ST. LOUIS, May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC)  announced today its position as #453 in FORTUNE Magazine's recently released annual ranking of America's largest companies by revenue.  The company's 2011 total revenues of $5.34 billion, as stated in Centene's 2011 10-K, earned a ranking of #453 in the 2012 list, up from #493 last year, placing it in the FORTUNE 500 for the third year in a row.

Companies included in the FORTUNE 500 are ranked by total revenues for their respective fiscal years. Included in the survey are companies that are incorporated and operate in the U.S. and file financial statements with a government agency. This includes private companies and cooperatives that file a 10-K or a comparable financial statement with a government agency, and mutual insurance companies that file with state regulators.

"It is a significant corporate achievement to be included in FORTUNE Magazine's prestigious annual ranking," said Centene Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael F. Neidorff.   "We are pleased to be recognized in this manner as it illustrates the validity of Centene's business model.  We are especially gratified to find ourselves included in the ranking for the third time."

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