ST. LOUIS, May 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has tentatively awarded Centene's Texas subsidiary, Superior HealthPlan, a new STAR+PLUS contract in the Dallas Service Area. The STAR+PLUS managed health care program specifically serves the Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD) population, providing acute and long-term services.  

Superior represents 450,000 members statewide of which more than 37,000 are STAR+PLUS members in 16 counties located in the Bexar and Nueces Service Areas. The Dallas Service Area represents an additional 50,000 STAR+PLUS lives. Superior is one of three tentative awardees.

"Centene is proud to continue its commitment to the STAR+PLUS program, providing specialized and quality care, while saving the state significant resources," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Neidorff.  

We expect the new contract to commence February 1, 2011.

About Centene Corporation

Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 Company, is a leading multi-line healthcare enterprise that provides programs and related services to the rising number of under-insured and uninsured individuals. Many receive benefits provided under Medicaid, including the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD), Foster Care and long-term care, in addition to other state-sponsored programs, and Medicare (Special Needs Plans). Centene's CeltiCare subsidiary offers states unique "exchange-based" and other cost-effective coverage solutions for low-income populations. The Company operates local health plans and offers a range of health insurance solutions. It also contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health, life and health management, managed vision, telehealth services, and pharmacy benefits management. More information regarding Centene is available at www.centene.com.

SOURCE Centene Corporation