Exhibit 23

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-108467, 333-90976, 333-83190 and 333-180976) and in the registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-174164) of Centene Corporation of our reports dated February 18, 2013, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Centene Corporation as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive earning, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2012, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, which reports appear in the December 31, 2012 annual report on Form 10-K of Centene Corporation.