Centene Corporation Announces Senior Staff Appointments

Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) today announced theappointment of two senior executives to enhanced roles reflecting theCompany's continuing commitment to develop its executive leadership.Karey L. Witty will immediately assume the role of Senior VicePresident and Chief Executive, Health Plan Business Unit. J. PerBrodin assumes the role of Senior Vice President and Chief FinancialOfficer. William N. Scheffel, Senior Vice President, SpecialtyCompanies, will now be Senior Vice President and Chief Executive,Specialty Business Unit. Mr. Scheffel previously served as Centene'sController.

A seasoned executive of the healthcare industry, Mr. Witty hasbeen with Centene for more than seven years and most recently held theposition of Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. Prior tojoining Centene, Mr. Witty spent six years in financial roles withHeritage Health Systems and HealthWise of America. Centene's RegionalVice Presidents, Health Plans, will now report to Mr. Witty.

"Karey has provided exceptional financial leadership to Centeneover the years, playing a major role in our ongoing success. He cannow leverage that experience and financial acumen to the oversight ofour health plans. I am confident Karey's talent, expertise andleadership will continue to help us develop a total healthcareenterprise and serve as a low-cost producer to the states in which weoperate," said Centene's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer MichaelF. Neidorff.

J. Per Brodin has more than 15 years of experience in Finance andAccounting. Prior to joining Centene in 2005, Mr. Brodin served asVice President, Accounting and Reporting for The May Department StoresCompany. Mr. Brodin also spent 13 years with Arthur Andersen LLP,including several years in the Professional Standards Group, where heestablished a broad base of industry expertise. Centene's Financefunctions as well as the Mergers and Acquisitions team will now reportto Mr. Brodin.

"Per brings to Centene demonstrated financial leadership and awealth of experience that will enable us to achieve the next level inour growth and development. We are excited to have him join theCentene senior management team," stated Mr. Neidorff.

"We have developed and remain committed to an unparalleled levelof financial capability in each of our business units. The expandedroles for Karey and Per combined with the leadership of Bill Scheffelwill help us to reach the next plateau as we implement Centene'sstrategic plan," concluded Mr. Neidorff.

About Centene Corporation

Centene Corporation is a leading multi-line healthcare enterprisethat provides programs and related services to individuals receivingbenefits under Medicaid, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI)and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The Companyoperates health plans in Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio,Texas and Wisconsin. In addition, the Company contracts with otherhealthcare organizations to provide specialty services includingbehavioral health, disease management, nurse triage, pharmacy benefitmanagement and treatment compliance. Information regarding Centene isavailable via the Internet at www.centene.com.