ST. LOUIS, Oct. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today that it has appointed Robert T. Hitchcock as Executive Vice President, Health Plan Business Unit, effective immediately. Mr. Hitchcock will oversee operations for all of Centene's health plans and will report to Michael F. Neidorff, Chairman and CEO of Centene.

Mr. Hitchcock has 20 years of healthcare and leadership experience in roles with increasing responsibility. Prior to joining Centene, he worked for Humana Inc., most recently serving as Vice President, Medicare Market Operations, Western Division. In that role, he was responsible for membership growth, financial performance, strategic planning, network development and medical management initiatives. 

"We are pleased to welcome Mr. Hitchcock to our senior management team," said Mr. Neidorff. "His depth of experience in leading and growing healthcare market segments will be an incredible asset to our health plan business unit as we continue to expand both geographically and organically within our 18 states."

"I am excited to join Centene, a company I have long admired. The excellent leadership team and the steady leadership provided by Michael has positioned Centene for great success," said Mr. Hitchcock.

Mr. Hitchcock received his bachelor's degree from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, and a Master of Health Administration from the Medical College of Virginia.

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