ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 12, 2005--Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today that its Wisconsin health plan subsidiary, Managed Health Services Insurance Corporation (MHS), and Aurora Health Care, Inc. (Aurora), have entered into a contract for a new, long-term Hospital Services Agreement (HSA), that will become effective January 1, 2006. This contract follows the successful resolution of prior litigation. Aurora currently provides medical professional services to MHS under an existing HSA, which expires on December 31, 2005.

Michael F. Neidorff, Centene's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "This new contract enables us to fulfill our goal of providing quality healthcare services to our members in Wisconsin. We value the opportunity to continue working with Aurora Health Care and to extending our relationship."

Don Nestor, Aurora's Chief Financial Officer, added, "We are pleased to have resolved the litigation between our organizations and look forward to working with MHS."

About Centene Corporation

Centene Corporation provides multi-line 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 Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin. In addition, the Company contracts with other healthcare organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health, disease management, nurse triage and treatment compliance. Information regarding Centene is available via the Internet at www.centene.com.

CONTACT: Centene Corporation Investor Relations: Lisa M. Wilson, 212-759-3929 or Corporate Marketing and Communications: Robert J. Schenk, 314-725-4477

SOURCE: Centene Corporation