ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 7, 2004--Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) announced today that it will release its fourth quarter and year-end 2003 financial results after the close of business on Monday, February 9, 2004 and host a conference call on Tuesday, February 10, 2004 at 8:30 AM (Eastern Time) to review the results. Mr. Michael F. Neidorff, president and chief executive officer, and Mr. Karey L. Witty, chief financial officer, of Centene Corporation will host the call.

Investors and other interested parties are invited to listen to the conference call by dialing 800-273-1254 in the U.S. and Canada, 706-679-8592 from abroad, or via a live Internet broadcast on the company's website at www.centene.com, under the Investor Relations section.

A replay will be available for on demand listening shortly after the completion of the call until 11:59 PM Eastern on February 17, 2004 at the aforementioned URL, or by dialing 800-642-1687 in the U.S. and Canada, or 706-645-9291 from abroad, and entering access code 4814536.

About Centene Corporation

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 (SCHIP). The company operates health plans in Texas, Wisconsin, Indiana, New Jersey and Ohio. In addition, the company contracts with other healthcare organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health, nurse triage and pharmacy compliance. Information regarding Centene is available via the Internet at www.centene.com.

CONTACT: Centene Corporation Mr. Karey L. Witty, 314-725-4477 or Investor Relations: Ms. Lisa M. Wilson, 212-759-3929

SOURCE: Centene Corporation