ST. LOUIS, Feb. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) today announced that Superior HealthPlan, its wholly-owned Texas subsidiary, has received an Excellent Accreditation rating by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Superior HealthPlan is the first Medicaid plan in Texas to earn an Excellent Accreditation rating by NCQA.

NCQA Accreditation status is awarded to organizations that meet or exceed NCQA's standards for quality. An Excellent Accreditation rating is the highest level of accreditation awarded by the NCQA.

"Superior HealthPlan is honored to receive the NCQA's Excellent Accreditation rating. This recognition is the result of our long-standing dedication to provide quality healthcare service and programs to our members in Texas," said Tom P. Wise, President and Chief Executive Officer of Superior HealthPlan.

Superior HealthPlan has been providing comprehensive and integrated healthcare services and programs to Medicaid members in Texas since 1999. In 2011, Superior HealthPlan was awarded renewed and expanded contracts to serve members in all of its existing service areas in addition to five new service areas.

NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA is committed to providing health care quality information for consumers, purchasers, health care providers and researchers.

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, long-term care, 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