ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 12, 2006--Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) today announced that Richard A. Gephardt, Former Majority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, and currently Chief Executive Officer of Gephardt and Associates was elected to the Board of Directors of Centene at its meeting today as a Class I Director with a term expiring in 2008.

In commenting, Michael F. Neidorff, Centene's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are proud to welcome Dick Gephardt to the Centene board. Mr. Gephardt is a nationally recognized leader who during his political career and today in his consulting practice is committed to efforts towards assuring access to high quality healthcare for everyone in the country. He will bring his experience, insight and invaluable perspective to the Company."

Mr. Gephardt said, "I am pleased to join Centene's Board of Directors and look forward to working with them and Centene management to create viable and cost-effective solutions to the healthcare issues facing this country."

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 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, managed vision, nurse triage, pharmacy benefits 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
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
or
Robert J. Schenk, 314-725-4477
Vice President, Corporate Marketing and Communications

SOURCE: Centene Corporation