ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 5, 2004--Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today that it will hold its 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on Tuesday, May 4, 2004, at 10:00 a.m. central time at The Ritz-Carlton, 100 Carondelet Plaza, St. Louis, Missouri 63105. The record date for the meeting is March 10, 2004.

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 (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
Karey L. Witty, 314-725-4477
or
Investor Relations Department
Lisa M. Wilson, 212-759-3929