ST. LOUIS, June 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today Centurion of Tennessee LLC ("Centurion") has been awarded a contract by the Department of Correction in Tennessee.  Centurion is a joint venture between Centene and MHM Services Inc., a national leader in providing behavioral and other healthcare services to correctional systems.

In Tennessee, Centurion will oversee care for 20,000 inmates in 11 prisons throughout the state. "This is another innovative model designed to provide healthcare services to inmates while helping the state manage escalating costs," said Jason M. Harrold, Executive Vice President, Specialty Companies, for Centene.  "Our partnership with MHM provides us with a unique expertise as we expand our portfolio of services."  

Last March, Centurion reached a similar agreement with the Massachusetts Department of Corrections.  It will provide services to approximately 11,000 inmates in that state.

This latest award is expected to commence operations in the summer 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