Cenpatico will begin managing behavioral health benefits with our sister health plan, Kentucky Spirit Health Plan on October 1, 2011. Together, we will serve 180,000 individuals on Medicaid throughout seven regions of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Our office will be based in Lexington, Kentucky; this new line of business will provide about 200 local jobs. Kentucky Spirit Health Plan will provide health, behavioral, vision, dental and pharmacy services to Kentucky residents in both urban and rural areas who might not otherwise have access to quality healthcare. We are pleased to expand our services into this new market and look forward to bringing our multi-line approach to integrated health and specialty services to Kentuckians.

See the full release below or by clicking here.

Centene Corporation Awarded Medicaid Contract in Kentucky

ST. LOUIS, July 7, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –

Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today that Kentucky Spirit Health Plan, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene, has executed a contract with the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet to serve Medicaid beneficiaries in Kentucky. Kentucky Spirit Health Plan will be headquartered in Lexington, Ky., and will provide integrated healthcare services to Medicaid recipients in all regions awarded by the Commonwealth. The contract has an initial three-year term with the potential for four one-year extensions.

“We look forward to working with Governor Beshear’s administration to offer the Commonwealth of Kentucky high-quality healthcare at a lower cost,” said Jesse Hunter, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development and Operating Group Chairman of Centene. “This contract marks Centene’s entry into its 13th state, and we feel it exemplifies the benefits of integrating our multi-line approach of health and specialty services. We are proud to continue our successful track record in Medicaid procurements by being selected to serve in seven regions by the Commonwealth.”

We expect to serve approximately 180,000 members in Kentucky generating annual revenues in excess of $700 million. The contract is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2011. Updated financial guidance including this contract award will be provided during Centene’s 2011 second quarter financial results conference call on July 26, 2011.

“We are gratified to be able to begin serving the Commonwealth of Kentucky while preserving our normal margins for a new business,” said Michael F. Neidorff, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Centene.

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 State 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.

The information provided in this press release contains forward-looking statements that relate to future events and future financial performance of Centene. Subsequent events and developments may cause the Company’s estimates to change. The Company disclaims any obligation to update this forward-looking financial information in the future. Readers are cautioned that matters subject to forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including economic, regulatory, competitive and other factors that may cause Centene’s or its industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ from projections or estimates due to a variety of important factors, including Centene’s ability to accurately predict and effectively manage health benefits and other operating expenses, competition, membership and revenue projections, timing of regulatory contract approval, changes in healthcare practices, changes in federal or state laws or regulations, inflation, provider contract changes, new technologies, reduction in provider payments by governmental payors, major epidemics, disasters and numerous other factors affecting the delivery and cost of healthcare. The expiration, cancellation or suspension of Centene’s Medicaid Managed Care contracts by state governments would also negatively affect Centene.

SOURCE Centene Corporation

This entry is filed under News.

The following article highlights the opening of The Living Center, a new recovery facility in Nogales, Arizona, that is operated under a contract with Cenpatico of Arizona. Please click here to read the article online at the official website of the Nogales International.

By Jonathan Clark , Nogales International

Local residents transitioning out of addiction treatment centers, mental health institutes or correctional facilities have a new place to find support now that The Living Center has opened its doors in Nogales.

The organization, founded in Yuma in 2001 by a group of men and women who felt frustrated with the lack of support and guidance after treatment, inaugurated its Nogales center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday.

“It’s a resource center for our recovery community and it serves as a hub for all of our friends in recovery,” said co-founder Rick Ploski, who emphasized the participatory and experiential nature of the center’s services.

As an example of that approach, fellow co-founder Dr. Anthony Alberta told the NI, The Living Center offers a job bank, but people using the center maintain it, which helps them to develop data entry and organizational skills at the same time that they search for work.

In addition, the center is preparing to open a restaurant – the Turtle Bay Café – that will provide job opportunities for people dealing with mental illness. But these folks don’t just work at the cafe; they also design the menu and choose the décor, and they decide how any proceeds from the project will be spent for the benefit of the center.

Employment and housing are probably the central issues that the center deals with, Alberta said, but staffers also help people obtain vital documents – such as birth certificates – that they need to access state services. And the center offers office space where counselors and officers from local agencies can come and hold appointments.

During his remarks at Wednesday’s ceremony, Mayor Arturo Garino spoke of the need for a facility like The Living Center in Nogales, saying: “A community needs to help one another, and the best way of doing that is to have a center where we can get together and talk about these things.”

The Living Center is operating in Nogales under a contract with Cenpatico Behavioral Health Services, which serves as the regional health authority for an area that includes all of Santa Cruz County. Cenpatico CEO Terry Stevens told the NI that research has convinced her that medication and support are the two keys to recovery, and so when Ploski pitched her his idea back in Yuma for providing support through The Living Center back in Yuma, she was convinced.

“I knew, with his heart and soul about recovery, that he wouldn’t be heavy handed and make people dependent,” she said.

The Learning Center is at 2073 N. Grand Ave., in the Sykes plaza. For more information, call (520) 280-5220.

This entry is filed under News.

The following news release was issued by the State of Arizona, Office of the Governor on June 20, 2011. Please click here to see the official release.

PHOENIX – Acting in response to a request from Cochise County officials and local incident commanders, Governor Jan Brewer has deployed approximately 90 members of the Arizona National Guard to assist with operations in response to the Monument Fire near Sierra Vista.

The service members are part of the Tucson-based 860th Military Police Company. Beginning Tuesday, June 21, they will provide area security for locations evacuated due to the fire, and will be directed by local law enforcement. Additional Arizona National Guard forces are poised to deploy for additional assistance, if needed.

“The Monument Fire continues to draw a massive response from federal, state and local authorities,” said Governor Brewer. “I’ve deployed these National Guard members to assist with the effort, and won’t hesitate to authorize additional manpower if necessary.”

Meanwhile, the interagency staff at the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Phoenix continues to cautiously monitor and proactively plan for the consequences of the Monument Fire. The blaze, fanned by high winds and fueled by extreme heat and low humidity, has forced the evacuation of several communities and subdivisions. It is approximately 27,000 acres and almost 30 percent contained. Citizens with questions regarding the Monument Fire should call 800-288-3861.

The following is a summary of how state agencies are assisting with the response to the Monument Fire:

The State Forestry Division’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA on June 12. The FMAG will reimburse the state for 75 percent of firefighting and evacuation costs.

The Arizona Division of Emergency Management has deployed liaisons to the Monument Fire to facilitate information sharing between the State Emergency Operations Center and Cochise County. A state communication vehicle was also dispatched to provide enhanced communication support in the area.

The Arizona Department of Health Services is operating on several fronts for the Monument Fire. The Licensing Division is working to ensure that facilities and agencies have evacuation plans and know whom to contact if they are ordered to evacuate. So far, 15 facilities have relocated patients and residents, but there are 104 facilities within 20 miles of the fire line. Another major component of the DHS response is making sure that the facilities that remain open have enough staff. This is crucial since there are thousands of evacuees who may not be able to get to work, and some are part of the staff at hospitals, nursing homes and child care centers.

The DHS Behavioral Health Division is working closely with Cenpatico, the Regional Behavioral Health Authority in Cochise County, to make sure it has what it needs. So far, Cenpatico has mobilized countless counselors and psychiatrists to visit shelters. Cenpatico is also operating at 24-hour-a-day crisis phone line for people to call. Behavioral Health is one of the longest lasting impacts of any disaster.

The DHS Public Health Division is running the operation to make sure Health Services can provide needed services, and has provided a representative at the State Emergency Operations Center. The Environmental Health Office is helping with information for area shelters about food safety and health effects caused by the air quality near the wildfire. The Bureau of Nutrition and Physical Activity is actively reaching out to the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) clinics in the area to make sure they are safe and have what they need.

People affected by the current wildfires who have questions or problems with their home, auto or health insurance can contact the Department of Insurance for assistance (800-325.2548), or visit www.azinsurance.gov for insurance tips and resources. Evacuees are encouraged to contact their insurance company or agent as soon as feasible.

Visit the Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN) website at www.AzEIN.gov for real-time emergency updates, preparedness and hazard information, and multimedia resources.

This entry is filed under News.

AUSTIN, Texas—(Thursday, June 16, 2011)—Cenpatico has launched a new brand that better illustrates the numerous services it provides. The organization has more than 17 years of experience in managing behavioral health benefits; however, Cenpatico has expanded services beyond behavioral health over the past several years. Our healthcare specialties now include behavioral health and foster care; specialty therapies and rehabilitation including physical, occupational, and speech therapies; school-based services; community reentry and more.

As part of the change, Cenpatico has introduced a new logo and message, ‘Improving Lives.” The new logo features a “C” with a heart-shaped apple.  The “C” in the logo stands for Cenpatico.  The “heart” shape design represents health, compassion and empathy and healthcare, while the “apple” represents innovation, wellness (“an apple a day”) and our public education programs.

“Our goal in introducing the new brand was to be inclusive and to feature more than our behavioral health experience but also the wealth of expertise we have serving children and other vulnerable populations across therapies” said Angela Perri, Vice President of Business Development, Marketing and Communications.

In addition to the logo change, Cenpatico is now doing all business using the new brand. For example, the organization was previously known as Integrated Mental Health Services (IMHS) in Texas; and had various organizations like InSpeech and ABA Schools that were part of our corporate structure but had separate branding. “We heard from our members, providers and other stakeholders that our multiple names and logos were confusing.  We took that feedback seriously and worked to create this single, inclusive brand” said Perri.

As part of this branding effort, Cenpatico will also launch an updated website in early Fall.  The new website will feature access to additional resources and provide a user-friendly online experience.

Cenpatico serves 1.6 million members across ten states that are enrolled in public sector health care including Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, SSI and Foster Care.  “Cenpatico is committed to finding solutions that work for members and other stakeholders.  We will develop a program for just a few members if it helps them overcome their healthcare issues,” said Sam Donaldson, Ph.D., President and CEO of Cenpatico.

“Cenpatico has experienced tremendous growth in the past few years and these changes are designed to better reflect what we do,” said Donaldson.  “While our brand and logo have changed, the one thing that won’t change is our commitment to provide quality healthcare services. With everything we do, our mission and focus is to do all we can to improve the lives of our members.”

About Cenpatico-

Cenpatico is a multi-state managed health care company based in Austin, Texas.  It is a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 Company.  Since 1994, Cenpatico remains dedicated to serving in the public sector only and has approximately 1.6 million members in ten states.  The company’s public sector healthcare specialties include behavioral health, school-based services, specialty therapy and rehabilitation, community reentry and more utilizing a local approach to service coordination and delivery.  We are committed to innovative solutions and designing programs tailored to improving functional outcomes with our members. Find us online:  www.cenpatico.com

This entry is filed under News.

Former President of the United States Bill Clinton was the keynote speaker at this month’s National Council Conference on Behavioral Healthcare. Cenpatico President and CEO Sam Donaldson was one of a contingent of Cenpatico representatives in attendance at the conference in San Diego. Sam was in attendance for Clinton’s speech. Though the former President was unsuccessful in passing healthcare reform legislation in office, the President has been and remains a staunch advocate of providing access to high quality health care for the American people.

“President Clinton wasn’t the first President in recent history to try and reform healthcare,” says Sam. “His message in the address in San Diego focused on the idea that government isn’t bad; that we need government. Look at Medicare and Social Security, for example. These have been two successful systems in helping care for the people for more than 40 years [Medicare] and 70 years [Social Security].”

That’s why Sam and many other healthcare executives and politicians have hope for healthcare reform. Providing as many Americans with high quality, affordable care as possible was a theme throughout the National Council Conference. Sam and other industry executives had their own opportunity to speak out on the current state of healthcare and managed care at a panel discussion. Hundreds of conference attendees packed a room for the panel. Sam was impressed by the overall theme of the talk.

“This was a great chance to hear from the leadership of many companies in our industry,” Sam said. “We all have the same mission – we do not want to see the treatment of mental illness and substance abuse minimalized ever again. Each managed care company is different, but we are all focused on improving the quality of and access to behavioral healthcare.”

This mental health month has provided an opportunity for many advocates throughout the nation to speak out on mental health awareness. From the former President speaking out in San Diego to non-profit advocates hosting local events, Sam hopes that people will continue to raise awareness throughout the year.

“Do you remember when Mary Tyler Moore began to speak out about diabetes? There was a similar stigma associated with diabetes then as there is with mental illness and substance abuse now,” Sam says. “But what Mary Tyler Moore did was help to reduce that stigma. Now, we consider diabetes a common illness, with no stigma attached.

“That is where we want to be with mental health and substance abuse,” adds Sam. “The best way for us to promote mental health and substance abuse awareness is for people who have status to speak out. Whether that is in government or media or in a community, we can reduce stigma by raising awareness.”

This entry is filed under Blog.