ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) today announced that URAC, an independent, non-profit organization that promotes health care quality through accreditation and certificate programs, had selected Centene's CONNECTIONS PLUS program as a finalist in the URAC Best Practices in Health Care Consumer Empowerment and Protection Awards competition. Centene and other finalists from across the nation will be honored at URAC 2009 Best Practices in Health Care Consumer Empowerment and Protection Conference & Exhibit, April 1-2, 2009 in Orlando, Fla.
Centene's CONNECTIONS PLUS is a cell phone program developed for identified high-risk members who have limited or no access to a safe and reliable telephone. Centene's program gives free, pre-programmed cell phones to members, immediately eliminating a common barrier to receiving quality healthcare. High-risk members are defined as those who have chronic healthcare conditions or are at risk for premature birth, and those who also have social limitations or barriers that may negatively impact their healthcare outcomes.
"The Best Practices Awards and Conference provides a unique opportunity for leaders in healthcare management to learn what premier companies are doing to advance consumer protection and empowerment," said Alan Spielman, URAC's President and Chief Executive Officer. "It is a one-of-a kind conference, designed to inspire the industry as a whole to rapidly adopt proven practices that advance patient safety and empower consumers with improved decision-making tools."
"Centene is honored to be a finalist in this distinguished URAC awards competition and proud to provide an innovative solution to our members that facilitates access to quality healthcare," said Mary Mason, M.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. "CONNECTION PLUS joins members with the appropriate health and community resources. Early studies suggest a reduction in inappropriate inpatient and emergency room utilization."
About URAC
URAC, an independent, nonprofit organization, is well-known as a leader in promoting health care quality through its accreditation and certification programs. URAC offers a wide range of quality benchmarking programs and services that keep pace with the rapid changes in the healthcare system, and provide a symbol of excellence for organizations to validate their commitment to quality and accountability. Through its broad-based governance structure and an inclusive standards development process, URAC ensures that all stakeholders are represented in establishing meaningful quality measures for the entire health care industry. For more information, visit www.urac.org.
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), as well as Aged, Blind, Disabled (ABD), Foster Care, Long-Term Care and Medicare (Special Needs Plans). The Company operates local health plans and offers full range of healthcare solutions for the rising number of uninsured Americans. It also contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health, life and health management, 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