ST. LOUIS, Apr 24, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Centene Corporation (Nasdaq:CNTE) today announced that it plans to release its first quarter earnings on Thursday, April 25, 2002, after the close of regular trading hours and then host a conference call on Friday, April 26, 2002, at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern time) to review the results. The first quarter earnings release and conference call are being held one week earlier than previously announced by the Company.

The following dial-in numbers replace those issued by the Company on April 5, 2002. Investors are invited to listen to the conference call by dialing (888) 276-0006 in the U.S., and 612-332-0418 for international participants, or via a live Internet broadcast at the Company's website, http://www.centene.com. Mr. Michael F. Neidorff, president and chief executive officer, and Mr. Karey L. Witty, chief financial officer, will host the call.

A replay of the call will be available from April 26, 2002, beginning at 12:00 p.m. and ending on May 3, 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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