Centene Corporation Subsidiary Awarded Statewide Medicaid Contract in Indiana

ST. LOUIS, Aug 04, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) today announced that its Indiana subsidiary, Managed Health Services (MHS), has received notification from the Indiana Department of Administration that it has been awarded the statewide Medicaid managed care contract to manage a portion of the approximately 535,000 eligible Hoosier Healthwise members. The contract, effective January 1, 2007, is subject to regulatory approval. MHS is one of three health plans selected to manage healthcare for Medicaid recipients throughout the state. MHS currently serves 193,000 recipients in Indiana.

Michael F. Neidorff, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Centene, stated, "We are pleased to have been selected as one of the managed care plans to serve Medicaid recipients throughout the state of Indiana. Over the years, we have successfully established networks of healthcare providers that are sensitive to the needs of this population, and we are committed to continuing to improve the health states of Hoosier Healthwise members through outcome-driven, quality healthcare."

"We value the opportunity to work in collaboration with the state of Indiana to continue providing quality healthcare benefits and services to Medicaid recipients, where we have been a provider since 1994," said Rita Mills, Regional Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of MHS. "Our strong relationships with providers, dedicated local staff and community partners, strongly positions us to continue serving our members' healthcare needs."

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 Georgia, 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.

SOURCE: Centene Corporation

Centene Corporation
Lisa M. Wilson, 212-759-3929