ST. LOUIS, June 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation
(NYSE: CNC) today announced that its Celtic Group subsidiary,
CeltiCare Health Plan of Massachusetts, Inc. (CeltiCare), has extended
its statewide contract to serve Commonwealth Care Bridge Program
members, effective July 1, 2011.
Under the contract, CeltiCare will continue to be the sole
provider of high quality health insurance to Massachusetts residents enrolled in the
Commonwealth Care Bridge Program, which serves the state's legal
immigrant population.
"We are pleased that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has extended our contract for
the Bridge Program as it ensures that our members will have
continued access to excellent healthcare," said CeltiCare President
and Chief Executive Officer Richard D.
Lynch. "For the past two years, we have focused on
developing a provider network of dedicated caregivers and providing
exceptional service to all of our members. We are committed
to maintaining our high levels of member satisfaction."
Commonwealth Care Bridge is a state-subsidized health insurance
program for Massachusetts' legal
immigrant population. In 2009, CeltiCare worked with the
Commonwealth Organizations to develop a lower cost alternative that
would preserve comprehensive health coverage and provide high
quality care to the more than 26,000 legal immigrants.
Approximately $40 - $45 million of
annualized revenue is associated with this contract. The financial
impact of the renewal of the Commonwealth Care Bridge contract was
already assumed in Centene's 2011 financial guidance.
About Centene Corporation
Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading
multi-line healthcare enterprise that provides programs and
related services to the rising number of under-insured and
uninsured individuals. Many receive benefits provided under
Medicaid, including the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP),
as well as Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD), Foster Care, long-term care, other
state-sponsored programs and Medicare (Special Needs Plans).
Centene's CeltiCare subsidiary offers states unique
"exchange-based" and other cost-effective coverage solutions for
low-income populations. The Company operates local health plans and
offers a range of health insurance solutions. It also contracts
with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide
specialty services including behavioral health, life and health
management, managed vision, telehealth services, and pharmacy
benefits management. More information regarding Centene is
available at www.centene.com.
SOURCE Centene Corporation