Contact:  Debra Peterson-Smith 

                    VP, Regulatory Affairs and Communications                

 PEACH STATE HEALTH PLAN ANNOUNCES

2010 PHYSICIAN SUMMIT AWARD

–OUTSTANDING PHYSICIANS AND PRACTIONERS FOR 2010–

 Smyrna, GA (August 18, 2010) — Peach State Health Plan™ (Peach State), in collaboration with its parent company, Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), a national leader in healthcare solutions today announced the recipients of its 2010 Summit Awards for Excellence In Care. The Summit Awards are given each year to Physicians, Practitioners, and Obstetricians for providing clinical excellence. There are two award categories, one for Obstetrics, and one for Primary Care.

“Peach State is committed to recognizing Georgia providers for the excellent care they provide to our members,” said Patrick Healy, President, and Chief Executive Officer for Peach State. “We are pleased to recognize these providers in particular for their individual commitment to providing quality care and improving the health outcomes of our members.”

Dean Greeson, MD, Vice President, Medical Affairs for Peach State, stated, “It gives us great pleasure to award four deserving physicians in Georgia with this prestigious award.”

The Practitioners are selected for exemplary performance in several areas, including follow up after emergency room visits and routine preventive and well care services for adults and children. 

Following are the 2010 Summit Award winners

(Primary Care)

 Peach State Health Plan (Georgia)

-Renee Renfus, M.D.

- Josephine Dunagan, M.D.

-Aaron Goldberg, M.D.

“The OB category recognizes the extraordinary efforts in providing high quality obstetric care to all of our members,” explained Dr. Mary Mason, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Centene. “Feedback from the members and their case managers helped determine the winners.” The individual criteria included risk-adjusted cesarean delivery rates, participation in the notification of pregnancy process and utilization of 17P, a weekly steroid injection to prevent premature birth in certain high risk women.

“The Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine supports activities that help elevate the level of quality and safety in obstetric care for the Medicaid patient,” added Dr. Daniel O’Keefe, Executive Vice-President, and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

The 2010 OB Summit Award winner

Peach State Health Plan (Georgia)

-Moon Chung, M.D.

About Peach State Health Plan

Peach State Health Plan (Peach State) is a Care Management Organization that serves the Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids ™ population in partnership with Georgia Families. 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.

 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 and long-term care, in addition to 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. 

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