ST. LOUIS, June 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) has announced that its wholly owned Washington subsidiary, Coordinated Care, has earned Accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for both its Medicaid and Exchange HMO plans. NCQA's New Health Plan Accreditation Program applies to health plans that are less than 36 months old. The program is distinct from NCQA's Health Plan Accreditation Program.

"The Coordinated Care team is proud to receive this NCQA Accreditation. It confirms our commitment to quality improvement and dedication to our purpose of transforming the health of the community, one person at a time," said Jay Fathi, M.D., president and CEO of Coordinated Care. "This Accreditation speaks to our strengths, including collaboration, commitment to comprehensive member care, innovative outreach to members and dedication to constantly evaluating ourselves and looking for opportunities to enhance the way we impact the lives of those we serve."

"Health plans that step forward to participate in NCQA's Health Plan Accreditation program early on in their history are to be especially commended," said Margaret E. O'Kane, President, NCQA. "Our standards are rigorous, and by meeting them, Coordinated Care has shown that it is well designed and serious about the quality of care it provides."

NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA is committed to providing health care quality information for consumers, purchasers, health care providers and researchers.

About Centene Corporation
Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading multi-line healthcare enterprise that provides programs and services to government sponsored healthcare programs, focusing on 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, in-home health services, life and health management, managed vision, pharmacy benefits management, specialty pharmacy and telehealth services.

SOURCE Centene Corporation