Centene Corporation offers health, dental and vision coverage in all 50 U.S. States through several available plans, including HMO, PPO, EPO and POS plans. According to the company website, it offers coverage 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.”
In 2014, Centene introduced Ambetter as its Health Insurance Marketplace outlet, and in 2016, Centene put in place its Envolve brand for specialty whole-health solution companies. Finally, in 2020, Centene merged with WellCare to serve more than 23 million members in all 50 U.S. states.
Benzinga’s analysis found Centene offers a diverse range of health insurance policies, as well as a variety of pricing options and several additional advantages, making it a solid choice for senior healthcare for federal employees and Medicaid/Medicare recipients.
- Free nurse advice line
- After-hours support
- Available in all 50 states
- Offers HMO, PPO, EPO and POS plans
- Customer service ratings are mixed
Centene Ratings at a Glance
The following coverages are available from Centene:
• Medicaid
• Medicare Supplemental Insurance
• Supplement to Medicare
• Individuals with Disabilities
• Medicare-Medicaid Program (MMP)
• Health Insurance Marketplace: Plans are designed to be cost-effective, comprehensive options for low-income individuals and families who do not qualify for Medicaid or other government-sponsored coverage.
• Federal services: Centene Corporation's Federal Services division provides public sector employees and beneficiaries with high-quality, cost-effective managed healthcare plans and behavioral health services.
• Correctional healthcare: Centene's subsidiary, Centurion, a national provider of healthcare and staffing services to correctional systems and other government agencies, provides healthcare and staffing to correctional systems.
Centene has various Medicare Advantage programs. Dental, vision, hearing, specialty pharmacy and nurse advice and triage service provided through its subsidiary company, Envolve. State-by-state differences exist in terms of plan availability, policy options and pricing. We found these sample plan options along with copay amounts available from the website. Plan availability and pricing will vary by state.
| Plan | Covers | In-Network Copay |
| Ascension Complete (PPO) | Dental, hearing, vision, RX | Doctor’s Visits-$0Emergency Care-$120Doctor Specialty Visit-20%Maximum In-Network Out-of-pocket-$2,900 |
| Ascension Complete (HMO) | Dental, Vision, RX | Doctor’s Visits-$0Emergency Care-$120Doctor Specialty Visit-$50Maximum In-Network Out-of-pocket-$2,900 |
| Ascension Complete (HMO D-SNP) | Dental, Hearing, Vision, RX | Doctor’s Visits-$0Emergency Care-$0Doctor Specialty Visit-$0Maximum In-Network Out-of-pocket-$3,450 |
| Wellcare Dual Access (HMO D-SNP) | Dental, Hearing, Vision, RX | Doctor’s Visits-$0Emergency Care-$0Doctor Specialty Visit-$0Maximum In-Network Out-of-pocket-$3,450 |
| Wellcare Dual Access Open (PPO D-SNP) | Dental, Hearing, Vision, RX | Doctor’s Visits-$0Emergency Care-$0Doctor Specialty Visit-$0Maximum Out-of-pocket-$3,450 In-Network, $5,100 In and Out-of-Network |
| Wellcare No Premium (HMO) | Dental, Hearing, Vision, RX | Doctor’s Visits-$0Emergency Care-$90Doctor Specialty Visit-$25Maximum In-Network: Out-of-pocket-$4,900 |
Centene Corporation has an “A-” rating with the Better Business Bureau with a 1.11 out of 5-star customer review rating. Centene Corporation is not rated by AM Best. However, of the Centene Corp. companies listed with NAIC, there were no complaints listed. J.D. Power gave Wellmark, a Centene subsidiary company, a 714 out of 1,000 overall customer satisfaction index rating and Moody’s rated Centene, BA1 with a stable outlook. Overall, Centene’s customer service ratings are mixed.
| BBB Rating | A- |
| AM Best Rating | N/A |
| NAIC Complaint Index | N/A |
| Moody’s Rating | BA1 with a stable outlook |
| J.D. Power Rating | 714 out of 1,000 |
Getting a quote through Centene is not complicated. You enter your location by zip code, and then you can get started. You will see a list of available plans in your area with the option to apply for coverage. To join a plan, you must be a U.S. citizen. Centene has many mobile apps available for members for iPad and iPhone depending on your company and location.
Centene vs. Competitors
Centene has a wide variety of health insurance policies, as well as a variety of great ways to pay for them and a lot of other benefits. Here is how Centene compares against other health insurance companies.
Benzinga gave Centene an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Its greatest strengths are in plan offerings, the number of states coverage is provided and its coverage of out-of-network fees.
Centene is one of the country's largest government-sponsored health insurance firms. It recently merged with WellCare and now serves over 23 million members across all 50 states. Centene is now the largest government-sponsored health plan provider.
Centene offers Medicaid, Medicare Supplemental Insurance and Health Insurance Marketplace Plans. It also serves the public sector and prisons. Centene also manages dental, vision and pharmaceutical benefits for policyholders.
Centene Corporation is an excellent option for affordable government-sponsored health insurance or private health insurance. Centene has received positive reviews for its policy selections and its holistic approach to well-being.
Overall, Centene has a lot of different types of health insurance policies, as well as many different pricing options and other benefits, which makes it a good choice for senior healthcare for federal employees and Medicaid/Medicare recipients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of plans are available through the Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Health Insurance Marketplace is designed to provide affordable, comprehensive plans for people and families who may not be able to get Medicaid or other government insurance.
Is Ambetter, Centene and Wellcare all one company?
Ambetter and Wellcare are subsidiary companies of Centene Corporation. Each state has different Ambetter health insurance marketplace options, including Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP). Both Centene and Wellcare Health Plans serve Medicaid and Medicare patients across the nation.
Submit Your One Minute Opinion
About Janet Hunt, Insurance Agent
Janet has been working in, and writing about, the insurance industry for over 20 years.