ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 24, 2006--Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) today announced the appointment of two senior executives to enhanced roles reflecting the Company's continuing commitment to develop its executive leadership. Karey L. Witty will immediately assume the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Executive, Health Plan Business Unit. J. Per Brodin assumes the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. William N. Scheffel, Senior Vice President, Specialty Companies, will now be Senior Vice President and Chief Executive, Specialty Business Unit. Mr. Scheffel previously served as Centene's Controller.

A seasoned executive of the healthcare industry, Mr. Witty has been with Centene for more than seven years and most recently held the position of Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Centene, Mr. Witty spent six years in financial roles with Heritage Health Systems and HealthWise of America. Centene's Regional Vice Presidents, Health Plans, will now report to Mr. Witty.

"Karey has provided exceptional financial leadership to Centene over the years, playing a major role in our ongoing success. He can now leverage that experience and financial acumen to the oversight of our health plans. I am confident Karey's talent, expertise and leadership will continue to help us develop a total healthcare enterprise and serve as a low-cost producer to the states in which we operate," said Centene's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael F. Neidorff.

J. Per Brodin has more than 15 years of experience in Finance and Accounting. Prior to joining Centene in 2005, Mr. Brodin served as Vice President, Accounting and Reporting for The May Department Stores Company. Mr. Brodin also spent 13 years with Arthur Andersen LLP, including several years in the Professional Standards Group, where he established a broad base of industry expertise. Centene's Finance functions as well as the Mergers and Acquisitions team will now report to Mr. Brodin.

"Per brings to Centene demonstrated financial leadership and a wealth of experience that will enable us to achieve the next level in our growth and development. We are excited to have him join the Centene senior management team," stated Mr. Neidorff.

"We have developed and remain committed to an unparalleled level of financial capability in each of our business units. The expanded roles for Karey and Per combined with the leadership of Bill Scheffel will help us to reach the next plateau as we implement Centene's strategic plan," concluded Mr. Neidorff.

About Centene Corporation

Centene Corporation is a leading multi-line healthcare enterprise that provides 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, pharmacy benefit management and treatment compliance. Information regarding Centene is available via the Internet at www.centene.com.

CONTACT: Centene Corporation Lisa M. Wilson, 212-759-3929 or Robert J. Schenk, 314-725-4706 www.centene.com

SOURCE: Centene Corporation