ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today that Michael Cadger has been appointed as President and CEO of Centene's Georgia subsidiary, Peach State Health Plan (Peach State), effective September 17, 2007. Mr. Cadger will report to Christopher Bowers, Senior Vice President, Health Plan Business Unit for Centene, and will be based in the Peach State corporate office in Smyrna, Georgia.

Cadger has more than 30 years of relevant experience in the health and managed care industry. As former President of the Pinnacle Health Care Management, he has provided consulting and executive recruiting services to clients such as the State of Georgia and United Healthcare. Cadger has also provided strategic guidance for Medicaid HMOs as a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Mr. Bowers stated, "Michael Cadger brings a strong portfolio of financial management and managed care expertise to the Centene family. As an accomplished business leader and seasoned executive, he will support Peach State's mission to provide better health outcomes to Georgia Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids recipients while lowering costs to the State."

Cadger received a B.S. in Finance at the University of Tennessee and an M.B.A. in Health Care Management & Strategic Planning from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

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 the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The Company operates health plans in Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin. In addition, the Company contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health, health management, long-term care, managed vision, nurse triage, pharmacy benefits management and treatment compliance. Information regarding Centene is available via the Internet at www.centene.com.

Source: Centene Corporation