ST. LOUIS, Feb. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today that its subsidiary, California Health and Wellness Plan, has been notified by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) of its intent to award a contract to serve Medicaid beneficiaries in 18 counties, pending regulatory approval.

Under the contract, California Health and Wellness Plan will serve members under the state's Medi-Cal Managed Care Rural Expansion program. The expansion program covers members eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as other populations

"California is a significant Medicaid managed care market, and we are pleased to be selected to participate in this rural expansion program," said Jesse Hunter, Executive Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer for Centene. "Centene's long track record of successfully transitioning fee-for-service Medicaid programs to managed care, coupled with our experience in serving members in rural areas in other states, will help us deliver better health outcomes for California residents in a cost-effective manner for the state."

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