Centene (NYSE:CNC) is a diversified, multinational healthcare enterprise that provides a portfolio of services to government-sponsored and commercial healthcare programs. Operating primarily as a managed care organization, Centene specializes in offering Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and TRICARE benefits to under-insured and uninsured individuals. Through its network of local health plans and specialty service subsidiaries, Centene delivers integrated care management, behavioral health services, pharmacy benefits management, and long-term services and supports.
Founded in 1984 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Centene began as a single-state Medicaid plan and has grown rapidly through strategic acquisitions and organic expansion. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Health Net in 2021 and WellCare in 2020, which enhanced Centene’s reach in Medicare Advantage and expanded its geographic footprint. The company’s leadership is headed by President and Chief Executive Officer Sarah London, who oversees a global workforce dedicated to improving health outcomes and expanding access to care.
Centene serves members across more than 30 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, as well as certain international markets through specialty lines of business. Its local plan model is designed to address community-specific health needs by partnering with state agencies, community-based providers, and social service organizations. This localized approach aims to tackle social determinants of health and ensure coordinated care delivery across medical, behavioral, and social support services.
In addition to core health plan services, Centene operates a number of wholly owned subsidiaries offering behavioral health solutions, pharmacy benefits administration under its Envolve brand, correctional healthcare services, and community health clinics. Centene’s emphasis on technology and value-based care has driven investments in digital health tools, telehealth platforms, and data analytics to improve member engagement and clinical outcomes while managing costs for government programs and private clients.
