and further  reductions  in medical  and  general and  administrative
expenses. The Company is also aggressively pursuing balances due from commercial
customers in accordance with contractual  stipulations to more closely match the
collection of premium with the payment of provider  capitation fees and fees for
service. A significant  portion of premiums receivable are due from governmental
agencies relating to the Medicaid program,  some of which relate to 1996 and the
early part of 1997.  Approximately $650,000 was collected in March 1998, and the
remainder is  anticipated  to be collected  in the second  quarter of 1998.  The
collection of these  balances will have a positive  effect on the Company's cash
flow.  Additionally,  cash is expected  from the proceeds  upon the  anticipated
exercise of the Investor's  option to merge with the Buyer, as discussed in Note
4.  Management  believes that the Company will have  sufficient  funds available
from the above sources to maintain its planned level of operations  and programs
for 1998.

n. Long-Lived Assets - The Financial  Accounting  Standard Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards ("SFAS") No. 121,  "Accounting for
the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of"
("SFAS 121") effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995. There
was no effect on the consolidated financial statements from the adoption of this
statement.

o.  Stock-Based  Compensation  - The FASB issued SFAS No. 123,  "Accounting  for
Stock-Based  Compensation"  ("SFAS  123"),  which defines a fair value method of
accounting  for the  issuance  of stock  options and other  equity  instruments,
effective for fiscal years  beginning  after  December 15, 1995.  Under the fair
value method,  compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair
value of the award and is recognized over the service  period,  which is usually
the vesting period. Pursuant to SFAS 123, companies are permitted to continue to
account for such transactions under Accounting  Principles Board Opinion ("APB")
No. 25,  "Accounting  for Stock Issued to  Employees",  ("APB 25"), but would be
required to  disclose in a note to the  consolidated  financial  statements  pro
forma net incomes,  and per share  amounts as if the company has applied the new
method of  accounting.  The  Company has elected to continue to account for such
transactions  under APB 25 and disclose per SFAS 123 the pro-forma  effects (See
Note 15).

p. Current Accounting  Pronouncements - SFAS No. 130,  "Reporting  Comprehensive
Income",  ("SFAS  130") will  require all  companies  to present  all  non-owner
changes in equity, e.g., market value adjustments to investments and adjustments
to the  minimum  pension  liability,  in a full  set  of  financial  statements,
effective the first quarter of 1998.

SFAS  No.  131,  "Disclosures  About  Segments  of  an  Enterprise  and  Related
Information", ("SFAS 131") will require disclosure of "operating segments" based
on the way management  disaggregates  the Company for making internal  operating
decisions.  The new  disclosures  will be  effective  for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 1998.

The Company is presently  evaluating the  applicability of SFAS 130 and SFAS 131
to its operations.

SFAS No.  128,  "Earnings  per Share"  ("SFAS  128")  amends the  standards  for
computing  and  presenting  earnings  per share  ("EPS"),  to  require  the dual
presentation of basic and diluted EPS on the face of the income statement.  SFAS
128 is effective  for periods  ending after  December 15, 1997.  The Company has
adopted SFAS 128,  and has  reflected  the impact on prior period  computations,
where appropriate.

q. Use of Estimates - The  preparation of consolidated  financial  statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting  principles requires management to
make estimates and  assumptions  that affect the reported  amounts of assets and
liabilities  and disclosure of contingent  assets and liabilities at the date of
the consolidated  financial  statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. The amounts of IBNR medical expenses,  the
reserve  for  uncollectible  receivables,  recoveries  from  third  parties  for
coordination of benefits,  final determinations of medical cost adjustment pools
by New York State, and medical  premiums  subject to  retrospective  adjustment,
require the significant use of estimates. Actual results could differ from those
estimates used by management in the preparation of these consolidated  financial
statements.

r.  Reclassifications  -  Certain  amounts  in the 1996  and  1995  consolidated
financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 1997 presentation.

2.  MEDICAL EXPENSE

a. During 1997, the Company expensed approximately $1.7 relating to The New York
State  Insurance  Department  ("NYSID")  audit  of the  New  York  State  market
stabilization  pool for the audit years,  1993, 1994 and 1995 and for additional
amounts due for the year 1996.


26


<PAGE>


b. In 1994, two entities which were predecessors to the Alliances referred to in
Notes 1a and 18a,  made  payments of  approximately  $2,879,000  to providers in
connection  with the close out of the 1993  group risk  accounts  and to resolve
certain  disputed  amounts  between the Company  and  certain  providers,  which
payments  might  otherwise  have been made by the Company.  Additionally,  these
entities  paid  approximately  $1,833,000  directly to the Company in payment of
1993  provider  deficits  which  would  otherwise  have been due to the  Company
directly from the  providers.  As originally  reported in its 1994  consolidated
financial  statements,  the  Company  recorded  the  $1,833,000  received  as  a
reduction of medical expense,  and the Company did not record as medical expense
the $2,879,000 paid directly to the providers by these entities.

Subsequently,  in 1996,  the Company's  accounting  personnel were informed that
Edward A.  Ullmann,  then Chairman of the Board of  Directors,  Chief  Executive
Officer and President of the Company had guaranteed, in his individual capacity,
two loans each in the amount of $2,700,000, made by banks to these two entities,
the  proceeds of which were used to fund the  aggregate  payments of  $4,712,000
referred to above.  (Mr.  Ullmann  subsequently  resigned as Chairman  and Chief
Executive Officer in April 1996, and as President in September 1996).

The Company subsequently restated its 1994 consolidated  financial statements to
reflect the higher medical expenses,  and established a medical expense accrual.
As there were no specific accounts payable by the Company, this accrual has been
reduced  concurrently  with the pay down of the bank loans,  with a simultaneous
reduction in medical  expense.  A reduction of medical expense of  approximately
$435,000,  $2,423,000  and  $1,738,000,  was  recorded  in 1997,  1996 and 1995,
respectively.   The  remaining   principal  balance  which  is  in  default,  is
approximately $116,000 at March 15, 1998. The Company's ability to reduce future
medical  expense by the  remaining  $116,000 is  contingent on this amount being
paid.

c. The  Alliances  described in Notes 1a and 18a  commenced  operations in 1994.
Based  on  information  provided  to  the  Company  by the  Alliances/IPAs,  the
Alliances/IPAs  have operated at an  accumulated  deficit since  inception  (the
deficit was  approximately  $15 million at December  31, 1997 based on unaudited
information),  although the Alliances/IPAs  have instituted measures designed to
reduce this  deficit,  and achieve  profitability.  The deficit is the result of
medical  expense  obligations  assumed from  WellCare  upon the formation of the
Alliances, actual and estimated but not yet incurred medical losses in excess of
the amounts initially  estimated,  and operating losses. The Alliances/IPAs have
financed the deficit  through a combination of borrowings from the Buyer and the
Investor  referred to in Note 4; lags inherent in the receipt,  adjudication and
payment of claims; and the deferral of claim payments to providers. In addition,
a $3,000,000 bank line-of-credit was entered into by the Buyer in December 1995,
which was  guaranteed  by the former  Chairman of the Board of  Director,  Chief
Executive Officer and President in his personal capacity.

In August 1996, the Alliances  implemented a fee withhold program,  as permitted
under the contracts with its physicians,  to withhold payments otherwise payable
to referral  physicians by approximately  15% to 22% depending on the geographic
location  of the  physician.  Management  of  the  Alliances/IPAs  and  WellCare
believed  that this  withhold  program,  together  with  general  changes in the
management  of  the  Alliances/IPAs,   and  the  introduction  of  new  provider
reimbursement  schedules  should  enable the  Alliances/IPAs  to maintain  their
operations and reduce their accumulated deficit.

The  Company  has  been  advised  by  counsel  that it would  have no  financial
liability to providers with whom the  Alliances/IPAs had contracted for services
rendered  in  the  event  the  Alliances/IPAs  were  unable  to  maintain  their
operations. Further, the Company has direct contracts with providers which would
require the providers to continue medical care to members on the financial terms
similar to those in the Alliances/IPAs'  agreement with providers,  in the event
that the Alliances/IPAs were unable to maintain their operations. Although there
is no contractual  obligation,  in the event of continuing  losses or increasing
deficit  by  the  Alliances/IPAs,   the  Alliances/IPAs  may  request  increased
capitation rates from the Company.

Management  of the Company  does not believe that such  additional  financial or
increased contractual  capitation rates should be required by the Alliances/IPAs
and has no intention  to agree to such terms if requested by the  Alliances/IPAs
beyond the  contractual  increases  described in Note 1a.  However,  as outlined
below,  the Company  agreed to record  charges to medical  expense  based on the
instructions  of NYSID.  Effective  September  1996, the Company  entered into a
letter  of  understanding  with the  Alliances  to  restructure  its  capitation
arrangement.  Under this  understanding,  the Company reassumed risk for certain
previously capitated services with a corresponding reduction in rates.

d. In  connection  with a  comprehensive  review  of its  arrangements  with the
Alliances,  NYSID accelerated its normal statutory audit of WCNY. In 1996, NYSID
instructed the Company to assume certain  medical  expenses of prior periods and
to assume  responsibility for unpaid inpatient hospital claims at June 30, 1996,
which  had  been  contractually  assumed  by the  Alliances.  This  resulted  in
additional  medical  expense  in  1996  of  approximately  $3.7  million.  NYSID
instructed the Company to record


                                                                              27


<PAGE>


         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

additional medical expense for medical claims for the period prior to October 1,
1994, which had been  contractually  assumed by the Alliances.  This resulted in
additional  medical  expense  of $2.9  million  in 1996.  Both of these  changes
represent obligations which had previously been assumed by the Alliances.

e. WCNY had arrangements  with several medical  practices owned by the principal
shareholder  of the Buyer for the  promotion  of WCNY's  access to primary  care
medical  services at these sites.  Payments of $1,764,696 in 1996 and $3,691,878
in 1995 have been  charged  to  medical  expense.  In  addition,  WCNY  advanced
additional  payments  to the sites  ($150,000  in 1997,  $2,388,763  in 1996 and
$710,000  in 1995),  and at December  31,  1997 and 1996 has  included in "Other
Receivables"   approximately   $2.6  million  and  $2.5  million,   representing
outstanding  advances.  As a result  of  operating  losses  at the sites and the
uncertainty  of their ability to repay these  advances,  WCNY has fully reserved
these  receivables.  In addition,  in October  1995,  WCU entered into a similar
arrangement  with these medical  practices for access to these sites as training
facilities  and made  payments of $600,000 in 1996 and  $150,000 in 1995,  which
amounts have been charged to consulting expense in the respective years.

During the second half 1997,  the  principal  shareholder  of the Buyer  entered
negotiations to sell these medical practices to unrelated third parties.  Due to
the  continuing  losses  at these  medical  practices  and their  importance  in
providing  medical  services to a significant  number of WCNY members,  WellCare
determined  that it was in the best  interests of WCNY's members and WellCare to
subsidize the practices to avoid service  disruptions to WCNY's members.  During
1997 approximately  $583,000 was advanced by WellCare to these practices to meet
operating  expenses.  These  amounts  have  been  expensed  in 1997 as bad  debt
expense.  WellCare has advanced an additional $166,000 to the practices in 1998.
It is anticipated  that the medical  practices will be sold in the first half of
1998.

3.  ACQUISITION OF MANAGED CARE ADMINISTRATORS, INC.

In March 1995, the Company  acquired the assets and assumed certain  liabilities
of MCA, a company  engaged in managing a network of primary care  physicians who
provide health care services to Medicaid recipients in New York City. As part of
the  purchase  price,  MCA is to be paid each  calendar  year an amount equal to
twenty  percent  (20%) of the  pre-interest,  pre-tax  income  generated  by the
acquired assets. There was no earn out in 1997, 1996 and 1995.

4.  SALE OF WELLCARE MEDICAL MANAGEMENT, INC.

In June 1995,  the Company  contributed  approximately  $5.1 million to its then
wholly-owned   subsidiary,   WCMM,  which  was  engaged  in  managing  physician
practices,  and then sold the  assets of WCMM for cash of $.6  million  and note
receivable of $5.1 million. The buyer (the "Buyer"), which had been newly formed
to acquire WCMM, is in the business of managing medical  practices and providing
related  consultative  services,  and  entered  into  agreements  to manage  the
Alliances.  The Company also  received a five-year  option to acquire the Buyer,
which option was canceled in 1996. The note receivable  bears interest at a rate
equal to prime plus 2% (10.5% at  December  31,  1997),  with  interest  payable
monthly through July 31, 2000. The Buyer has paid only interest  through January
1996.

The Company has also  advanced  $3.4  million to the Buyer ($.6 million in 1997,
$2.1 million in 1996 and $.7 million in 1995) for operating  expenses and unpaid
interest, which obligations are documented by notes of $215,000 and $2.1 million
and interest receivable of $1.1 million.  The note for $215,000,  which is dated
February  26,  1996,  bears  interest at a rate equal to prime plus 2% (10.5% at
December 31, 1997) and was due December 31, 1996. No payments of principal  have
been made on this note, nor payments of interest beyond May 1996.

In February  1997,  the Buyer  executed the  promissory  note for $2.1  million,
bearing interest at the rate of prime plus 2% (10.5% at December 31, 1997), with
repayment of the  principal  over 36 months,  starting  upon the  occurrence  of
certain events  explained below (no interest has been paid on this  obligation).
Subsequently,  in February 1997, the Buyer entered into an Option Agreement with
a potential  investor (the  "Investor"),  whereby the Investor  loaned the Buyer
$4,000,000 and received an option to merge with the Buyer,  exercisable  through
June 30, 1998.  Concurrently,  WellCare entered into an agreement with the Buyer
whereby  WellCare  agreed to forbear on the collection of principal and interest
on the note for $5.1  million,  and on the  collection  of principal of the $2.1
million  note,  in exchange  for the right to convert the $5.1 million note into
43% of the Common Stock of the company resulting from the merger of the Investor
and the Buyer.  If the  Investor  merges with the Buyer,  the $2.1  million note
would be payable  immediately,  and the Company would have a 43% equity interest
in the company  resulting from the merger of the Investor and the Buyer.  At the
earlier of the Buyer  relinquishing  its option to merge,  (which would  include
expiration of the option),  or March 14, 1999, the forbearance will be rescinded
and the original payment terms of the $5.1


28


<PAGE>


million note reinstated. The Buyer would be obligated to continue paying monthly
interest on the $2.1 million  note,  with  principal  payments over a thirty-six
month period to commence upon  recession of the  forbearance.  The Buyer has not
made any of the interest payments due under the $2.1 million note. The notes are
subordinated to the Investor's security interest.

In view of the  Buyer's  operating  losses and  advances to the  Alliances,  the
Company  had  obtained  from  certain of the  Buyer's  equity  holders  personal
guarantees  of the  original  note and  pledges of  collateral  to secure  these
guarantees.  In April 1997, the Company's  Board of Directors  agreed to release
these guarantees and related  collateral pledged by the guarantors to secure the
guarantees  in  exchange  for the Buyer's  stock  options  that such  guarantors
originally  received  from the Buyer and a release from the  guarantors  for any
potential claims against WellCare  associated with the transactions.  In view of
the Buyer's financial  condition and difficulties  inherent in the collection of
personal  guarantees and  realization of collateral,  and the Buyer's default on
the payments of the notes,  the Company had fully  reserved in 1995 the original
$5.1 million note  receivable,  plus the $.7 million  advanced in 1995. In 1996,
the  Company  established  an  additional  net  reserve of $1.9  million for the
$215,000 note,  interest accrued on the notes, and advances  receivable,  net of
the  deferred  gain of  $144,000  on the  original  sale.  In 1997,  the Company
established  a reserve of $.8 million for 1997 accrued  interest not paid by the
Buyer and for advances made in 1997.

5.  SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

The value of short-term investments is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Gross
                                                                       --------------------

                                                                       Unrealized Unrealized   Market
                                                              Cost       Gains      Losses      Value
                                                            --------   ---------- ----------  ---------
<S>                                                         <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>     
At December 31, 1997:

Fixed income securities - States and municipalities ....... $101,587   $     --   $   (813)   $100,774
Equity securities .........................................    1,449      1,073         --       2,522
                                                            --------   --------   --------    --------
TOTAL ..................................................... $103,036   $  1,073   $   (813)   $103,296
                                                            ========   ========   ========    ========

At December 31, 1996:

Fixed income securities - States and municipalities ....... $928,011   $  3,500   $(18,345)   $913,166
Equity securities .........................................    1,858      4,399         --       6,257
                                                            --------   --------   --------    --------
TOTAL ..................................................... $929,869   $  7,899   $(18,345)   $919,423
                                                            ========   ========   ========    ========
</TABLE>

The contractual  maturities of fixed income securities at December 31, 1997, are
as follows:
                                                         Market
                                               Cost       Value
                                             ---------  --------

Due in one year or less ...................  $101,587   $100,774
Due after one year through five years .....        --         --
                                             --------   --------
Fixed income securities ...................  $101,587   $100,774
                                             ========   ========

6.  OTHER RECEIVABLES

Other  receivables at December 31, 1997 and 1996 (in  thousands)  consist of the
following:

                                          1997     1996
                                         ------   ------
Current portion of:
  Contributions receivable - WCU ....... $  640   $1,348
  Receivable from third-party insurers .    112      171
  Reinsurance receivable ...............  2,687    1,155
  New York State Pools receivable ......    377    1,020
  Pharmacy rebate receivable ...........    524    1,005
  Other                                     533      175
                                         ------   ------
TOTAL .................................. $4,873   $4,874
                                         ======   ======


                                                                              29


<PAGE>


         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

7.  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment at December 31, 1997 and 1996 (in thousands)  consists of
the following:

                                                   1997       1996
                                                 -------    -------

Land ..........................................  $   888   $   888
Land improvements .............................      448       439
Buildings and building improvements ...........    9,189     9,119
Leasehold improvements ........................      434       434
Computer equipment ............................    5,118     4,942
Furniture, fixtures and equipment .............    1,545     1,490
Construction in progress ......................       --       106
                                                 -------   -------
                                                  17,622    17,418
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization     6,528     5,157
                                                 -------   -------
TOTAL .........................................  $11,094   $12,261
                                                 =======   =======

Included  in  computer  equipment  and  furniture,  fixtures  and  equipment  is
equipment  financed through capital leases aggregating  approximately  $2,574 at
December 31, 1997 and 1996,  respectively.  Accumulated amortization relating to
assets financed  through capital leases was  approximately  $2,016 and $1,705 at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

8.  NOTES RECEIVABLE

Notes receivable of approximately  $1,370,000 and 1,337,000 at December 31, 1997
and 1996,  respectively  represent  advances  made to six medical  practices  to
enhance WCNY's provider network.  The notes are collateralized by first liens on
all cash, accounts


30


<PAGE>



receivable, inventory, and all office and medical equipment owned
by each of the practices.  The notes require monthly principal and
interest payments, at a rate of 7.5% per annum and mature on
January 1, 2001.  No payments have been received since March 1997.
A reserve of $624,000 was established in 1997 for unpaid principal
and interest.  The owner of the medical practices is currently
negotiating the sale of the practices, and proceeds from such
sales will be used to repay the notes.

9.  OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Other non-current assets at December 31, 1997 and 1996 (in thousands) consist of
the following:

                                                 1997     1996
                                               -------   ------
Long term portion of:

  Deferred taxes - net ........................ $1,514   $1,509
  Accounts receivable .........................    225      755
  Receivables from third-party insurers .......    449      606
  Contributions receivable - WCU ..............     --      574
Capitalized costs incurred in connection with
  placement of subordinated convertible note ..    743      821
Deposits and others ...........................    371      484
                                                ------   ------
TOTAL ......................................... $3,302   $4,749
                                                ======   ======


30


<PAGE>


10. LIABILITY FOR MEDICAL COSTS PAYABLE

Activity in the medical costs payable liability is summarized as follows:

                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                       ------------------------
                                                          1997         1996
                                                       ---------    ---------
                                                           (in thousands)

Balance, beginning of year ........................    $  15,965    $  14,030

Incurred related to:
  Current year ....................................      122,367      135,366
  Prior years .....................................        3,884          591
                                                       ---------    ---------
Total incurred ....................................      126,251      135,957
                                                       ---------    ---------

Paid related to:
  Current year ....................................      106,704      120,212
  Prior years .....................................       17,820       13,810
                                                       ---------    ---------
Total paid ........................................      124,524      134,022
                                                       ---------    ---------

Total incurred less total paid and beginning balance      17,692       15,965
Less: incurred related to NYS Demographic Pools (1)       (1,493)          --
                                                       ---------    ---------

Balance, end of year ..............................    $  16,199    $  15,965
                                                       =========    =========
- -----------------------------
(1) This activity has not been included in medical costs payable.

The liability for accrued medical costs payable includes  management's  estimate
of amounts  required to settle known claims,  claims which are in the process of
adjudication and claims incurred but not reported ("IBNR.")

In 1997 and 1996, the Company  experienced  overall  unfavorable  development on
claims  reserves  established  as  of  the  previous  year-end  because  of  the
following:

The 1997 medical expenses include a $2.5 million charge for adverse  development
relating to 1996  medical  claims and a $1.7  million  charge for the  estimated
liability  related to NYSID's  audit of the 1993-1995  demographic  pool and the
1996  demographic  pool (see  Note 2a) and a $435  credit  relating  to the 1994
restatement (see Note 2b).

The 1996 medical  expenses  included the recording,  as instructed by NYSID,  of
medical expense of (i)  approximately  $3.7 million relating to unpaid inpatient
hospital claims and (ii)  approximately  $2.9 million  relating to unpaid claims
for  the  period  prior  to  October  1994.  Both  of  these  charges  represent
obligations which had previously been assumed by the Alliances and for which the
Company had no contractual obligation to pay (see Note 19).

The  1996  medical  expenses  were  reduced  as  a  result  of  a  prior  period
restatements in the amount of $2,423 (See Note 2b).


                                                                              31


<PAGE>


         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

11. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1997                    1996
                                                                      ------------            ------------
                                                                                 (in thousands)
<S>                                                                   <C>                     <C>        
Subordinated Convertible Note The 1818 Fund II, L.P.;
   principal due December 31, 2002; interest at 8% per annum,
   payable quarterly (see Note 12) .................................. $   20,000              $   20,000

Mortgage Payable - Key Bank of New York; $4,610,000;
   interest at LIBOR plus 175 basis points (8.5% at December 31,
   1997) with a balloon payment of $3,562,488 due January 1, 2000.
   Secured by real estate, buildings, fixtures and assignment of
   all leases. ......................................................      4,060                   4,272

Mortgage Payable - Key Bank of New York; first mortgage of
   $862,500; interest at base rate (8.5%) at December 31, 1997);
   monthly with a balloon payment of $642,250 due March 1, 2000.
   Secured by property located in Saugerties. .......................        748                     794

Mortgage Payable - First Hudson Valley; first mortgage of $820,000;
   interest at 7.25% with a balloon payment of $727,000 due
   February 1, 1999 .................................................        755                     777

Mortgage Payable - First Hudson Valley; first mortgage of $335,000;
   interest at prime rate (8.5% at December 31, 1997) with a balloon
   payment of $264,525 due March 1, 2001. ...........................        314                     326

Note Payable - Lincoln National  Administrative  Services  Corporation;
   payable monthly  with  interest  at 6% on the initial $1 million
   and prime plus 1% on the balance in excess of $1 million  through
   January  1997. A portion of the interest is deferred until 
   January 1, 1997.  The amount of deferred  interest is $207,430
   and is included in other current liabilities. ....................         --                      36

Capitalized Lease  Obligations;  due through 2002; monthly payments
   ranging from $425 to $9,103 with interest ranging from
   6.5% to 21.8%; secured by equipment ..............................        593                     964
                                                                        --------                --------
Total Debt ..........................................................     26,470                  27,169
Less current portion ................................................        618                     702
                                                                        --------                --------
Long-term portion ...................................................   $ 25,852                $ 26,467
                                                                        ========                ========
</TABLE>

In November  1996, the Company's  line-of-credit  with Key Bank (the "Bank") was
renegotiated with the aggregate limit reduced from $15 million to $8 million. In
addition, the sublimits were reduced for WellCare from $8 million to $3 million,
reduced for WCNY from $10  million to $6  million,  and a sublimit of $2 million
established for WCCT. The Company repaid the $3.1 million outstanding under this
line-of-credit  in December  1996.  At  December  31,  1996,  the Company was in
technical  default of certain financial  covenants,  although no borrowings were
outstanding  on the  line-of-credit.  The Bank  granted  the Company a waiver of
these financial  covenants for the period ended December 31, 1996 and as of that
date.

In January 1997, the Company executed a renegotiated $6.0 million line-of-credit
with the Bank,  which line was scheduled to expire in May,  1998.  There were no
borrowings  under this  line-of-credit  and, in May 1997, both parties  mutually
agreed to terminate the line-of-credit.

Although the Company was current on all its mortgage obligations,  in July 1997,
the Bank notified the Company that it  considered  the Company not in compliance
with the Target Loan to Value Ratio provided for in two of its  mortgages,  with
outstanding  balances of  approximately  $4.9  million.  According to the Bank's
calculations,  the outstanding Loan Amount exceeded the  corresponding  Lendable
Property  Value,  as defined,  based on  appraisals  prepared  for Key Bank,  by
approximately  $1.7  million.  The Bank had  requested  that the Company  either
reduce the outstanding  obligation,  or provide  additional  collateral for $1.7
million,


32


<PAGE>


otherwise the Bank would consider the Company in default of the mortgage  notes.
A  default  would  require  the  Company  to pay a higher  interest  rate on the
outstanding obligations,  among other potential penalties. The Company disagreed
with the Bank's  valuation  methodology  and has informed the Bank in writing of
this  disagreement.  The Company  continues to classify the debts in  accordance
with their original terms.

Maturities  of  long-term   debt  (in   thousands),   excluding   capital  lease
obligations,  and future  minimum  lease  payments  under  capital  leases as of
December 31, 1997, for each of the next five years are as follows:

                                                                  FUTURE
                                                                 MINIMUM
                                              LONG-TERM           LEASE
                                                 DEBT            PAYMENTS
                                              ---------          --------
Year:
- ----

   1998 ....................................       315               331
   1999 ....................................     1,050               227
   2000 ....................................     4,242                67
   2001 ....................................       270                20
   2002 ....................................    20,000                --
   Thereafter ..............................        --                --
                                              --------           -------

                                                25,877               645
Less amount representing interest ..........        --                52
                                              --------           -------
                                              $ 25,877           $   593
                                              ========           =======

12. SUBORDINATED CONVERTIBLE NOTE

In January 1996,  The Company  completed a private  placement of a  subordinated
convertible note in the principal  amount of $20 million (the "Note"),  with The
1818 Fund II, L.P. (the "Fund"), a private equity fund managed by Brown Brothers
Harriman & Co.  ("BBH & Co").  The Note and  underlying  terms  were  amended on
February 28, 1997 (the "1997 Amendment") by the Company and the Fund. In January
1998, The Fund agreed to convert $5 million of the Note into Common Stock of the
Company,  at a  conversion  price of $4 per share  (the "1998  Amendment").  The
conversion  requires approval by the New York State Department of Health,  which
the Company anticipates receiving in the near future.

The  remaining $15 million  principal is payable on December 31, 2002.  Interest
was  initially  at the rate of 6% per annum,  amended in 1997 to 5.5% per annum,
and  amended  in  1998  to 8%  annum,  and is  payable  quarterly,  The  Note is
subordinated to all senior indebtedness.

The Note is subject to certain  mandatory  redemption  at the option of the Fund
upon  certain  changes in control (as defined) of the  Company.  The  redemption
price was initially equal to 115% of the principal  amount of the Note,  amended
to 130% by the 1997 Amendment and to 150% by the 1998  Amendment,  together with
all accrued and unpaid interest.  If a change of control occurs within 24 months
of a redemption of the Note, the Company may also be required to pay the Fund an
amount equal to 30% of the principal  amount of the redeemed Note. Under certain
conditions, the Note is redeemable at the option of the Company after the fourth
anniversary of the date of the Note.

After the 1998  Amendment,  The Fund has the right to  convert  the  outstanding
principal into shares of Common Stock of the Company at a conversion price of $8
per share,  subject to the anti-dilution  adjustment.  Previously the conversion
price was  equal to 115% of the  average  price of the  Company's  Common  Stock
through  February 28, 1997,  subject to adjustments for certain dilutive events,
with a floor of $9 per share  and a ceiling  of $15 per  share.  Initially,  the
conversion  price was $29 per share.  The conversion price granted to the holder
of the Note is  adjusted,  if the Company  issues  shares of its Common Stock or
options,  warrants  or other  rights to  acquire  shares of Common  Stock of the
Company  at a price  per  share  less  than the  current  market  price,  or the
conversion price at the time.

Pursuant  to the terms of the Note,  in January  1996,  the  Company  caused one
vacancy  to be created on its Board of  Directors  and caused a designee  of the
Fund, to be appointed to the Board.  At such time, the  designee's  directorship
did not have any  classification.  In addition,  under the terms of the Note, at
the 1996 Annual  Meeting of the  Shareholders  of the Company,  the designee was
elected by the  shareholders  as a Class II Director for a term  expiring at the
1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.


                                                                              33


<PAGE>


         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Under the 1997  Amendment,  as of February  28,  1997,  the  Company  caused one
vacancy to be created on its Board of  Directors  and a second  designee  of the
Fund, as a director without classification. The persons elected to the Board who
are designated by the Fund are referred to herein as the "Fund Designees."

As part of the 1997  Amendment,  the  Company  agreed  to cause  two  additional
directors (the "Outside Directors") to be elected to the Board. Each such person
shall (i) be neither an  officer,  director  or  employee  of the Company or any
subsidiary  of the  Company  nor any  affiliate  of the  Company,  and (ii) have
experience as a director of a public  company or other relevant  experience.  At
the 1997 Annual  Meeting,  shareholders  voted to amend the  Company's  Restated
Certificate of  Incorporation,  eliminating  the class of directors and reducing
the Board of Directors to seven with all directors serving annual terms.

As part of the 1998  Amendment,  the Fund agreed to waive any existing  defaults
known to it. The Company  will also have the right to  purchase  one half of the
shares of the Common  Stock and the debt held by the Fund,  for $12 million plus
accrued interest,  if consolidated earnings before taxes are positive for either
the second or third quarter of 1998. This right is exercisable  after filing the
relevant Form 10-Q's, and prior to December 31, 1998

The Company's  Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 1997, after giving pro
forma effect  (unaudited) to reflect the 1998 Amendment as if it had occurred at
December 31, 1997, is as follows:

                                                         DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                  -----------------------------
                                                         (in thousands)

                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
                                                   ACTUAL             PROFORMA
                                                  --------          ----------

Current Assets .................................. $23,418           $23,418
                                                  -------           -------
Total Assets .................................... $52,538           $52,538
                                                  =======           =======

Current Liabilities ............................. $28,533           $28,533
(Deficiency in Assets)/Shareholders' Equity ..... $(1,851)          $ 3,149
                                                  -------           -------
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity ...... $52,538           $52,538
                                                  =======           =======

13. INCOME TAXES

The  (benefit)/provision  for  income  taxes  (in  thousands)  consists  of  the
following:

                                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                    -----------------------------
                                      1997       1996       1995
                                    -------    -------    -------
Current:
  Federal ........................  $    --    $(6,388)   $ 2,180
  State ..........................       --         62        724
                                    -------    -------    -------
                                    $    --    $(6,326)   $ 2,904
                                    =======    =======    =======

Deferred:
  Federal ........................  $    --    $  (351)   $(1,342)
  State ..........................       --     (1,361)      (446)
                                    -------    -------    -------

                                    $    --    $(1,712)   $(1,788)
                                    =======    =======    =======


34


<PAGE>


A reconciliation of the Federal statutory rate to the Company's effective income
tax rate is as follows:

                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                --------------------------------
                                                  1997        1996        1995
                                                --------    --------    --------

Federal statutory rate ........................     34.0%       34.0%      34.0%
State income taxes - Net of federal benefit ...      6.4         6.6        6.0
                                                --------    --------    -------
Effective rate ................................     40.4%       40.6%      40.0%
                                                ========    ========    =======

At December 31, 1996, the Company recorded a deferred tax asset of approximately
$5.4  million  giving  recognition  to the tax  benefit of  reversing  temporary
differences  and state net  operation  loss  carryovers  ("NOL").  No  valuation
allowance  was  established  for the  deferred tax asset since  realization  was
determined  by  management  to be more likely than not based upon the  Company's
internal budget. The amounts of these NOLS,  related to state tax benefits,  are
approximately  $897  and  $129  for  New  York  and  Connecticut,  respectively.
Additionally,  the maximum utilization period for these NOLS is fifteen (15) and
five (5) years for New York and Connecticut, respectively.

Continuing  operating  losses during 1997  resulted in  additional  deferred tax
benefits of approximately $7.8 million.  The ability to realize the tax benefits
associated with these losses is dependent upon the Company's ability to generate
future  taxable  income from  operations  and/or to  effectuate  successful  tax
planning  strategies.  Although management  believes that profitable  operations
will be achieved in 1998,  the Company has provided a 100%  valuation  allowance
with respect to these  additional  deferred tax assets in view of their size and
length of the expected  recoupment  period.  Management will continue to closely
monitor the need for future adjustments to this valuation allowance.

The  Company  has also  engaged  Bear,  Stearns Co.  Inc.,  to review  available
strategic  alternatives.  The successful  completion of a transaction could be a
source of future  taxable  income.  The Company also is a party to other pending
transactions whose successful  completion would generate taxable income in 1998.
The realization of the tax benefits would be achieved upon the completion of any
of these transactions.

Deferred  income taxes reflect the net tax effects of (a) temporary  differences
between the carrying  amounts of assets and liabilities for financial  reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes,  and (b)  operating  loss
and tax credit  carryforwards.  The tax effects of significant  items comprising
the  Company's  deferred  tax  balance as of  December  31, 1997 and 1996 are as
follows:

                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                           --------------------
                                                             1997        1996
                                                           --------    --------
                                                              (in thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
   Accounts and other receivables - bad debt reserves ...  $ 5,167     $ 5,579
   Other ................................................       61         177
   Net operating loss carryforward
     Federal ............................................    7,434
     State ..............................................    1,466       1,026
                                                           -------     -------
Total ...................................................   14,128       6,782
                                                           -------     -------


35


<PAGE>


         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                   --------------------------
                                                     1997              1996
                                                   --------          --------
                                                         (in thousands)
Deferred tax liabilities:
   Depreciable assets ...........................  $   258           $   259
   Capitalized pre-operational costs ............      588             1,082
                                                   -------           -------
   Total ........................................      846             1,341
                                                   -------           -------
   Net before valuation allowance ...............   13,282             5,441
   Less: valuation allowance ....................   (7,841)               --
                                                   -------           -------
Net deferred tax asset ..........................  $ 5,441           $ 5,441
                                                   =======           =======

Management  has not  provided a valuation  allowance  for the 1996  deferred tax
assets in the  belief  that it is more  likely  than not that the  deferred  tax
assets  will be realized as a result of future  taxable  income from  operations
through reductions in the cost of medical services, improved medical utilization
controls,  reductions in administrative expenses, increases in enrollment and/or
the successful implementation of tax strategies.

The Company's effective tax rate during 1997, 1996 and 1995 was 40.4%, 40.6% and
40.0%,  respectively.  The  fluctuation  in  the  effective  rate  is  primarily
attributable to the amount of nondeductible  expenses and tax exempt income, and
the reduction in 1997 of the New York State tax surcharge.

14. COMMON STOCK

The Class A Common  Stock and the Common  Stock are  identical  in all  respects
except for voting rights,  conversion rights and the  non-transferability of the
Class A Common  Stock.  Holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to ten (10)
votes per share and holders of Common  Stock to one (1) vote per share.  Class A
Common  Stock is not  transferable  and must be  converted to Common Stock to be
sold. Holders of Class A Common Stock may, at their option, convert their shares
to Common Stock on a share-for-share basis.

In January  1998,  The Fund agreed to convert $5 million of the  Company's  Note
into 1,250,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock (see Note 12).

The  Company has  1,000,000  shares of  preferred  stock  authorized,  no shares
issued.

An aggregate of 900,000  shares of Common Stock are reserved under the Company's
1993 Incentive and Non-Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"). In addition, an
aggregate of 650,000  shares of Common Stock are  reserved  under the  Company's
1996 Non-Incentive Executive Stock Option Plan.

Earnings/(loss)  per share calculations are based on the weighted average number
of shares  outstanding for the year,  giving effect to all outstanding  options.
(Loss)  per  share  for the  years  ended  1997 and 1996 did not give  effect to
outstanding  options  because  the  effect  would have been  anti-dilutive.  The
weighted average number of common and common equivalent  shares  outstanding for
the years ended 1997,  1996 and 1995 were 8,229  shares,  7,014 shares and 6,396
shares, respectively.


36


<PAGE>


15. STOCK OPTIONS

During  1997,  1996 and 1995,  the  Company  granted  stock  options  to certain
individuals  to purchase  Common  Stock at the fair market value of the stock on
the date of the grant. Following is a summary of the transactions:

                                                  SHARES UNDER OPTION
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                          1997            1996           1995
                                       --------         --------       --------
Outstanding, beginning of year ...      556,455          388,012        335,785
Exercised during the year ........           --          (20,398)       (37,408)
Terminated during the year .......     (106,368)        (148,159)       (25,213)
Granted during the year ..........      200,092          337,000        114,848
                                       --------         --------       --------
Outstanding, end of year .........      650,179          556,455        388,012
                                       ========         ========       ========
Eligible, end of year, for
 exercise currently ..............     338,921          175,938         91,778
                                       ========         ========       ========
Option price per share ........... $3.01-$24.50     $7.22-$24.50  $11.75-$17.25

In December 1997, the Company  amended the exercise price on the 200,000 options
previously granted to the President in 1996, from $10.125 to $3.01 per share. In
September 1997, the Company granted the President  options for 30,000 shares, at
an exercise price of $15.00 per share. In February 1998, the Company amended the
exercise price for the 30,000 options to $4.51 per share, and granted additional
options for 100,000 shares, at an exercise price of $5.02 per share.

In December 1996, the Company  created the 1996  Non-Incentive  Executive  Stock
Option Plan (the "NIE Plan") to acknowledge  exceptional services to the Company
by  senior  executives  and to  provide  an  added  incentive  for  such  senior
executives  to  continue  to  provide  such  services  and to  promote  the best
interests of the Company. An aggregate of 650,000 shares of the Company's Common
Stock,  par value $0.01 per share ("Common  Stock"),  are reserved under to this
plan with  options to purchase  granted to any one senior  executive  limited to
600,000  shares or less.  All options have a term of five years from the date of
grant but shall  terminate,  lapse and expire at such  earlier  time or times as
provided in the Option Agreement governing such option.  Options granted are not
subject to review and are  conclusive,  although in no event shall such purchase
price be less than the fair  market  value (as  defined in the  Agreement).  The
following is a summary of the transactions under the NIE Plan:

Non-incentive Executive Stock Option Plan:
                                                    1997           1996
                                                  --------       --------
Outstanding, beginning of year .............      600,000             --
Exercised during the year ..................           --             --
Terminated during the year .................           --             --
Granted during the year ....................           --        600,000
                                                  --------       --------
Outstanding, end of year ...................      600.000        600,000
                                                  ========       ========
Eligible, end of year, for
  exercise currently .......................      198,000              --
                                                  ========       ========
Option price per share .....................   $4.00-$6.25  $10.00-$15.00


In  December  1997,  the  Company  amended  the  exercise  prices on the 600,000
options, granted in 1996, to the Chairman of the Board.


                                                                              37


<PAGE>


         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The Company has adopted  the  disclosure-only  provisions  of SFAS 123 (See Note
1o).  Accordingly,  no compensation cost has been recognized for grants of stock
options.  Had  compensation  cost for grants made under the  Company's two stock
option plans been  determined  based on the fair market value at the grant dates
in a manner  consistent  with the  provisions  of SFAS 123,  the  Company's  net
(loss)/earnings  and net  (loss)/earnings per share for the years ended December
31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 would have been adjusted to the pro forma amounts below:

                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                   --------------------------------------------
                                      1997             1996              1995
                                   ---------         ---------         ---------
                                      (in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net (loss):
  As reported ..................   $(22,142)         $(11,782)         $ 1,673
  Pro forma ....................   $(23,840)         $(12,587)         $ 1,440
Net (loss)/ earnings per share:
  As reported ..................   $  (3.52)         $  (1.87)         $  0.27
  Pro forma ....................   $  (3.78)         $  (2.00)         $  0.23

The  fair  value  of  options  at the  date of grant  was  estimated  using  the
Black-Scholes   option-pricing   model  with  the   following   weighted-average
assumptions:

                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                   --------------------------------------------
                                      1997             1996              1995
                                   ---------         ---------         ---------
Dividend yield .................        0.0%              0.0%             0.0%
Expected volatility ............       70.3%             47.0%            47.0%
Risk-free interest rate(per annum)      6.2%              6.2%             6.4%
Expected lives (in years) ......        3.1               4.3              3.9

In connection with their  employment  contracts,  the Company's former President
and its former Chief  Financial  Officer were granted  15,000 and 5,000  phantom
shares,  respectively,  payable in cash only. These phantom shares vest, subject
to the  executive's  continued  employment  with  the  Company,  25% per year on
December  31st of each year,  commencing  December 31, 1994,  and are payable in
January 1998 in an amount  equal to the product of the number of phantom  shares
vested in the executive,  and the difference between the closing sales prices of
the  Company's  Common Stock as reported by The Nasdaq  Stock  Market  (National
Market) at various points in time, as specified in their  employment  contracts.
Through December 31, 1997, no expenses have been accrued.

16. RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

The Company  sponsors a retirement plan designed to qualify under Section 401(k)
of the  Internal  Revenue  Code of 1986,  as  amended.  All  employees  over age
twenty-one (21) who have been employed by the Company for at least one year with
one thousand  (1,000) hours of service are eligible to  participate in the plan.
Employees may contribute to the plan on a tax deferred basis generally up to 18%
of their total annual  salary,  but in no event more than $9,500 in 1997.  Under
the plan,  the Company makes  matching  contributions  at the rate of 50% of the
amount  contributed  by the  employees  up to a maximum of 2% of the  employee's
total annual compensation.

The  employer  contributions  vest to the  employee  after  five (5) years of an
employee's  service with the Company.  At December 31, 1997,  93 employees  were
enrolled in the plan. The Company  intends to contribute  approximately  $63,000
for  1997,  and  has  contributed   $85,000  and  $86,000  for  1996  and  1995,
respectively.

17. CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

Financial  instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentration of
credit risk consist  primarily  of  investments  in  short-term  investments  in
obligations  of certain  state and municipal  entities and premiums  receivable.
Short-term  investments are managed by professional  investment  managers within
the guidelines established by the Board of Directors, which, as a


38


<PAGE>


matter of policy,  limit the  amounts  which may be  invested in any one issuer.
Concentrations  of credit risk with respect to premiums  receivable  are limited
due to the large number of employer  groups  comprising  the Company's  customer
base.  As of December  31,  1997,  management  believes  that the Company has no
significant concentrations of credit risk.

18. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

a. In October 1994, WCNY changed its capitation  arrangements  with the majority
of  its  providers  from  capitating  primary  care  physicians  with  attendant
risk-sharing  to  capitating  the  Alliances  comprised of the  specialists  and
previously-capitated  primary care physicians. The Alliances have operated at an
accumulated  deficit since  inception but have instituted  measures  designed to
reduce this  deficit and  achieve  profitability.  The  Alliance  could  request
additional funding from the Company beyond the contractual  increases  described
in Note 1a,  which  management  does not  believe  should be  required  and,  if
requested by the Alliances,  does not intend to provide. As described in Note 4,
in 1997,  the Alliances  received a $4.0 million cash infusion from an unrelated
third-party.

In an  effort  to  improve  profitability  of the  Company  and  the  Alliances,
effective  September 1996, WCNY entered into a letter of understanding  with the
Alliances to restructure  the capitation  arrangements.  WCNY reassumed risk for
certain previously capitated services,  with a corresponding reduction in rates.
WCNY capitated the Alliances for all physician  services,  both primary care and
specialty  services,  on a PMPM  basis for each HMO  member  associated  with an
Alliance  except for  physician  services  for  certain  diagnostics  and mental
health,  which are  capitated  through  regional  integrated  delivery  systems.
Management of the Alliances and WCNY believe that the these measures will enable
the  Alliances  to  maintain  their  operations  and  reduce  their  accumulated
deficits.

b. Between  April and June 1996,  the Company,  its former  President  and Chief
Executive Officer,  and its former Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial
Officer were named as  defendants  in twelve  separate  actions filed in Federal
Court (the  "Securities  Litigations").  An additional three directors were also
named in one of these actions.  Plaintiffs  sought to recover damages  allegedly
caused by the Company's  defendants'  violations of federal securities laws with
regard to the preparation and dissemination to the investing public of false and
misleading information concerning the Company's financial condition.

In July 1996, the Securities  Litigations were consolidated in the United States
District  Court  for  the  Northern   District  of  New  York,  and  an  amended
consolidating  complaint  (the  "Complaint")  was  served  in August  1996.  The
Complaint did not name the three additional  directors.  The Company's  auditor,
however,  was named as an additional  defendant.  In October  1996,  the Company
filed a motion to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint against the Company
as well as the individual  defendants.  The Company's auditor likewise filed its
own motion to dismiss. By Memorandum  Decision and Order (the "Order"),  entered
in April 1997, the court (i) granted the auditor's motion to dismiss and ordered
that the claims  against the  auditors be  dismissed  with  prejudice;  and (ii)
denied the motion to dismiss brought by the individual  defendants.  Because the
Order did not specifically address the Company's motion to dismiss, in May 1997,
the Company moved for  reconsideration of its motion to dismiss and dismissal of
all claims  asserted  against it. On  reconsideration,  the judge  clarified his
previous  ruling  expanding  it to include a denial of the  Company's  motion as
well.  Following the Court's decision,  the Company filed its answer and defense
to the Complaint. In September 1997, the plaintiff's class was certified and the
parties  are  currently  actively  engaged  in  the  discovery  process  of  the
litigation.

Although management is unable to predict the likelihood of success on the merits
of the  consolidated  class action,  it has instructed its counsel to vigorously
defend its interests.  To date, the Company has indemnified both former officers
who are defendants  for costs incurred in defending the Securities  Litigations.
The  Company has  insurance  in effect  which may, at least in part,  offset any
costs to be incurred in these litigations.

c. The Company and certain of its subsidiaries,  including WellCare of New York,
Inc. have responded to subpoenas issued in April and August 1997 from the United
States  District Court for the Northern  District of New York through the office
of the United States  Attorney for that  District.  These  subpoenas  sought the
production of various  documents  concerning  financial and accounting  systems,
corporate records, press releases and other external  communications.  While the
United States Attorney has not disclosed the purpose of its inquiry, the Company
has reason to believe  that  neither  its  current  management  nor its  current
directors  are  subjects  or  targets of the  investigation.  The  Company  has,
however, informed the government that it will continue to cooperate fully in any
way that it can in connection with the ongoing investigation.

d. On July 31, 1996 and October 3, 1996 the Securities  and Exchange  Commission
issued  subpoenas to the Company for the  production  of various  financial  and
medical  claims  information.  The  Company  fully  complied  with both of these
subpoenas on August 21, 1996 and October 31, 1996.


                                                                              39


<PAGE>


         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

e. Other - The Company is involved in litigation and claims which are considered
normal to the Company's  business.  In the opinion of management,  the amount of
loss that might be sustained,  if any,  would not have a material  effect on the
Company's consolidated financial statements.

f.  Leases - Future  minimum  rental  payments  (in  thousands)  required  under
operating  leases that have initial or remaining  noncancellable  lease terms in
excess of one year as of December 31, 1997, are approximately as follows:

           YEAR                              AMOUNT
         --------                           --------

           1998                             $ 1,416
           1999                               1,205
           2000                               1,060
           2001                                 489
           2002                                 288
           Thereafter                         1,215
                                            -------
           TOTAL                            $ 5,673
                                            =======

19. STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS

The New York  State  Department  of  Health  requires  that WCNY  maintain  cash
balances  equal to the greater of five percent (5%) of expected  annual  medical
costs or  $100,000.  At  December  31,  1997 and 1996,  WCNY had  required  cash
reserves of approximately $5.8 and $6.7 million, respectively, included in Other
Assets.  Additionally,  WCNY is required to maintain a statutory reserve for the
protection of subscribers  in the event WCNY is unable to meet its  obligations.
The  reserve  must be  increased  annually  by an  amount  equal to at least one
percent  (1%) of the premiums  earned  limited,  in total,  to a maximum of five
percent (5%) of premiums  earned for the most recent  calendar year. At December
31, 1997 and 1996, WCNY had a required  statutory reserve of approximately  $6.7
and $5.9 million respectively.

WCCT is subject  to  similar  regulatory  requirements  with  respect to its HMO
operations in Connecticut.

As a holding  company,  WellCare's  ability  to  declare  and pay  dividends  is
dependent upon cash distributions  from its subsidiaries  which, with respect to
WCNY,  are  limited  by state  regulations.  Although  such  regulations  do not
specifically  restrict  WCNY from  paying  dividends,  they  require  WCNY to be
financially  sound as determined by the New York State Departments of Health and
Insurance,  and thereby may preclude WCNY from paying dividends. Any transaction
that involves five percent (5%) or more of WCNY's assets  requires notice to the
Commissioner  and  Superintendent  of the  Departments  of Health and Insurance,
respectively,  and any  transaction  that  involves ten percent (10%) or more of
WCNY's  assets  requires  prior  approval.  Any decision to pay dividends in the
future will be made by  WellCare's  Board of Directors  and will depend upon the
Company's  earnings,  capital  requirements,  financial condition and such other
factors as the Board of Directors may deem relevant.

In January  1997,  WCNY  received  the final  report on its  biennial  statutory
examination  for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995 from NYSID. In 1996,
during the course of the audit,  the  Company  had  recorded  two  non-recurring
medical charges (See Note 2d) based on the interim  findings and instructions of
NYSID.  Additionally,  the examiners  determined that WCNY was not in compliance
with all  pertinent  New York  State  regulation  sections  relating  to  WCNY's
underwriting and rating  procedures and referred the matter to NYSID's Office of
General Counsel for disciplinary  action.  In December 1997, WCNY entered into a
Stipulation  Agreement  whereby  it agreed to pay a penalty  of  $91,000  and to
correct past  violations.  An  additional  penalty of $66,000 may be assessed if
NYSID  subsequently  determines  that WCNY has not made a good  faith  effort to
recoup undercharges from incorrectly rated groups.

As a result of the  examination,  WCNY's  statutory  net worth was  impaired  by
approximately  $1.1  million.   In  March  1996,  the  Company  made  a  capital
contribution of $3 million to WCNY, and in October 1996, the Company loaned WCNY
$3 million under the provisions of Section 1307 of the New York State  Insurance
Law.  Under  Section  1307,  the  principal  and  interest are treated as equity
capital for regulatory  purposes and are repayable out of the free and divisible
surplus, subject to the prior approval of the Superintendent of Insurance of the
State of New York. These two cash infusions offset the examination's  adjustment
to WCNY's net worth.


40


<PAGE>


New York State  certified  HMOs are required to maintain a cash reserve equal to
the greater of 5% of expected  annual  medical costs or $100,000.  Additionally,
except as described in the following  paragraph,  WCNY is required to maintain a
contingent  reserve  which must be  increased  annually by an amount equal to at
least 1% of statutory  premiums earned limited,  in total, to a maximum of 5% of
statutory  premiums  earned for the most recent  calendar  year and which may be
offset by the cash  reserve.  The cash reserve is  calculated  at December 31 of
each year and is maintained  throughout the following calendar year. At December
31, 1997,  WellCare had required  cash reserves of $5.8 million and a contingent
reserve  of $6.7  million.  In the  event the  contingent  reserve  exceeds  the
required cash reserve,  the excess of the  contingent  reserve over the required
cash reserve is required to be maintained.

Notwithstanding the above, NYSID has the authority to allow an HMO to maintain a
net worth of 50% to 100% of the contingent reserve. WCNY executed a Section 1307
loan in March 1998,  which has brought WCNY's  December 31, 1997,  statutory net
worth above the  permitted 50%  contingent  reserve  requirement.  WCNY has been
operating within the 50-100% discretionary contingent reserve requirement during
1997 with the full  knowledge  of NYSID.  In June 1997 and  November  1997,  the
Company loaned $3.1 and $1.3 million, respectively, to WCNY under the provisions
of Section 1307.  Management has had ongoing discussions and meetings with NYSID
and has updated NYSID of the Company's plans to obtain  additional  funds during
1998,  which the  Company's  Board has  authorized to be  contributed  to WCNY's
capital.  Management  expects that WCNY's 1998 budgeted return to profitability,
together with the capital  contribution  and additional  Section 1307 loans,  if
required, will fully fund the contingent reserve requirement in 1998.

In June and November  1997, the Company made capital  contributions  of $350,000
and  $425,000  to WCCT to bring  its  statutory  net  worth to the  required  $1
million.  The Company, on March 2, 1998, made an additional capital contribution
of  $368,000  to WCCT to bring  its  statutory  net worth  above the $1  million
requirement.

20. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES

Cash paid during the year for:
                                     1997              1996              1995
                                  ----------        ----------        ----------
                                                 (in thousands)

Income taxes ................     $     --          $  1,792          $  5,140
Interest ....................     $  1,507          $  1,951          $  1,387

During 1997, 1996 and 1995,  WellCare  entered into capital leases for equipment
in the amounts of approximately $0, $176,000 and $605,000, respectively.

21. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The  carrying  amounts  of  financial   instruments   including  cash  and  cash
equivalents,  short-term  investments,  due from  affiliates  net,  advances  to
participating  providers,  other  receivables  -  net,  restricted  cash,  other
non-current  assets - net,  due from  affiliates,  accounts  payable and accrued
expenses, approximate their fair values.

The fair value of notes receivables  consisting primarily of advances to medical
practices,  is not  materially  different  from the carrying  value of financial
statement  purposes.  In making this  determination,  the Company used  interest
rates based on an estimate of the credit worthiness of each medical practice.

The Subordinated  Convertible Note was issued in a private  placement in January
1996,  and amended with the holder in February  1997, and January 1998 (see Note
12). There is no public market for this  instrument or other debt of the Company
and management believes it is not practicable to estimate its fair value at this
time. The carrying  amount of other  long-term debt, the majority of which bears
interest of floating rates, are assumed to approximate their fair value.


                                                                              41


<PAGE>


         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

22. QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

Selected  unaudited  data  reflecting  the  Company's  consolidated  results  of
operations for each of the last eight quarters are shown in the following  table
(in thousands, except per share amounts):

                                                       1997
                                    -------------------------------------------
                                       1ST         2ND        3RD         4TH
                                    --------    --------    --------   --------

Total revenue ....................  $ 34,278    $ 36,976   $ 35,537    $ 37,078

Total expenses ...................    47,280      36,871     39,959      41,901

Income/(loss) from operations ....   (13,002)        105     (4,422)     (4,823)

Net income/(loss) ................   (13,002)        105     (4,422)     (4,823)

Net income/(loss) per share ......     (2.06)        .01      (0.70)      (0.77)

                                                       1996
                                    -------------------------------------------
                                       1ST         2ND        3RD         4TH
                                    --------    --------    --------   --------

Total revenue ....................  $ 41,567    $ 41,193    $ 39,587   $ 38,904

Total expenses ...................    41,521      46,082(1)   50,622(2)  42,846

Income/(loss) from operations ....        46      (4,889)    (11,035)    (3,942)

Net income/(loss) ................        28      (2,934)     (6,621)    (2,255)

Net income/(loss) per share ......      0.00       (0.47)      (1.05)     (0.35)


The sum of the  above  quarterly  amounts  may not equal  reported  year to date
amounts due to rounding.
- -----------------------------
(1) Includes a one-time $3.7 million  charge for the cost of hospital  inpatient
    care for members,  as assumed by the Company based on instruction from NYSID
    (see Note 2d).
(2) Includes a one-time  $2.9  million  charge to medical  expenses  for medical
    claims prior to October 1, 1994,  which had  previously  been assumed by the
    Alliances, as per instructions from NYSID (see Note 2d).


42


<PAGE>



                       This page intentionally left blank



<PAGE>



                       This page intentionally left blank



<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                        <C>
BOARD OF DIRECTORS                         TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
                                           American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
ROBERT W. MOREY, JR., Chairman             40 Wall Street, 46th Floor, New York, NY 10005
The WellCare Management Group, Inc.        Attn.: Shareholder Relations  (718) 921-8210

CHARLES E. CREW, JR., Director             FORM 10-K REPORT
Vice President and General Manager         Shareholders may receive, without charge, a copy of The
GE Plastics - Americas                     WellCare Management Group, Inc., 10-K Annual Report
General Electric Company                   submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission
                                           by writing to:
MARK D. DEAN, D.D.S., Vice Chairman        Investor Relations, The WellCare Management Group, Inc.
Dentist in Private Practice                Park West/Hurley Avenue Extension, Kingston, NY 12401

WALTER W. GRIST, Director                  MARKET INFORMATION
Senior Manager                             A Common Stock of The WellCare Management Group, Inc. is traded on
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.              The Nasdaq Small Cap Stock Market, Inc. under the symbol "WELL",
                                           effective October 27, 1997.  Previously, the Common Stock had been
JOHN E. OTT, M.D., Director                listed on the Nasdaq National Market.  The following table sets forth
Executive Vice President                   the closing high and low sale prices for the Common Stock for each
The WellCare Management Group, Inc.        quarter of the last two calendar years.  There is no trading for the
                                           Company's Class A Common Stock.
JOSEPH R. PAPA, Director
President/Chief Executive Officer/COO
The WellCare Management Group, Inc.
                                                                      HIGH      LOW
LAWRENCE C. TUCKER, Director               1996
Partner                                    First Quarter              $29       $15
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.              Second Quarter              18 3/4     7 3/4
                                           Third Quarter               12 1/4     7 1/2
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS                         Fourth Quarter              11 3/4     7 1/4

ROBERT W. MOREY, JR.                       1997
Chairman                                   First Quarter              $10 5/8   $ 6 1/2
                                           Second Quarter               8 7/8     3 7/8
JOSEPH R. PAPA                             Third Quarter                6 7/8     2 5/8
President/Chief Executive Officer/COO      Fourth Quarter               5 15/16   1 3/8

JOHN E. OTT, M.D.                          On March 5, 1998, there were approxinately 216 and 12 holders of
Executive Vice President                   record of the Company's Common Stock and Class A Common Stock,
                                           which did not include beneficial owners of shares registered in
CRAIG S. DUPONT                            nominee or street name.
Chief Financial Officer
                                           WellCare has not paid cash dividends on its capital stock and does not
MARY LEE CAMPBELL-WISLEY                   anticipate paying any cash dividends on its Common Stock or Class A
Executive Director                         Common Stock in the foreseeable future.

ADELE REITER, ESQ.
Vice President,                            INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Legal and Governmental Affairs             Deloitte & Touche, LLP
                                           Two World Financial Center
THOMAS CURTIN                              New York, New York  10281  (212) 436-2000
Vice President of Sales
 and Marketing                             CORPORATE COUNSEL
                                           Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.
                                           250 Park Avenue
                                           New York, New York 10177   (212) 351-4500
</TABLE>


<PAGE>


[Logo] WellCare (TM)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                             <C>   <C> <C> 
THE WELLCARE MANAGEMENT GROUP, INC.
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
Park West / Hurley Avenue Extension, Kingston, New York 12401 ................. (914) 338-4110

WELLCARE OF NEW YORK, INC.
Park West / Hurley Avenue Extension, Kingston, New York 12401 ................. (914) 338-4110

350 Meadow Avenue, Newburgh, New York 12550 ................................... (914) 566-0700
Executive Woods, 4 Palisades Drive, Albany, New York 12205 .................... (518) 466-0200
660 White Plains Road, Tarrytown, New York 10591 .............................. (914) 460-0060
3209 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, New York 13850 .............................. (607) 770-1444
WellCare Communications Center, 120 Wood Road, Kingston, New York 12401 ....... (914) 334-4000
WellCare Information Center, 25 Barbarosa Lane, Kingston, New York 12401 ...... (914) 334-4170

WELLCARE OF CONNECTICUT, INC.
127 Washington Avenue, North Haven, Connecticut 06473 ......................... (203) 239-9522
</TABLE>




© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission