ST. LOUIS, Dec. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today that AcariaHealth®, a wholly-owned subsidiary providing specialty pharmacy services, has been awarded Specialty Pharmacy Accreditation from URAC, a Washington, DC-based healthcare accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the healthcare industry.

The URAC accreditation process demonstrates a commitment to quality services and serves as a framework to improve business processes through benchmarking organizations against nationally recognized standards. The Specialty Pharmacy Accrediation provides an external validation of excellence in Specialty Pharmacy Management and provides Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) oriented processes that improve operations and enhance compliance. It also helps to assist in preparing for regulatory compliance.

"We are proud to receive URAC Accreditation, which validates our long-standing dedication to provide healthcare solutions for patients, healthcare specialists, payer and pharma clients through a unique brand of specialty pharmacy services," said Jason M. Harrold, Executive Vice President, Specialty Companies, for Centene.  "We believe that our experienced team offers innovative ways to improve care and outcomes for patients living with complex diseases. It all starts with a simple premise: the patient comes first."

"We applaud AcariaHealth on achieving URAC Specialty Pharmacy Accreditation," said URAC Chief Operating Officer William Vandervennet. "In today's healthcare market, URAC accreditation provides a mark of distinction for organizations to demonstrate their commitment to quality healthcare."

URAC, an independent, nonprofit organization, is a leader in promoting healthcare quality through accreditation and certification programs. URAC's standards keep pace with the rapid changes in the healthcare system, and provide a mark of distinction for healthcare organizations to demonstrate their commitment to quality and accountability. Through its broad-based governance structure and an inclusive standards development process, URAC ensures that all stakeholders are represented in setting  meaningful standards for the healthcare industry. For more information, visit www.urac.org.  

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