Exhibit 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-119944) and Forms
S-8 (No. 333-108467, 333-90976, 333-83190) of Centene Corporation of our report dated February 24, 2005 relating to the financial statements, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K. We also consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated February 24, 2005 relating to the financial statement schedule, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/    PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

St. Louis, Missouri

February 24, 2005