ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 1, 2004--Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) announced today that it will present at SG Cowen's 24th Annual Healthcare Conference, which will be held at the Boston Marriott Copley Place in Boston, MA.

Michael F. Neidorff, Centene's President and Chief Executive Officer, will present on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at 1:15 and 2:15 p.m. Eastern Time. The presentation will be available as a live audio web cast at www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/confLobby.zhtml?ticker=CNC&item_id=851898, then archived for on-demand listening for 15 days.

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, St. Louis Michael F. Neidorff, 314-725-4477 or Lisa M. Wilson, 212-759-3929 (Investor Relations)

SOURCE: Centene Corporation