2009-10-28 11:06:03 -

Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) today announced it appointed David Lavely, O.D., as President and CEO of OptiCare Managed Vision, effective October 12, 2009. Dr. Lavely replaces Jason Harrold, who served as President of OptiCare for 10 years. Mr. Harrold became Senior Vice President of Centene’s Specialty Business Unit, of which OptiCare is a part, in August 2009.

Dr. Lavely has been

with OptiCare for more than 15 years serving in a number of roles with increasing responsibility. Most recently, he was Senior Vice President of Business Development for the company.

“Dr. Lavely has been critical to OptiCare’s success in administering quality managed and underwritten vision benefits across the country,” declared Mr. Harrold. “In his new role, he will continue to provide leadership and expertise to help the company continue to deliver quality healthcare for our members.”


Dr. Lavely received his bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University, Doctor of Optometry from Pennsylvania College of Optometry, and Master of Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.

He is an active member of several organizations including the North Carolina Insurance Underwriters Association and the National Association of Health Underwriters.



About Centene Corporation

Centene Corporation is a leading multi-line healthcare enterprise that provides programs and related services to individuals receiving benefits under Medicaid, including the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD), Foster Care, Long-Term Care and Medicare (Special Needs Plans). The Company operates local health plans and offers a wide range of health insurance solutions to individuals and the rising number of uninsured Americans. It also contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health, life and health management, managed vision, telehealth services, pharmacy benefits management and medication adherence. Information regarding Centene is available via the Internet at www.centene.com : .


Centene CorporationEdmund E. Kroll, Jr., 212-759-0382Senior
Vice President, Finance and Investor RelationsorDeanne Lane,

314-725-4477Senior Director, Corporate Media Affairs