Centene lands Kansas Medicaid Contract

Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today that the state of Kansas has awarded its subsidiary, Sunflower State Health Plan, a statewide contract to serve Medicaid beneficiaries in Kansas. Pending regulatory approval, operations are expected to commence on January 1, 2013.

Under the contract, Sunflower State Health Plan will serve members in the state's KanCare program, which includes Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), eligible pregnant women, Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD) and long-term care beneficiaries; and in the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

"KanCare is an exciting opportunity that is well aligned with Centene's philosophy of providing fully integrated care as it encompasses all aspects of health services, including physical, behavioral, pharmacy and long-term care", said Jesse Hunter, Executive Vice President of Operations for Centene. "Kansas is the 18th state in which we have entered. We look forward to creating a partnership with the state and its stakeholders, including providers, advocates and other community organizations that will result in improved health outcomes and quality of life for the state's most vulnerable residents."