ST. LOUIS, Dec. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today that its wholly-owned behavioral health subsidiary, Cenpatico of Arizona, has entered into formal negotiations for a partnership with the University of Arizona Health Network (UAHN) to seek opportunities to deliver an innovative and highly effective model for whole person healthcare in Arizona.

"Both Centene and UAHN bring together their years of experience in managing these vulnerable populations, and we look forward to participating in the state's procurement in 2014, in which we will articulate the vision for integrated healthcare," said Jason M. Harrold, Executive Vice President of Specialty Business at Centene. 

Cenpatico has a strong commitment to Arizona as the Regional Behavioral Health Authority for Cochise, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Yuma counties.  Cenpatico facilitates the delivery of mental health and substance abuse services to behavioral health recipients under a contract with the Arizona Department of Health Services/Division of Behavioral Health.  UAHN provides physical health services in 10 counties in Arizona.  Together the two organizations will provide an infrastructure that delivers both behavioral health and acute care services in the State of Arizona.

Additional information regarding the partnership will be provided at Centene's investor presentation on Friday, December 13, 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, specialty pharmacy and telehealth services.

SOURCE Centene Corporation