ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) today announced that Patrick M. Healy has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Centene's Georgia subsidiary, Peach State Health Plan (Peach State), effective immediately. Mr. Healy, based in the Peach State corporate office in Smyrna, Ga., reports to Christopher D. Bowers, Senior Vice President, Health Plan Business Unit.

Mark W. Eggert, Centene's Executive Vice President, Health Plan Business Unit, stated, "Mr. Healy is an experienced executive with a background in business development, provider contracting and medical management. His extensive knowledge of the managed care industry will be a great asset in delivering quality healthcare to the people of Georgia."

Mr. Healy has more than 27 years of healthcare experience. Most recently, he was Executive Vice President of Diversified Clinical Services in Jacksonville, Fla. Mr. Healy supervised the Chief Medical Officer and Corporate and Regional Medical Directors. He maintained oversight of 300 hospitals and 2,100 network providers as well as the research, formulary, therapeutics, new technology, and physician recruitment functions. Previously, Mr. Healy worked in several executive positions including Executive Vice President of Operations for Continucare Corporation; President and Chief Administrative Officer for Mayo Health Plan; and Chief Executive Officer for Cleveland Clinic Florida Health Plan.

Mr. Healy graduated with a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Business Administration from Stetson University in Florida.

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), Foster Care, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicare (Special Needs Plans). The Company operates health plans in Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. In addition, the Company contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health, life and 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