CeltiCare Confirms Timetable For Launch of Products With Massachusetts Health Connector

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today that its business unit, CeltiCare Health Plan of Massachusetts Inc.(TM) (CeltiCare), and representatives from the Health Connector, met to reaffirm CeltiCare's commitment to offering high quality, affordable healthcare for all Massachusetts consumers.

In July of 2009, CeltiCare went live with Commonwealth Care on schedule and on a voluntary basis. CeltiCare looks forward to delivering better health outcomes for its members and significant cost savings for the Commonwealth to help expedite the Health Connector's ability to reinstitute auto-assignment for the most vulnerable Commonwealth Care enrollees.

Additionally, in September 2009, we offered the state an innovative solution on healthcare coverage for legal immigrants. Commonwealth Bridge went live in October and further regions were added in November and will continue to rollout on schedule. This product preserved health coverage for approximately 27,000 underserved Massachusetts residents.

CeltiCare expects to begin marketing its commercial health products, including the Commonwealth Choice plan, in the first quarter, consistent with the Health Connector's expectations.

According to Health Connector Chief Financial Officer Patrick Holland, "the Health Connector recognizes CeltiCare's unwavering commitment to the Massachusetts market, and we look forward to their participation in our Commonwealth Choice program."

CeltiCare looks forward to continuing our efforts to meet the health needs of our members.

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.

About CeltiCare Health Plan of Massachusetts

Founded in 2009, Boston-based CeltiCare Health Plan of Massachusetts is a managed care organization that provides high-quality, cost-effective health insurance to Massachusetts residents enrolled in the Commonwealth Care and Commonwealth Care Bridge programs. CeltiCare is committed to helping its members achieve better health outcomes by providing high-quality benefits, services and wellness education. Backed by parent company Celtic Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), CeltiCare offers a new form of local managed care that is tailored to the needs of Massachusetts' progressive healthcare system.

SOURCE Centene Corporation