ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 29, 2009--
Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) takes a proactive approach with
education around how to prevent the influenza virus each year through
its FluventionTM program. In the past, the Company’s flu
prevention campaign encouraged its members to get the seasonal influenza
vaccines and take everyday precautions to prevent illness. This year,
Centene is targeting education at higher-risk groups for the H1N1
influenza virus, including pregnant women, children from six months old
up to 24-year-old adults, as well as adults with chronic health
conditions.
Centene’s health plans are directly reaching out to members who are
considered higher-risk groups by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) for seasonal and H1N1 influenza. The Company is using
an integrated communications approach to reach membership, including
direct mail, phone calls, providing information via health plan websites
and posting information in provider offices. The health plans are also
conducting general community awareness through public service
announcements on television and radio. In addition, the health plans are
outreaching to physicians with information and resources related to this
year’s flu season. As standard practice, information provided to members
and physicians is in line with CDC recommendations.
“We are committed to ensuring everyone has the information they need
this flu season and knows what vaccinations are recommended for them and
their family to help avoid illness,” said Mary Mason, M.D., Senior Vice
President and Chief Medical Officer.
Women who are pregnant are in higher-risk groups for both seasonal and
H1N1 influenza, according to the CDC. In addition to educating members
in this group, the Company is offering a $10Wal-Mart gift card as an
incentive for them to receive both vaccines.
“The best way to protect oneself from the flu is by getting vaccinated
and with the introduction of the H1N1 influenza, some people may need to
get multiple vaccinations this year,” said Dr. Mason. “Our flu
prevention campaign is aimed at providing information on staying well
and encouraging members to get recommended vaccines, with an emphasis on
who should get the H1N1 vaccine since it is new to most individuals.”
The Company is also taking steps to help prevent the influenza virus and
spread of the virus with its employees through a similar Fluvention
program. Centene provides employees with flu education, awareness
and annual flu shot vaccination schedules through a dedicated Intranet
site created specifically for this purpose. Hand sanitizers have also
been installed in all of the Company’s office locations.
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
Edmund E. Kroll, Jr., 212-759-0382
Senior
Vice President, Finance and Investor Relations
or
Deanne Lane,
314-725-4477
Senior Director, Media Affairs
