ST. LOUIS, Sept. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today that the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) posted its notice of intent to award a contract for the Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) program to Centene's Florida subsidiary Sunshine State Health Plan (Sunshine Health).  After challenge and contract readiness periods are completed, enrollment is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2014 and should be completed by October 2014.

Under the intended MMA contract, Sunshine Health will serve members in 9 of the 11 regions covered under the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care program, which includes most TANF recipients as well as ABD and dual eligible members.  In addition, Sunshine Health was the only plan recommended for a contract award for the Child Welfare (Foster Care) Specialty Plan. Sunshine Health is currently the largest HMO provider under the Long Term Care portion of the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care program with a contract to serve members in 10 of Florida's 11 regions.

"We are pleased to have received the state's notification of intent to award Sunshine Health 9 out of 11 regions. This is a significant program for AHCA, and we are honored to have been selected to play a key role in providing expanded integrated healthcare services," said Robert Hitchcock, Executive Vice President, Health Plans, for Centene. "This intended award demonstrates Sunshine Health's proven record of providing access to high-quality, comprehensive healthcare at lower costs to 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