ST. LOUIS, Sept. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Adding to the high acuity population it effectively serves, Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) tentatively awarded Superior HealthPlan a contract to serve STAR+PLUS members in two Medicaid Rural Service Areas, contingent upon successful negotiations and execution of the contract. There will be rate parity by region for participants.

Superior was selected to serve Older Adults and People with Disabilities in the Central and West Medicaid Rural Service Areas. Superior currently serves approximately 110,000 STAR+PLUS members in the Dallas, Nueces, Hidalgo, Lubbock and Bexar service areas.

"We are pleased to continue our partnership with the State of Texas to serve its most vulnerable residents," said Robert Hitchcock, Executive Vice President, Health Plans, for Centene. "Superior has been providing high-quality, integrated healthcare services for STAR+PLUS members since 2007, which has resulted in improved outcomes for these members at lower costs 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 (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, specialty pharmacy and telehealth services.

SOURCE Centene Corporation