ST. LOUIS, Apr 5, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Centene Corporation (Nasdaq:CNTE) today announced that the company plans to release its first quarter earnings on Thursday, May 2, 2002 after the close of regular trading hours and then host a conference call on Friday, May 3, 2002 at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) to review the results. Investors are invited to listen to the conference call by dialing 888/273-9885 in the U.S., and 612/332-0418 for international participants, or via a live Internet broadcast at the company's web site, http://www.centene.com. Mr. Michael F. Neidorff, president and chief executive officer, and Mr. Karey L. Witty, chief financial officer, of Centene Corporation will host the call.

A replay of the call will be available from May 3, 2002, beginning at 2:15 p.m. and ending on May 10, 2002 at 11:59 p.m. Investors may dial 800/475-6701 in the U.S. and 320/365-3844 from abroad and enter access number 634205. Additionally, the webcast will be archived for the same period at http://www.centene.com.

    About Centene

Centene Corporation provides managed care programs and related services to individuals receiving benefits under Medicaid, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The company operates health plans in Wisconsin, Indiana and Texas.

CONTACT:          Centene Corporation
                  Karey L. Witty, 314/725-4477
                  or
                  In-Site Communications
                  Lisa Carlton Wilson, 212/759-3929

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