ST. LOUIS, Aug. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) has been notified by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) that Buckeye Community Health Plan (Buckeye), Centene's Ohio subsidiary, has been selected to serve Medicaid members in a dual-eligible demonstration program in three of Ohio's pre-determined seven regions: Northeast (Cleveland), Northwest (Toledo) and West Central (Dayton).

This three-year program, which is part of the state of Ohio's Integrated Care Delivery System (ICDS) expansion, will serve those who have both Medicare and Medicaid eligibility. Enrollment is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2013.

The state allowed for two applicant health plans in each region, except for the Northeast Region (Cleveland), where it allowed three plans. Additionally, the state limited its selections so that no health plan was selected for more than three of the seven regions.

"Buckeye looks forward to an expanded presence as it reaffirms its commitment to the State of Ohio and its residents," said Steven White, President and CEO of Buckeye Community Health Plan. "We have staff and innovative systems in place that will ensure improved health outcomes for these members, while making the most effective use of the State's dollars allocated for this expansion."

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 State 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