ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) issued a tentative contract award to Centene's subsidiary, Superior HealthPlan Network (Superior Network), for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Rural Services Area Managed Care Organization Procurement. The award is contingent upon the successful negotiation and execution of a contract with HHSC. Superior and a second vendor will begin serving members under the new contract on September 1, 2010, continuing through August 31, 2013. The award covers up to 174 primarily rural counties in Texas.

Tom P. Wise, president and CEO for Superior HealthPlan, said, "Superior Network's success in the bidding process validates our quality performance as the current contract holder for the CHIP Rural Service Area membership in Texas. We are pleased to be able to continue our mission to deliver quality healthcare through our unique, state-wide provider network for our members as well as the State of Texas."

This announcement has no impact on Centene's 2009 financial guidance.

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 Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD), Foster Care, Long-Term Care and Medicare (Special Needs Plans). The Company operates local health plans and offers a wide range of health insurance solutions to individuals and 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, telehealth services, pharmacy benefits management and medication adherence. Information regarding Centene is available via the Internet at www.centene.com.

Source: Centene Corporation