ST. LOUIS, Oct. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today that its subsidiary, Centurion of Minnesota LLC ("Centurion"), has executed an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) to provide managed healthcare services to offenders in the state's correctional facilities. 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 Minnesota, Centurion will oversee care for approximately 9,000 offenders at 10 facilities throughout the state.

"The Minnesota DOC's core values emphasize a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.  We are excited to offer our innovative programs that are the direct result of Centene and MHM's combined experience, technology, and programs," said Jason M. Harrold, Executive Vice President, Specialty Companies, for Centene. 

Centurion was recently awarded two other state-wide contracts to provide comprehensive correctional healthcare services to the states of Massachusetts and Tennessee. This latest award is expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2014.

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