ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 14, 2009-- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today the following appointments that are consistent with the Company’s organizational development program while enhancing our mission to provide quality healthcare.

Effective immediately, Jason Harrold, current President and CEO of OptiCare Managed Vision, Inc., has been appointed to Senior Vice President of Centene’s Specialty Business Unit. Mr. Harrold will assume the leadership role over the specialty companies previously held by William Scheffel. Mr. Harrold has been President of OptiCare Managed Vision for nearly ten years.

Jonathan Dinesman has been appointed Vice President of Government Relations. Mr. Dinesman previously served as Vice President, Business Development – State Affairs. In his new role, Mr. Dinesman will oversee Centene’s Government Relations office in Washington D.C. Prior to joining Centene, he was with UnitedHealth Group in Washington.

Shannon Scales, Senior Director of Internal Audit will take on the lead management role of the Internal Audit department in St. Louis. Ms. Scales has served in the Internal Audit department with increasing responsibility for more than six years.

Michael F. Neidorff, Centene’s Chairman and CEO, commented, “We are extremely fortunate to have these talented individuals, especially as healthcare dominates the national stage. These appointments reflect the value of our succession planning program. With their expertise, Centene will continue to grow its high-quality, accessible healthcare solutions."

About Centene Corporation

Centene Corporation is a leading multi-line healthcare enterprise that provides programs and related services to individuals receiving benefits under Medicaid, including the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD), Foster Care, Long-Term Care and Medicare (Special Needs Plans). The Company operates local health plans and offers a wide range of health insurance solutions to individuals and the rising number of uninsured Americans. It also contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health, life and health management, managed vision, telehealth services, pharmacy benefits management and medication adherence. Information regarding Centene is available via the Internet at www.centene.com.

Source: Centene Corporation

Centene Corporation
Deanne Lane, Senior Director, Corporate Media Affairs
314-725-4477