ATLANTA, GEORGIA (January 23, 2009) – Peach State Health Plan (Peach State), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), today announced that it has received Accreditation Status by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). NCQA has granted Peach State Accreditation Status from December 12, 2008, through December 12, 2011, under the New Health Plan (NHP) Accreditation Program. NCQA’s New Health Plan Accreditation Program applies to health plans that are less than 36 months old. The program is distinct from NCQA’s Health Plan Accreditation Program.

“This accomplishment is a reflection of Peach State’s commitment to serve its members by adhering to the highest industry standards,” said Patrick Healy, President and CEO of Peach State Health Plan. “Peach State is honored to receive this accreditation. We are proud of our health plan staff, network of physicians, hospitals and other providers that are dedicated to providing quality healthcare to the people of Georgia.”

“Health plans that step forward to participate in NCQA’s New Health Plan Accreditation program early in their history are to be especially commended. Our standards are rigorous, and by meeting them, Peach State Health Plan has shown that it is well designed and serious about the quality of care it provides,” said NCQA President Margaret E. O’Kane.

The NCQA Accreditation process involves a comprehensive review of the quality programs, clinical service measurements, as well as a rigorous on- and off-site evaluation by a team of trained healthcare experts. NCQA Accreditation standards are set high to encourage health plans to continuously enhance their quality.
NCQA is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to assessing and reporting on the quality of managed care plans, managed behavioral healthcare organizations, preferred provider organizations, new health plans, physician organizations, credentials verification organizations, disease management programs and other health-related programs.

About Peach State Health Plan
Peach State Health Plan (Peach State) is a health maintenance organization that serves the Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids population in partnership with the Georgia Families Program. As of September 30, 2008, Peach State had 283,900 members. Peach State is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading multi-line healthcare enterprise offering both core Medicaid and specialty services. Information regarding Peach State is available via the Internet at www.pshp.com.

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