ST. LOUIS, May 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today that the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and the Imperial County Board of Supervisors have issued a notification of intent to award Centene's subsidiary, California Health and Wellness Plan, a contract to serve approximately 55,000 Medi-Cal beneficiaries in Imperial County, pending finalization of a contract.

"Centene's national experience, coupled with the local knowledge and support of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors, will ensure Medi-Cal members receive locally-delivered healthcare services of the highest quality," said Jesse Hunter, Executive Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer for Centene.  "Imperial County represents an important part of our expansion and long-term commitment to California."

Earlier this year, DHCS notified California Health and Wellness Plan of its intent to award a contract for 18 counties under the Medi-Cal Managed Care Rural Expansion program, pending finalization of a contract.  Both of these programs are expected to begin in the second half of 2013.

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 (LTC), in addition to other state-sponsored/hybrid programs, and Medicare (Special Needs Plans). 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, care management software, correctional systems healthcare, life and health management, managed vision, pharmacy benefits management and telehealth services.

SOURCE Centene Corporation