Centene To Equip Critical Medicaid Providers With Telehealth Resources

Company funds $5 million initiative to expand telehealth at Federally Qualified Health Centers in partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers

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Centene Corporation

Apr 22, 2020, 07:00 ET

ST. LOUIS, April 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene (NYSE: CNC) announced today the creation of a Medicaid Telehealth Partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) to help Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) quickly ramp-up their capacity to provide telehealth solutions to meet the needs created by the COVID-19 crisis. Centene is dedicating $5 million to the partnership's efforts, which will be used to purchase equipment and provide training and technical assistance to FQHCs. Centene has expanded membership access via Telehealth and has been supportive of provider practices to ensure care continuity during the COVID-19 crisis.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has further strengthened our belief that telehealth solutions will significantly improve access to quality care for our most vulnerable populations," said Michael F. Neidorff, Chairman, President and CEO of Centene. "We are proud to partner with NACHC to accelerate the development of our country's telehealth infrastructure so we can take care of underserved communities across the nation."

"This unprecedented crisis has thrust health centers into new areas of care in a matter of weeks," said Dr. Ron Yee, Chief Medical Officer, National Association of Community Health Centers. "The health centers have converted their facilities, expanded telehealth for virtual visits to safely screen patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with Centene, we envision a collaboration that identifies what health centers need in terms of technology, equipment, and assistance to address COVID-19 and builds a path forward for the sustainable integration of telehealth in community health care settings."

As part of this effort, the partnership will convene FQHCs, as well as Medicaid and telehealth thought leaders, from across the country to pursue a national solution to telehealth implementation for Medicaid programs. Centene is committed to creating a scalable, sustainable solution that also encourages state-specific innovations. The Medicaid Telehealth Partnership looks forward to working closely with federal and state representatives in the coming months to collaborate on developing effective regulatory and policy guidance.

Centene's COVID-19 Resource Center provides additional details about commitments the company has made to help members and providers during the pandemic, as well as coverage information and updates about Centene's work in health systems internationally.

About Centene Corporation

Centene Corporation, a Fortune 100 company, is a leading multi-national healthcare enterprise that is committed to helping people live healthier lives. The Company takes a local approach – with local brands and local teams - to provide fully integrated, high-quality, and cost-effective services to government-sponsored and commercial healthcare programs, focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals. Centene offers affordable and high-quality products to nearly 1 in 15 individuals across the nation, including Medicaid and Medicare members (including Medicare Prescription Drug Plans) as well as individuals and families served by the Health Insurance Marketplace, the TRICARE program, and individuals in correctional facilities. The Company also serves several international markets, and contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide a variety of specialty services focused on treating the whole person. Centene focuses on long-term growth and the development of its people, systems and capabilities so that it can better serve its members, providers, local communities, and government partners.

Centene uses its investor relations website to publish important information about the company, including information that may be deemed material to investors. Financial and other information about Centene is routinely posted and is accessible on Centene's investor relations website, http://www.centene.com/investors.

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SOURCE Centene Corporation