ST. LOUIS, Jan. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) has been notified by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) that Sunshine State Health Plan, Centene's Florida subsidiary, has been recommended for a contract award in the Medicaid Managed Care Long Term Care program. Upon regulatory approval, enrollment will be rolled out by region, beginning in August 2013 and continuing through March 2014.

The new Medicaid Managed Care Long Term Care program will replace the current Nursing Home Diversion Program (NHDP) and will cover the entire state of Florida, which is divided into 11 regions. Sunshine State Health Plan was selected to serve members in 10 of the 11 regions.

"Centene is pleased to be selected to participate in this expanded long-term care program," said Robert Hitchcock, Executive Vice President of Health Plans for Centene. "Our integrated care model has proven to be successful both in Florida and other markets in improving health outcomes for members with long-term care needs, while saving our state partners money."

The long-term care program covers recipients 18 years or older who have been determined by the state's long term care assessment program (CARES) to meet the nursing facility level of care, including individuals who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare and non-duals (Medicaid-only).

"Centene has been serving Medicaid members in Florida since 2007, and we are pleased to expand our partnership with the state to provide critical long-term care services to eligible members," said Chris Paterson, President and CEO for Sunshine State Health Plan. "We look forward to continuing to partner with providers and important community organizations to offer an individually-centered, personal approach to serve the state's most vulnerable residents."

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