ST. LOUIS, Nov. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) today announced that Centurion Managed Care, LLC ("Centurion") has been notified by the State of Vermont of its intent to award Centurion a contract for comprehensive correctional healthcare services. Centurion, a joint venture between Centene and MHM Services Inc., will provide medical and behavioral health services to offenders and detainees housed at eight facilities throughout the state. The Vermont Department of Corrections is one of six unified state correctional systems in the US that serves the dual purpose as the state's pre-trial jail and detention service, as well as the state's prison system for sentenced offenders.

"The Vermont DOC sought an integrated delivery approach that blends correctional healthcare services with the broader public health system of Vermont. We look forward to collaborating with the Vermont DOC and other stakeholder groups in Vermont, including the state's Medicaid plan, Green Mountain Care, to bring our innovative programs, technology, and experience to Vermont's public health initiatives," said Steve Wheeler, CEO of Centurion. 

Centurion currently operates three additional state-wide contracts to provide correctional healthcare services to the states of Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Tennessee. The Vermont award is expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2015.

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.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141030/155662LOGO

SOURCE Centene Corporation