ST. LOUIS, Sept. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today plans to build a new claims processing center in Ferguson, Missouri creating 150 to 200 full-time jobs with a multitude of benefits, including extensive health care, dental and vision insurance. The facility will process claims from Centene's Missouri based Home State Health Plan and overflow from its other health plans across the country.

"This is the right thing to do for the community, state and our shareholders," said Centene CEO and Chairman Michael Neidorff. "It is time for action not talk." Centene has initiated the process and has an aggressive plan in place for developing the project. While a normal project of this scope generally takes up to 18 months, Centene has authorized an expedited timeline.

In the meantime, the company is looking for a temporary site for training and development. "The new Centene service center complex will include employee development and training, an on-site daycare, full service cafeteria and an auditorium for educational advancement," explained Neidorff.

"I would like to thank the leadership of the state, county and local governments, particularly Governor Jay Nixon who has worked closely to make these exciting plans come to fruition," said Centene Chief Financial Officer William Scheffel.

Centene will begin taking applications for the new claims processing center jobs before the end of 2014.

About Centene Corporation

Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading multi-line healthcare enterprise that provides programs and services to government sponsored healthcare programs, focusing on 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 (LTC), in addition to other state-sponsored/hybrid programs, and Medicare (Special Needs Plans). 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, care management software, correctional systems healthcare, in-home health services, life and health management, managed vision, pharmacy benefits management, specialty pharmacy and telehealth services.

SOURCE Centene Corporation