ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 23, 2009--Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) today announced that Peach State Health Plan (Peach State), its wholly-owned Georgia subsidiary, has recently received Accreditation Status by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) under the New Health Plan (NHP) Accreditation Program.

NCQA has granted Peach State Accreditation Status from December 12, 2008, through December 12, 2011. 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.

"This accomplishment for our Georgia health plan is a reflection of Centene's commitment to provide better health outcomes by adhering to the highest industry standards for our health plans and specialty companies," said Dr. Mary Mason, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. "We are proud of our health plan staff, network of physicians, hospitals and other providers that are dedicated to providing quality healthcare, and we are honored to receive this accreditation."

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

The NCQA Accreditation process involves a comprehensive review of the quality programs, clinical service measurements, as well as a rigorous on- and off-site evaluation by a team of trained healthcare experts. NCQA Accreditation standards are set high to encourage health plans to continuously enhance their quality.

NCQA is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to assessing and reporting on the quality of managed care plans, managed behavioral healthcare organizations, preferred provider organizations, new health plans, physician organizations, credentials verification organizations, disease management programs and other health-related programs.

Peach State has served the Georgia Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids population in partnership with the Georgia Families Program since 2006. As of September 30, 2008, Peach State had 283,900 members. For more information, visit www.pshp.com.

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 State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), 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 range of healthcare solutions for 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, nurse triage, pharmacy benefits management and treatment compliance. Information regarding Centene is available via the Internet at www.centene.com.

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    Source: Centene Corporation