Centene (CNC) 10-Q 22 Apr 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 11, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CENTENE CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001071739	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	57,680,118

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,218,004	$974,304
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents	52,788	63,769
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Including Discontinued Operations	1,270,792	1,038,073
Premium and related receivables	570,105	428,570
Short-term investments	99,696	102,126
Other current assets	320,393	217,661
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Current Assets	20,863	13,743
Total current assets	2,281,849	1,800,173
Long-term investments	840,152	791,900
Restricted deposits	57,826	46,946
Property, software and equipment, net	412,699	395,407
Goodwill	657,551	348,432
Intangible assets, net	85,134	48,780
Other long-term assets	80,961	59,357
Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Noncurrent	30,275	38,305
Total assets	4,446,447	3,529,300
Current liabilities:	'	'
Medical claims liability	1,298,513	1,111,709
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	614,541	375,862
Unearned revenue	74,260	38,191
Current portion of long-term debt	6,110	3,065
Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current	28,019	30,294
Total current liabilities	2,021,443	1,559,121
Long-term debt	810,970	665,697
Other long-term liabilities	70,166	60,015
Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Noncurrent	1,009	1,028
Total liabilities	2,903,588	2,285,861
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	120,681	0
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, $.001 par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares; 61,044,175 issued and 57,657,040 outstanding at March 31, 2014, and 58,673,215 issued and 55,319,239 outstanding at December 31, 2013	61	59
Additional paid-in capital	739,972	594,326
Accumulated other comprehensive income:	'	'
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments, net of tax	-614	-2,620
Retained earnings	764,902	731,919
Treasury stock, at cost (3,387,135 and 3,353,976 shares, respectively)	-91,655	-89,643
Total Centene stockholders' equity	1,412,666	1,234,041
Noncontrolling interest	9,512	9,398
Total stockholders' equity	1,422,178	1,243,439
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$4,446,447	$3,529,300

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' equity	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	61,044,175	58,673,215
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	57,657,040	55,319,239
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	3,387,135	3,353,976

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ope

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues:	'	'
Premium	$3,070,887	$2,388,639
Service	281,174	33,194
Premium and service revenues	3,352,061	2,421,833
Premium tax	107,827	103,649
Total revenues	3,459,888	2,525,482
Expenses:	'	'
Medical costs	2,742,453	2,154,546
Cost of services	242,284	25,065
General and administrative expenses	295,512	203,296
Premium tax expense	78,278	102,975
Health Insurer Fee Expense	31,327	0
Total operating expenses	3,389,854	2,485,882
Earnings (loss) from operations	70,034	39,600
Other income (expense):	'	'
Investment and other income	4,724	4,263
Interest expense	-7,023	-6,625
Earnings (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	67,735	37,238
Income tax expense (benefit)	34,555	14,690
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	33,180	22,548
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	-833	363
Net earnings (loss)	32,347	22,911
Noncontrolling interest	-636	-91
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Centene Corporation	32,983	23,002
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent	$33,816	$22,639
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share	$0.59	$0.43
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share	($0.02)	$0.01
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.57	$0.44
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share	$0.57	$0.41
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share	($0.01)	$0.01
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.56	$0.42
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding	'	'
Basic (in shares)	57,483,876	52,357,119
Diluted (in shares)	59,361,266	54,266,928

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Comp

Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Earnings (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net earnings (loss)	$32,347	$22,911
Reclassification adjustment, net of tax	-45	-29
Change in unrealized (loss) gain on investments, net of tax	2,051	-260
Other comprehensive earnings (loss)	2,006	-289
Comprehensive earnings (loss)	34,353	22,622
Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	-636	-91
Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Centene Corporation	$34,989	$22,713

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Stoc

Consolidated Statement Of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Centene Stockholders' Equity - Common Stock [Member]	Centene Stockholders' Equity - Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Centene Stockholders' Equity - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Centene Stockholders' Equity - Retained Earnings [Member]	Centene Stockholders' Equity - Treasury Stock [Member]	Non Controlling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$1,243,439	$59	$594,326	($2,620)	$731,919	($89,643)	$9,398
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	55,319,239	58,673,215	'	'	'	3,353,976	'
Comprehensive Earnings:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss) including amount attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interest	33,097	'	'	'	32,983	'	114
Change in unrealized investment loss, net of $1,129 tax	2,006	'	'	2,006	'	'	'
Comprehensive earnings (loss)	35,103	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued for acquisition	132,371	2	132,369	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued for acquisition (in shares)	2,243,217	2,243,217	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued for employee benefit plans	1,668	0	1,668	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued for employee benefit plans (in shares)	'	127,743	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock repurchases	-2,012	'	'	'	'	-2,012	'
Common stock repurchases (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	33,159	'
Stock compensation expense	11,297	'	11,297	'	'	'	'
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation	312	'	312	'	'	'	'
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$1,422,178	$61	$739,972	($614)	$764,902	($91,655)	$9,512
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2014	57,657,040	61,044,175	'	'	'	3,387,135	'

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Stoc1

Consolidated Statement Of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) [Abstract]	'
Tax on unrealized investment (loss) gain	$1,129

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net earnings (loss)	$32,347	$22,911
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	20,318	15,691
Stock compensation expense	11,297	8,375
Deferred income taxes	-7,873	986
Changes in assets and liabilities	'	'
Premium and related receivables	-119,207	-56,734
Other current assets	3,411	-50,537
Other assets	-14,425	5
Medical claims liabilites	196,221	117,385
Unearned revenue	34,662	3,578
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	90,481	-22,745
Other operating activities	5,213	4,078
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	252,445	42,993
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-18,116	-10,654
Purchases of investments	-167,373	-358,131
Sales and maturities of investments	111,994	212,508
Investments in acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-76,989	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-150,484	-156,277
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,464	1,408
Proceeds from borrowings	645,000	0
Payment of long-term debt	-519,413	-776
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation	312	515
Common stock repurchases	-2,012	-565
Contribution from noncontrolling interest	5,407	202
Debt issue costs	0	-661
Net cash provided by financing activities	130,758	123
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	232,719	-113,161
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,038,073	843,952
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	1,270,792	730,791
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:	'	'
Interest paid	1,648	1,410
Income taxes paid	21,265	2,205
Equity issued in connection with acquisition	$132,371	$0

Basis_Of_Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis Of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying interim financial statements have been prepared under the presumption that users of the interim financial information have either read or have access to the audited financial statements included in the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.  The unaudited interim financial statements herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Accordingly, footnote disclosures which would substantially duplicate the disclosures contained in the December 31, 2013 audited financial statements have been omitted from these interim financial statements where appropriate.  In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods presented.
	Certain 2013 amounts in the notes to the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on net earnings or stockholders’ equity as previously reported.

Acquisition_Notes

Acquisition (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Acquisition [Abstract]	'
Acquisition	'
	Acquisition: U.S. Medical Management
	In January 2014, the Company acquired 68% of U.S. Medical Management, LLC (USMM), a management services organization and provider of in-home health services for high acuity populations, for $214,907 in total consideration. The transaction consideration was financed through a combination of $132,686 of Centene common stock and $82,221 of cash.
	The Company's preliminary allocation of fair value resulted in goodwill of $309,014 and other identifiable intangible assets of $40,170. Approximately 70% of the goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes. The Company has not finalized the allocation of the fair value of assets and liabilities. The acquisition is recorded in the Specialty Services segment.
	In connection with the acquisition, the Company entered into call and put agreements with the noncontrolling interest holder to purchase the noncontrolling interest at a later date. Under these agreements, the Company may purchase or be required to purchase up to the total remaining interests in USMM over a period beginning in 2015 and continuing through 2017. Under certain circumstances, the agreements may be extended through 2020. At the Company’s sole option, up to 50% of the consideration to be issued for the purchase of the additional interests under these agreements may be funded with shares of the Company's common stock.
	As a result of the put option agreement, the noncontrolling interest is considered redeemable and is classified in the Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest section of our consolidated balance sheet. The noncontrolling interest was initially measured at fair value using the binomial lattice mode as of the acquisition date. The Company has elected to accrete changes in the redemption value through additional paid-in capital over the period from the date of issuance to the earliest redemption date following the effective interest method.
	A reconciliation of the changes in the Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest is as follows:
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	—
	Fair value of noncontrolling interest at acquisition	116,024
	Contribution from noncontrolling interest	5,407
	Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	(750		)
	Balance, March 31, 2014	$	120,681

Discontinued_Operations_Notes

Discontinued Operations (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure	'
	Discontinued Operations: Kentucky Spirit Health Plan
	In October 2012, the Company notified the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (Cabinet) that it was exercising a contractual right that it believes allows the Company to terminate its Medicaid managed care contract with the Commonwealth of Kentucky (Commonwealth) effective July 5, 2013.  As of July 6, 2013, our subsidiary, Kentucky Spirit Health Plan (KSHP), ceased serving Medicaid members in Kentucky. Accordingly, the results of operations of KSHP are presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The assets, liabilities and results of operations of KSHP are classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented beginning in 2011. KSHP was previously reported in the Managed Care segment.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company received $8,000 of dividends from KSHP. KSHP had remaining statutory capital of approximately $71,500 at March 31, 2014, which, subject to future dividends, will be transferred to unregulated cash upon regulatory approval.
	Operating results for the discontinued operations are as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenues	$	—		$	120,410
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes	$	(841	)	$	711
	Net earnings (loss)	$	(833	)	$	363
	The net loss from discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 includes $894 of health insurer fee expense based on 2013 premium.
	Assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations are as follows:
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Current assets	$	73,651		$	77,512
	Long term investments and restricted deposits	30,275			38,305
	Assets of discontinued operations	$	103,926		$	115,817
	Medical claims liability	$	21,939		$	27,637
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	6,080			2,657
	Other liabilities	1,009			1,028
	Liabilities of discontinued operations	$	29,028		$	31,322

ShortTerm_And_LongTerm_Investm

Short-Term And Long-Term Investments And Restricted Deposits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Short-Term And Long-Term Investments And Restricted Deposits	'
	Short-term and Long-term Investments and Restricted Deposits
	Short-term and long-term investments and restricted deposits by investment type consist of the following:
		March 31, 2014										December 31, 2013
		Amortized			Gross		Gross			Fair		Amortized			Gross		Gross			Fair
		Cost			Unrealized		Unrealized Losses			Value		Cost			Unrealized		Unrealized Losses			Value
					Gains										Gains
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	280,182		$	215	$	(5,711	)	$	274,686	$	246,085		$	245	$	(7,494	)	$	238,836
	Corporate securities	305,315			3,367		(150		)	308,532		293,912			2,782		(608		)	296,086
	Restricted certificates of deposit	5,892			—		—			5,892		5,891			—		—			5,891
	Restricted cash equivalents	37,516			—		—			37,516		26,642			—		—			26,642
	Municipal securities:
	General obligation	45,283			492		(150		)	45,625		54,003			555		(136		)	54,422
	Pre-refunded	6,409			40		(4		)	6,445		10,835			82		—			10,917
	Revenue	65,728			515		(133		)	66,110		68,801			545		(292		)	69,054
	Variable rate demand notes	14,030			—		—			14,030		28,575			—		—			28,575
	Asset backed securities	150,717			583		(282		)	151,018		138,803			579		(332		)	139,050
	Mortgage backed securities	48,284			369		—			48,653		33,974			—		(83		)	33,891
	Cost and equity method investments	23,716			—		—			23,716		22,239			—		—			22,239
	Life insurance contracts	15,451			—		—			15,451		15,369			—		—			15,369
	Total	$	998,523		$	5,581	$	(6,430	)	$	997,674	$	945,129		$	4,788	$	(8,945	)	$	940,972
	The Company’s investments are classified as available-for-sale with the exception of life insurance contracts and certain cost and equity method investments.  The Company’s investment policies are designed to provide liquidity, preserve capital and maximize total return on invested assets with the focus on high credit quality securities.  The Company limits the size of investment in any single issuer other than U.S. treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies.  The Company's mortgage backed securities are issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association and carry guarantees by the U.S. government. As of March 31, 2014, 55% of the Company’s investments in securities recorded at fair value that carry a rating by S&P or Moody’s were rated AAA/Aaa, 69% were rated AA-/Aa3 or higher, and 93% were rated A-/A3 or higher.  At March 31, 2014, the Company held certificates of deposit, life insurance contracts and cost and equity method investments which did not carry a credit rating.
	The fair value of available-for-sale investments with gross unrealized losses by investment type and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position were as follows:
		March 31, 2014										December 31, 2013
		Less Than 12 Months					12 Months or More					Less Than 12 Months					12 Months or More
		Unrealized Losses			Fair		Unrealized Losses			Fair		Unrealized Losses			Fair		Unrealized Losses			Fair
					Value					Value					Value					Value
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	(4,665	)	$	188,344	$	(1,046	)	$	26,547	$	(6,188	)	$	172,365	$	(1,307	)	$	26,454
	Corporate securities	(116		)	24,091		(34		)	5,185		(400		)	52,725		(207		)	5,020
	Municipal securities:
	General obligation	(73		)	3,452		(77		)	2,398		(72		)	3,480		(63		)	2,426
	Pre-refunded	(4		)	1,047		—			—		—			—		—			—
	Revenue	(43		)	11,539		(90		)	3,391		(292		)	27,789		—			—
	Asset backed securities	(282		)	45,121		—			—		(333		)	37,689		—			—
	Mortgage backed securities	—			—		—			—		(83		)	33,891		—			—
	Total	$	(5,183	)	$	273,594	$	(1,247	)	$	37,521	$	(7,368	)	$	327,939	$	(1,577	)	$	33,900
	As of March 31, 2014, the gross unrealized losses were generated from 64 positions out of a total of 327 positions.  The change in fair value of fixed income securities is a result of movement in interest rates subsequent to the purchase of the security.
	For each security in an unrealized loss position, the Company assesses whether it intends to sell the security or if it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis for reasons such as liquidity, contractual or regulatory purposes.  If the security meets this criterion, the decline in fair value is other-than-temporary and is recorded in earnings.  The Company does not intend to sell these securities prior to maturity and it is not likely that the Company will be required to sell these securities prior to maturity; therefore, there is no indication of other than temporary impairment for these securities.
	The contractual maturities of short-term and long-term investments and restricted deposits are as follows:
		March 31, 2014										December 31, 2013
		Investments					Restricted Deposits					Investments					Restricted Deposits
		Amortized			Fair		Amortized			Fair		Amortized			Fair		Amortized			Fair
		Cost			Value		Cost			Value		Cost			Value		Cost			Value
	One year or less	$	99,194		$	99,696	$	47,398		$	47,400	$	101,537		$	102,126	$	40,633		$	40,637
	One year through five years	680,134			682,289		10,412			10,426		609,755			610,589		6,301			6,309
	Five years through ten years	144,676			140,756		—			—		157,003			151,221		—			—
	Greater than ten years	16,709			17,107		—			—		29,900			30,090		—			—
	Total	$	940,713		$	939,848	$	57,810		$	57,826	$	898,195		$	894,026	$	46,934		$	46,946
	Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to call or prepayment options.  Asset backed and mortgage backed securities are included in the one year through five years category, while cost and equity method investments and life insurance contracts are included in the five years through ten years category.  The Company has an option to redeem at amortized cost substantially all of the securities included in the greater than ten years category listed above.
	The Company continuously monitors investments for other-than-temporary impairment.  Certain investments have experienced a decline in fair value due to changes in credit quality, market interest rates and/or general economic conditions.  The Company recognizes an impairment loss for cost and equity method investments when evidence demonstrates that it is other-than-temporarily impaired.  Evidence of a loss in value that is other-than-temporary may include the absence of an ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment or the inability of the investee to sustain a level of earnings that would justify the carrying amount of the investment.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based upon the extent to which the fair value estimates are based upon observable or unobservable inputs.  Level inputs are as follows:
	Level Input:		Input Definition:
	Level I		Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date.
	Level II		Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level I that are observable for the asset or liability through corroboration with market data at the measurement date.
	Level III		Unobservable inputs that reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.
	The following table summarizes fair value measurements by level at March 31, 2014, for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		Level I		Level II		Level III		Total
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,218,004	$	—	$	—	$	1,218,004
	Investments available for sale:
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	243,022	$	17,246	$	—	$	260,268
	Corporate securities	—		308,532		—		308,532
	Municipal securities:
	General obligation	—		45,625		—		45,625
	Pre-refunded	—		6,445		—		6,445
	Revenue	—		66,110		—		66,110
	Variable rate demand notes	—		14,030		—		14,030
	Asset backed securities	—		151,018		—		151,018
	Mortgage backed securities	—		48,653		—		48,653
	Total investments	$	243,022	$	657,659	$	—	$	900,681
	Restricted deposits available for sale:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	37,516	$	—	$	—	$	37,516
	Certificates of deposit	5,892		—		—		5,892
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	14,418		—		—		14,418
	Total restricted deposits	$	57,826	$	—	$	—	$	57,826
	Other long-term assets: Interest rate swap contract	$	—	$	8,638	$	—	$	8,638
	Total assets at fair value	$	1,518,852	$	666,297	$	—	$	2,185,149
	The following table summarizes fair value measurements by level at December 31, 2013, for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		Level I		Level II		Level III		Total
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	974,304	$	—	$	—	$	974,304
	Investments available for sale:
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	212,185	$	12,238	$	—	$	224,423
	Corporate securities	—		296,086		—		296,086
	Municipal securities:
	General obligation	—		54,422		—		54,422
	Pre-refunded	—		10,917		—		10,917
	Revenue	—		69,054		—		69,054
	Variable rate demand notes	—		28,575		—		28,575
	Asset backed securities	—		139,050		—		139,050
	Mortgage backed securities	—		33,891		—		33,891
	Total investments	$	212,185	$	644,233	$	—	$	856,418
	Restricted deposits available for sale:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	26,642	$	—	$	—	$	26,642
	Certificates of deposit	5,891		—		—		5,891
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	14,413		—		—		14,413
	Total restricted deposits	$	46,946	$	—	$	—	$	46,946
	Other long-term assets: Interest rate swap contract	$	—	$	9,576	$	—	$	9,576
	Total assets at fair value	$	1,233,435	$	653,809	$	—	$	1,887,244
	The Company periodically transfers U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies between Level I and Level II fair value measurements dependent upon the level of trading activity for the specific securities at the measurement date.  The Company’s policy regarding the timing of transfers between Level I and Level II is to measure and record the transfers at the end of the reporting period.  At March 31, 2014, there were $13,765 transfers from Level I to Level II and $1,737 of transfers from Level II to Level I.  The Company utilizes matrix pricing services to estimate fair value for securities which are not actively traded on the measurement date.  The Company designates these securities as Level II fair value measurements.  The aggregate carrying amount of the Company’s life insurance contracts and other non-majority owned investments, which approximates fair value, was $39,167 and $37,608 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Debt
	Debt consists of the following:
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Senior notes, at par	$	425,000		$	425,000
	Unamortized premium on senior notes	5,609			6,052
	Interest rate swap fair value	8,638			9,576
	Senior notes	439,247			440,628
	Revolving credit agreement	295,000			150,000
	Mortgage notes payable	72,115			72,785
	Capital leases and other	10,718			5,349
	Total debt	817,080			668,762
	Less current portion	(6,110		)	(3,065		)
	Long-term debt	$	810,970		$	665,697
	Senior Notes
	In May 2011, the Company issued $250,000 non-callable 5.75% Senior Notes due June 1, 2017 (the $250,000 Notes) at a discount to yield 6%. In connection with the May 2011 issuance, the Company entered into an interest rate swap for a notional amount of $250,000. Gains and losses due to changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap completely offset changes in the fair value of the hedged portion of the underlying debt and are recorded as an adjustment to the $250,000 Notes. At March 31, 2014, the fair value of the interest rate swap increased the fair value of the notes by $8,638 and the variable interest rate of the swap was 3.74%.
	In November 2012, the Company issued an additional $175,000 non-callable 5.75% Senior Notes due June 1, 2017 ($175,000 Add-on Notes) at a premium to yield 4.29%. The indenture governing the $250,000 Notes and the $175,000 Add-on Notes contains non-financial and financial covenants, including requirements of a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. Interest is paid semi-annually in June and December. At March 31, 2014, the total net unamortized debt premium on the $250,000 Notes and $175,000 Add-on Notes was $5,609.
	Revolving Credit Agreement
	In May 2013, the Company entered into a new unsecured $500,000 revolving credit facility and terminated its previous $350,000 revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the agreement bear interest based upon LIBOR rates, the Federal Funds Rate or the Prime Rate. The agreement has a maturity date of June 1, 2018, provided it will mature 90 days prior to the maturity date of the Company's 5.75% Senior Notes due 2017 if such notes are not refinanced (or extended), certain financial conditions are not met, or the Company does not carry $100,000 of unrestricted cash. As of March 31, 2014, the Company had $295,000 borrowings outstanding under the agreement with a weighted average interest rate of 2.58%.
	The agreement contains non-financial and financial covenants, including requirements of minimum fixed charge coverage ratios, maximum debt-to-EBITDA ratios and minimum tangible net worth. The Company is required to not exceed a maximum debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 3.0 to 1.0. As of March 31, 2014, there were no limitations on the availability under the revolving credit agreement as a result of the debt-to-EBITDA ratio.
	Letters of Credit & Surety Bonds
	The Company had outstanding letters of credit of $28,757 as of March 31, 2014, which were not part of the revolving credit facility.  The letters of credit bore interest at 0.47% as of March 31, 2014. The Company had outstanding surety bonds of $158,568 as of March 31, 2014.

Stockholders_Equity_Notes

Stockholders' Equity (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders' Equity
	In January 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of 68% of U.S. Medical Management. and as a result, issued 2,243,217 shares of Centene common stock to the selling stockholders.

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	'
	Earnings (Loss) Per Share
	The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net earnings per common share:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Earnings attributable to Centene Corporation:
	Earnings from continuing operations, net of tax	$	33,816		$	22,639
	Discontinued operations, net of tax	(833		)	363
	Net earnings	$	32,983		$	23,002
	Shares used in computing per share amounts:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	57,483,876			52,357,119
	Common stock equivalents (as determined by applying the treasury stock method)	1,877,390			1,909,809
	Weighted average number of common shares and potential dilutive common shares outstanding	59,361,266			54,266,928
	Net earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Centene Corporation:
	Basic:
	Continuing operations	$	0.59		$	0.43
	Discontinued operations	(0.02		)	0.01
	Basic earnings per common share	$	0.57		$	0.44
	Diluted:
	Continuing operations	$	0.57		$	0.41
	Discontinued operations	(0.01		)	0.01
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.56		$	0.42
	The calculation of diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 excludes the impact of 22,956 shares and 23,351 shares, respectively, related to anti-dilutive stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	Centene operates in two segments: Managed Care and Specialty Services.  The Managed Care segment consists of Centene’s health plans including all of the functions needed to operate them.  The Specialty Services segment consists of Centene’s specialty companies offering auxiliary healthcare services and products.
	Segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2014, follows:
		Managed Care		Specialty		Eliminations			Consolidated
				Services					Total
	Premium and service revenues from external customers	$	2,969,721	$	382,340	$	—		$	3,352,061
	Premium and service revenues from internal customers	12,825		638,916		(651,741		)	—
	Total premium and service revenues	$	2,982,546	$	1,021,256	$	(651,741	)	$	3,352,061
	Earnings from operations	$	44,130	$	25,904	$	—		$	70,034
	Segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2013, follows:
		Managed Care		Specialty		Eliminations			Consolidated
				Services					Total
	Premium and service revenues from external customers	$	2,296,449	$	125,384	$	—		$	2,421,833
	Premium and service revenues from internal customers	10,053		527,453		(537,506		)	—
	Total premium and service revenues	$	2,306,502	$	652,837	$	(537,506	)	$	2,421,833
	Earnings from operations	$	9,259	$	30,341	$	—		$	39,600

Contingencies

Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Contingencies	'
	Contingencies
	In October 2012, the Company notified the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (Cabinet) that it was exercising a contractual right that it believes allows the Company to terminate its Medicaid managed care contract with the Commonwealth of Kentucky (Commonwealth) effective July 5, 2013.  The Company also filed a lawsuit in Franklin Circuit Court against the Commonwealth seeking a declaration of the Company's right to terminate the contract on July 5, 2013.  In April 2013, the Commonwealth answered that lawsuit and filed counterclaims against the Company seeking declaratory relief and damages.  In May 2013, the Franklin Circuit Court ruled that Kentucky Spirit does not have a contractual right to terminate the contract early.  Kentucky Spirit has appealed that ruling to the Kentucky Court of Appeals.
	The Company also filed a formal dispute with the Cabinet for damages incurred under the contract, which was later appealed to and denied by the Finance and Administration Cabinet.  In response, the Company filed a lawsuit in April 2013, in Franklin Circuit Court seeking damages against the Commonwealth for losses sustained due to the Commonwealth's alleged breaches. This lawsuit was subsequently consolidated with the original lawsuit for declaratory relief and continues to proceed.
	Kentucky Spirit's efforts to resolve issues with the Commonwealth were unsuccessful and on July 5, 2013, Kentucky Spirit proceeded with its previously announced exit.  The Commonwealth has alleged that Kentucky Spirit's exit constitutes a material breach of contract.  The Commonwealth seeks to recover substantial damages and to enforce its rights under Kentucky Spirit's $25,000 performance bond. In March 2014, Kentucky Spirit received a demand letter from the Commonwealth seeking approximately $46,000 to reimburse the Commonwealth for its alleged incurred and expected losses, expenses, transition costs and other damages for the period July 6, 2013 until July 5, 2014. The letter states that the Commonwealth is seeking damages only on behalf of the Commonwealth, not the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The letter alleges that the total increased costs to the Commonwealth’s Medicaid program due to Kentucky Spirit’s exit is approximately $154,000. Kentucky Spirit disputes the Commonwealth's alleged damages, is pursuing its own litigation claims for damages against the Commonwealth and will vigorously defend against any allegations that it has breached the contract.
	The resolution of the Kentucky litigation matters may result in a range of possible outcomes.  If the Company prevails on its claims, Kentucky Spirit would be entitled to damages under its lawsuit.  If the Commonwealth prevails, a liability to the Commonwealth could be recorded.  The Company is unable to estimate the ultimate outcome resulting from the Kentucky litigation.  As a result, the Company has not recorded any receivable or any liability for potential damages under the contract as of March 31, 2014.  While uncertain, the ultimate resolution of the pending litigation could have a material effect on the financial position, cash flow or results of operations of the Company in the period it is resolved or becomes known.
	Excluding the Kentucky matters discussed above, the Company is routinely subjected to legal proceedings in the normal course of business.  While the ultimate resolution of such matters in the normal course of business is uncertain, the Company does not expect the results of any of these matters individually, or in the aggregate, to have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Acquisition_Redeemable_Noncont

Acquisition Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block]	'
	A reconciliation of the changes in the Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest is as follows:
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	—
	Fair value of noncontrolling interest at acquisition	116,024
	Contribution from noncontrolling interest	5,407
	Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	(750		)
	Balance, March 31, 2014	$	120,681

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures	'
	Assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations are as follows:
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Current assets	$	73,651		$	77,512
	Long term investments and restricted deposits	30,275			38,305
	Assets of discontinued operations	$	103,926		$	115,817
	Medical claims liability	$	21,939		$	27,637
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	6,080			2,657
	Other liabilities	1,009			1,028
	Liabilities of discontinued operations	$	29,028		$	31,322
	Operating results for the discontinued operations are as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenues	$	—		$	120,410
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes	$	(841	)	$	711
	Net earnings (loss)	$	(833	)	$	363

ShortTerm_And_LongTerm_Investm1

Short-Term And Long-Term Investments And Restricted Deposits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Short-Term And Long-Term Investments And Restricted Deposits By Investment Type	'
	Short-term and Long-term Investments and Restricted Deposits
	Short-term and long-term investments and restricted deposits by investment type consist of the following:
		March 31, 2014										December 31, 2013
		Amortized			Gross		Gross			Fair		Amortized			Gross		Gross			Fair
		Cost			Unrealized		Unrealized Losses			Value		Cost			Unrealized		Unrealized Losses			Value
					Gains										Gains
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	280,182		$	215	$	(5,711	)	$	274,686	$	246,085		$	245	$	(7,494	)	$	238,836
	Corporate securities	305,315			3,367		(150		)	308,532		293,912			2,782		(608		)	296,086
	Restricted certificates of deposit	5,892			—		—			5,892		5,891			—		—			5,891
	Restricted cash equivalents	37,516			—		—			37,516		26,642			—		—			26,642
	Municipal securities:
	General obligation	45,283			492		(150		)	45,625		54,003			555		(136		)	54,422
	Pre-refunded	6,409			40		(4		)	6,445		10,835			82		—			10,917
	Revenue	65,728			515		(133		)	66,110		68,801			545		(292		)	69,054
	Variable rate demand notes	14,030			—		—			14,030		28,575			—		—			28,575
	Asset backed securities	150,717			583		(282		)	151,018		138,803			579		(332		)	139,050
	Mortgage backed securities	48,284			369		—			48,653		33,974			—		(83		)	33,891
	Cost and equity method investments	23,716			—		—			23,716		22,239			—		—			22,239
	Life insurance contracts	15,451			—		—			15,451		15,369			—		—			15,369
	Total	$	998,523		$	5,581	$	(6,430	)	$	997,674	$	945,129		$	4,788	$	(8,945	)	$	940,972
Fair Value Of Available-For-Sale Investments With Gross Unrealized Losses By Investment Type And Length Of Time	'
	The fair value of available-for-sale investments with gross unrealized losses by investment type and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position were as follows:
		March 31, 2014										December 31, 2013
		Less Than 12 Months					12 Months or More					Less Than 12 Months					12 Months or More
		Unrealized Losses			Fair		Unrealized Losses			Fair		Unrealized Losses			Fair		Unrealized Losses			Fair
					Value					Value					Value					Value
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	(4,665	)	$	188,344	$	(1,046	)	$	26,547	$	(6,188	)	$	172,365	$	(1,307	)	$	26,454
	Corporate securities	(116		)	24,091		(34		)	5,185		(400		)	52,725		(207		)	5,020
	Municipal securities:
	General obligation	(73		)	3,452		(77		)	2,398		(72		)	3,480		(63		)	2,426
	Pre-refunded	(4		)	1,047		—			—		—			—		—			—
	Revenue	(43		)	11,539		(90		)	3,391		(292		)	27,789		—			—
	Asset backed securities	(282		)	45,121		—			—		(333		)	37,689		—			—
	Mortgage backed securities	—			—		—			—		(83		)	33,891		—			—
	Total	$	(5,183	)	$	273,594	$	(1,247	)	$	37,521	$	(7,368	)	$	327,939	$	(1,577	)	$	33,900
Contractual Maturities Of Short-Term And Long-Term Investments And Restricted Deposits	'
	The contractual maturities of short-term and long-term investments and restricted deposits are as follows:
		March 31, 2014										December 31, 2013
		Investments					Restricted Deposits					Investments					Restricted Deposits
		Amortized			Fair		Amortized			Fair		Amortized			Fair		Amortized			Fair
		Cost			Value		Cost			Value		Cost			Value		Cost			Value
	One year or less	$	99,194		$	99,696	$	47,398		$	47,400	$	101,537		$	102,126	$	40,633		$	40,637
	One year through five years	680,134			682,289		10,412			10,426		609,755			610,589		6,301			6,309
	Five years through ten years	144,676			140,756		—			—		157,003			151,221		—			—
	Greater than ten years	16,709			17,107		—			—		29,900			30,090		—			—
	Total	$	940,713		$	939,848	$	57,810		$	57,826	$	898,195		$	894,026	$	46,934		$	46,946

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements By Level For Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis	'
	The following table summarizes fair value measurements by level at March 31, 2014, for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		Level I		Level II		Level III		Total
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,218,004	$	—	$	—	$	1,218,004
	Investments available for sale:
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	243,022	$	17,246	$	—	$	260,268
	Corporate securities	—		308,532		—		308,532
	Municipal securities:
	General obligation	—		45,625		—		45,625
	Pre-refunded	—		6,445		—		6,445
	Revenue	—		66,110		—		66,110
	Variable rate demand notes	—		14,030		—		14,030
	Asset backed securities	—		151,018		—		151,018
	Mortgage backed securities	—		48,653		—		48,653
	Total investments	$	243,022	$	657,659	$	—	$	900,681
	Restricted deposits available for sale:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	37,516	$	—	$	—	$	37,516
	Certificates of deposit	5,892		—		—		5,892
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	14,418		—		—		14,418
	Total restricted deposits	$	57,826	$	—	$	—	$	57,826
	Other long-term assets: Interest rate swap contract	$	—	$	8,638	$	—	$	8,638
	Total assets at fair value	$	1,518,852	$	666,297	$	—	$	2,185,149
	The following table summarizes fair value measurements by level at December 31, 2013, for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		Level I		Level II		Level III		Total
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	974,304	$	—	$	—	$	974,304
	Investments available for sale:
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	212,185	$	12,238	$	—	$	224,423
	Corporate securities	—		296,086		—		296,086
	Municipal securities:
	General obligation	—		54,422		—		54,422
	Pre-refunded	—		10,917		—		10,917
	Revenue	—		69,054		—		69,054
	Variable rate demand notes	—		28,575		—		28,575
	Asset backed securities	—		139,050		—		139,050
	Mortgage backed securities	—		33,891		—		33,891
	Total investments	$	212,185	$	644,233	$	—	$	856,418
	Restricted deposits available for sale:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	26,642	$	—	$	—	$	26,642
	Certificates of deposit	5,891		—		—		5,891
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	14,413		—		—		14,413
	Total restricted deposits	$	46,946	$	—	$	—	$	46,946
	Other long-term assets: Interest rate swap contract	$	—	$	9,576	$	—	$	9,576
	Total assets at fair value	$	1,233,435	$	653,809	$	—	$	1,887,244

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Debt	'
	Debt consists of the following:
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Senior notes, at par	$	425,000		$	425,000
	Unamortized premium on senior notes	5,609			6,052
	Interest rate swap fair value	8,638			9,576
	Senior notes	439,247			440,628
	Revolving credit agreement	295,000			150,000
	Mortgage notes payable	72,115			72,785
	Capital leases and other	10,718			5,349
	Total debt	817,080			668,762
	Less current portion	(6,110		)	(3,065		)
	Long-term debt	$	810,970		$	665,697

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Calculation Of Basic And Diluted Net Earnings Per Common Share	'
	The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net earnings per common share:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Earnings attributable to Centene Corporation:
	Earnings from continuing operations, net of tax	$	33,816		$	22,639
	Discontinued operations, net of tax	(833		)	363
	Net earnings	$	32,983		$	23,002
	Shares used in computing per share amounts:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	57,483,876			52,357,119
	Common stock equivalents (as determined by applying the treasury stock method)	1,877,390			1,909,809
	Weighted average number of common shares and potential dilutive common shares outstanding	59,361,266			54,266,928
	Net earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Centene Corporation:
	Basic:
	Continuing operations	$	0.59		$	0.43
	Discontinued operations	(0.02		)	0.01
	Basic earnings per common share	$	0.57		$	0.44
	Diluted:
	Continuing operations	$	0.57		$	0.41
	Discontinued operations	(0.01		)	0.01
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.56		$	0.42

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2014, follows:
		Managed Care		Specialty		Eliminations			Consolidated
				Services					Total
	Premium and service revenues from external customers	$	2,969,721	$	382,340	$	—		$	3,352,061
	Premium and service revenues from internal customers	12,825		638,916		(651,741		)	—
	Total premium and service revenues	$	2,982,546	$	1,021,256	$	(651,741	)	$	3,352,061
	Earnings from operations	$	44,130	$	25,904	$	—		$	70,034
	Segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2013, follows:
		Managed Care		Specialty		Eliminations			Consolidated
				Services					Total
	Premium and service revenues from external customers	$	2,296,449	$	125,384	$	—		$	2,421,833
	Premium and service revenues from internal customers	10,053		527,453		(537,506		)	—
	Total premium and service revenues	$	2,306,502	$	652,837	$	(537,506	)	$	2,421,833
	Earnings from operations	$	9,259	$	30,341	$	—		$	39,600

Acquisition_Details

Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquisition [Abstract]	'	'	'
Percentage of acquisition	68.00%	'	'
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$214,907	'	'
Common stock issued for acquisition	132,686	'	'
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid	82,221	'	'
Goodwill	309,014	657,551	348,432
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	$40,170	'	'
BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductiblePercent	70.00%	'	'
Percent of future consideration issuable in shares	50.00%	'	'

Acquisition_Redeemable_Noncont1

Acquisition Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Fair Value	'	$116,024	'
Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests	5,407	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	-750	'	'
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount	$120,681	'	$0

Discontinued_Operations_Discon

Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations (Operating Results) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'	'
Health Insurer Fee Expense, from discontinued operations	$894	'
Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company by Consolidated Subsidiaries	8,000	'
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue	0	120,410
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	-841	711
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	($833)	$363

Discontinued_Operations_Discon1

Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations (Assets & Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'
Statutory capital and surplus	$71,500	'
Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current	73,651	77,512
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Long Term Investments and Restricted Deposits	30,275	38,305
Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation	103,926	115,817
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Medical Claims Liability	21,939	27,637
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	6,080	2,657
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Noncurrent Liabilities	1,009	1,028
Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation	$29,028	$31,322

ShortTerm_And_LongTerm_Investm2

Short-Term And Long-Term Investments And Restricted Deposits (Narrative) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2014
	positions
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Percentage of investments in securities recorded at fair value that carry a rating by Moody's or S&P of AAA/Aaa	55.00%
Percentage of investments in securities recorded at fair value that carry a rating by Moody's or S&P of AA-/Aa3 or higher	69.00%
Percentage of investments in securities recorded at fair value that carry a rating by Moody's or S&P of A-/A3 or higher	93.00%
Positions from which gross unrealized losses were generated	64
TotalUnrealizedInvestmentPositions	327

ShortTerm_And_LongTerm_Investm3

Short-Term And Long-Term Investments And Restricted Deposits (Short-Term And Long-Term Investments And Restricted Deposits By Investment Type) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Investments And Restricted Deposits By Type [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	$998,523	$945,129
Fair Value	997,674	940,972
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain Accumulated In Investments	5,581	4,788
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated In Investments	-6,430	-8,945
U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Corporations And Agencies [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Investments And Restricted Deposits By Type [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	280,182	246,085
Fair Value	274,686	238,836
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain Accumulated In Investments	215	245
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated In Investments	-5,711	-7,494
Corporate Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Investments And Restricted Deposits By Type [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	305,315	293,912
Fair Value	308,532	296,086
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain Accumulated In Investments	3,367	2,782
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated In Investments	-150	-608
Restricted Certificates Of Deposit [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Investments And Restricted Deposits By Type [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	5,892	5,891
Fair Value	5,892	5,891
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain Accumulated In Investments	0	0
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated In Investments	0	0
Restricted Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Investments And Restricted Deposits By Type [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	37,516	26,642
Fair Value	37,516	26,642
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain Accumulated In Investments	0	0
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated In Investments	0	0
Municipal Securities, General Obligation [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Investments And Restricted Deposits By Type [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	45,283	54,003
Fair Value	45,625	54,422
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain Accumulated In Investments	492	555
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated In Investments	-150	-136
Municipal Securities, Pre-Refunded [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Investments And Restricted Deposits By Type [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	6,409	10,835
Fair Value	6,445	10,917
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain Accumulated In Investments	40	82
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated In Investments	-4	0
Municipal Securities, Revenue [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Investments And Restricted Deposits By Type [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	65,728	68,801
Fair Value	66,110	69,054
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain Accumulated In Investments	515	545
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated In Investments	-133	-292
Municipal Securities, Variable Rate Demand Notes [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Investments And Restricted Deposits By Type [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	14,030	28,575
Fair Value	14,030	28,575
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain Accumulated In Investments	0	0
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated In Investments	0	0
Asset Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Investments And Restricted Deposits By Type [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	150,717	138,803
Fair Value	151,018	139,050
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain Accumulated In Investments	583	579
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated In Investments	-282	-332
Mortgage-backed Securities, Issued by US Government Sponsored Enterprises [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Investments And Restricted Deposits By Type [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	48,284	33,974
Fair Value	48,653	33,891
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain Accumulated In Investments	369	0
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated In Investments	0	-83
Cost And Equity Method Investments [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Investments And Restricted Deposits By Type [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	23,716	22,239
Fair Value	23,716	22,239
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain Accumulated In Investments	0	0
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated In Investments	0	0
Life Insurance Contracts [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Investments And Restricted Deposits By Type [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	15,451	15,369
Fair Value	15,451	15,369
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain Accumulated In Investments	0	0
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated In Investments	$0	$0

ShortTerm_And_LongTerm_Investm4

Short-Term And Long-Term Investments And Restricted Deposits (Fair Value Of Available-For-Sale Investments With Gross Unrealized Losses By Investment Type And Length Of Time) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	$273,594	$327,939
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments	1,247	1,577
12 Months or More, Fair Value	37,521	33,900
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than12 Months Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments	5,183	7,368
U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Corporations And Agencies [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	188,344	172,365
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments	1,046	1,307
12 Months or More, Fair Value	26,547	26,454
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than12 Months Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments	4,665	6,188
Corporate Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	24,091	52,725
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments	34	207
12 Months or More, Fair Value	5,185	5,020
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than12 Months Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments	116	400
Municipal Securities, General Obligation [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	3,452	3,480
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments	77	63
12 Months or More, Fair Value	2,398	2,426
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than12 Months Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments	73	72
Municipal Securities, Pre-Refunded [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	1,047	0
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments	0	0
12 Months or More, Fair Value	0	0
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than12 Months Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments	4	0
Municipal Securities, Revenue [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	11,539	27,789
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments	90	0
12 Months or More, Fair Value	3,391	0
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than12 Months Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments	43	292
Asset Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	45,121	37,689
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments	0	0
12 Months or More, Fair Value	0	0
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than12 Months Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments	282	333
Mortgage-backed Securities, Issued by US Government Sponsored Enterprises [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	33,891
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments	0	0
12 Months or More, Fair Value	0	0
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than12 Months Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments	$0	$83

ShortTerm_And_LongTerm_Investm5

Short-Term And Long-Term Investments And Restricted Deposits (Contractual Maturities Of Short-Term And Long-Term Investments And Restricted Deposits) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
One year or less, Amortized Cost	$99,194	$101,537
One year through five years, Amortized Cost	680,134	609,755
Five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	144,676	157,003
Greater than ten years, Amortized Cost	16,709	29,900
Total, Amortized Cost	940,713	898,195
One year or less, Fair Value	99,696	102,126
One year through five years, Fair Value	682,289	610,589
Five years through ten years, Fair Value	140,756	151,221
Greater than ten years, Fair Value	17,107	30,090
Total, Fair Value	939,848	894,026
Restricted Deposits [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
One year or less, Amortized Cost	47,398	40,633
One year through five years, Amortized Cost	10,412	6,301
Five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	0	0
Greater than ten years, Amortized Cost	0	0
Total, Amortized Cost	57,810	46,934
One year or less, Fair Value	47,400	40,637
One year through five years, Fair Value	10,426	6,309
Five years through ten years, Fair Value	0	0
Greater than ten years, Fair Value	0	0
Total, Fair Value	$57,826	$46,946

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Transfers from Level I to Level II	$13,765	'
Transfers from Level II to Level I	1,737	'
Life insurance contracts and other non-majority owned investments, fair value	$39,167	$37,608

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements (Fair Value Measurements By Level For Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$1,218,004	$974,304
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	260,268	224,423
Corporate securities	308,532	296,086
Municipal securities, General obligation	45,625	54,422
Municipal securities, Pre-refunded	6,445	10,917
Municipal securities, Revenue	66,110	69,054
Municipal securities, Variable rate demand notes	14,030	28,575
Asset backed securities	151,018	139,050
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	48,653	33,891
Total investments	900,681	856,418
Cash and cash equivalents	37,516	26,642
Certificates of deposit	5,892	5,891
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	14,418	14,413
Total restricted deposits	57,826	46,946
Interest rate swap contract	8,638	9,576
Total assets at fair value	2,185,149	1,887,244
Level I [Member]	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	1,218,004	974,304
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	243,022	212,185
Corporate securities	0	0
Municipal securities, General obligation	0	0
Municipal securities, Pre-refunded	0	0
Municipal securities, Revenue	0	0
Municipal securities, Variable rate demand notes	0	0
Asset backed securities	0	0
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Total investments	243,022	212,185
Cash and cash equivalents	37,516	26,642
Certificates of deposit	5,892	5,891
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	14,418	14,413
Total restricted deposits	57,826	46,946
Interest rate swap contract	0	0
Total assets at fair value	1,518,852	1,233,435
Level II [Member]	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	17,246	12,238
Corporate securities	308,532	296,086
Municipal securities, General obligation	45,625	54,422
Municipal securities, Pre-refunded	6,445	10,917
Municipal securities, Revenue	66,110	69,054
Municipal securities, Variable rate demand notes	14,030	28,575
Asset backed securities	151,018	139,050
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	48,653	33,891
Total investments	657,659	644,233
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Certificates of deposit	0	0
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	0	0
Total restricted deposits	0	0
Interest rate swap contract	8,638	9,576
Total assets at fair value	666,297	653,809
Level III [Member]	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	0	0
Corporate securities	0	0
Municipal securities, General obligation	0	0
Municipal securities, Pre-refunded	0	0
Municipal securities, Revenue	0	0
Municipal securities, Variable rate demand notes	0	0
Asset backed securities	0	0
Mortgage-backed Securities Available-for-sale, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Total investments	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Certificates of deposit	0	0
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	0	0
Total restricted deposits	0	0
Interest rate swap contract	0	0
Total assets at fair value	$0	$0

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended					1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Apr. 30, 2013	31-May-11	31-May-11	Nov. 30, 2012
						5.75% Senior Notes [Member]	5.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior notes, at par	$425,000	$425,000	'	'	'	$250,000	$175,000
Interest rate swap fair value	8,638	9,576	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate on notes, percentage	'	'	'	'	'	5.75%	'
Senior notes due date	'	'	'	'	'	1-Jun-17	'
Senior notes, effective yield	'	'	'	'	'	6.00%	4.29%
Derivative, Notional Amount	'	'	'	'	250,000	'	'
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	5,609	6,052	'	'	'	'	'
Variable rate of swap, percentage	3.74%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	'	'	500,000	350,000	'	'	'
Revolving credit agreement	295,000	150,000	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms	'The agreement contains non-financial and financial covenants, including requirements of minimum fixed charge coverage ratios, maximum debt-to-EBITDA ratios and minimum tangible net worth. The Company is required to not exceed a maximum debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 3.0 to 1.0.	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revolving credit facility, due date	1-Jun-18	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit, Minimum carrying amount of unrestricted cash	100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	2.58%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Letters of credit outstanding amount	28,757	'	'	'	'	'	'
Letters of credit bore interest	0.47%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$158,568	'	'	'	'	'	'

Debt_Schedule_Of_Debt_Details

Debt (Schedule Of Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Senior notes, at par	$425,000	$425,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	5,609	6,052
Interest rate swap fair value	8,638	9,576
Senior notes	439,247	440,628
Revolving credit agreement	295,000	150,000
Mortgage notes payable	72,115	72,785
Capital leases and other	10,718	5,349
Total debt	817,080	668,762
Less current portion	-6,110	-3,065
Long-term debt	$810,970	$665,697

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'	'
Percentage of acquisition	'	68.00%
Common stock issued for acquisition (in shares)	2,243,217	'

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Detail

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Centene Corporation	$33,816	$22,639
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	-833	363
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$32,983	$23,002
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	57,483,876	52,357,119
Common stock equivalents (as determined by applying the treasury stock method)	1,877,390	1,909,809
Weighted average number of common shares and potential dilutive common shares outstanding (in shares)	59,361,266	54,266,928
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share	$0.59	$0.43
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share	($0.02)	$0.01
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.57	$0.44
Continuing operations, Diluted	$0.57	$0.41
Discontinued operations, Diluted	($0.01)	$0.01
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.56	$0.42
Anti-dilutive stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share	22,956	23,351

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
	segments	segments
Number of Reportable Segments	2	2
Revenues	$3,459,888	$2,525,482
Premium and service revenues	3,352,061	2,421,833
Earnings (loss) from operations	70,034	39,600
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'
Premium and service revenues	-651,741	-537,506
Earnings (loss) from operations	0	0
Operating Segments [Member] | Medicaid Managed Care [Member]	'	'
Premium and service revenues	2,982,546	2,306,502
Earnings (loss) from operations	44,130	9,259
Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Services [Member]	'	'
Premium and service revenues	1,021,256	652,837
Earnings (loss) from operations	25,904	30,341
Internal Customer [Member]	'	'
Revenues	0	0
Internal Customer [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'
Revenues	-651,741	-537,506
Internal Customer [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Medicaid Managed Care [Member]	'	'
Revenues	12,825	10,053
Internal Customer [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Services [Member]	'	'
Revenues	638,916	527,453
External Customer [Member]	'	'
Revenues	3,352,061	2,421,833
External Customer [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'
Revenues	0	0
External Customer [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Medicaid Managed Care [Member]	'	'
Revenues	2,969,721	2,296,449
External Customer [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Services [Member]	'	'
Revenues	$382,340	$125,384

Contingencies_Details

Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Contingency [Abstract]	'
Kentucky Spirit Performance Bond	$25,000
Commonwealth of Kentucky Demand Letter Request	46,000
Commonwealth of Kentucky Demand Letter Total Alleged Increased Program Costs	$154,000
Loss Contingency, Allegations	'In October 2012, the Company notified the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (Cabinet) that it was exercising a contractual right that it believes allows the Company to terminate its Medicaid managed care contract with the Commonwealth of Kentucky (Commonwealth) effective July 5, 2013. The Company also filed a lawsuit in Franklin Circuit Court against the Commonwealth seeking a declaration of the Company's right to terminate the contract on July 5, 2013. In April 2013, the Commonwealth answered that lawsuit and filed counterclaims against the Company seeking declaratory relief and damages. In May 2013, the Franklin Circuit Court ruled that Kentucky Spirit does not have a contractual right to terminate the contract early. Kentucky Spirit has appealed that ruling to the Kentucky Court of Appeals. The Company also filed a formal dispute with the Cabinet for damages incurred under the contract, which was later appealed to and denied by the Finance and Administration Cabinet. In response, the Company filed a lawsuit in April 2013, in Franklin Circuit Court seeking damages against the Commonwealth for losses sustained due to the Commonwealth's alleged breaches. This lawsuit was subsequently consolidated with the original lawsuit for declaratory relief and continues to proceed. Kentucky Spirit's efforts to resolve issues with the Commonwealth were unsuccessful and on July 5, 2013, Kentucky Spirit proceeded with its previously announced exit. The Commonwealth has alleged that Kentucky Spirit's exit constitutes a material breach of contract. The Commonwealth seeks to recover substantial damages and to enforce its rights under Kentucky Spirit's $25,000 performance bond. In March 2014, Kentucky Spirit received a demand letter from the Commonwealth seeking approximately $46,000 to reimburse the Commonwealth for its alleged incurred and expected losses, expenses, transition costs and other damages for the period July 6, 2013 until July 5, 2014. The letter states that the Commonwealth is seeking damages only on behalf of the Commonwealth, not the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The letter alleges that the total increased costs to the Commonwealthbs Medicaid program due to Kentucky Spiritbs exit is approximately $154,000. Kentucky Spirit disputes the Commonwealth's alleged damages, is pursuing its own litigation claims for damages against the Commonwealth and will vigorously defend against any allegations that it has breached the contract.
Loss Contingency, Inestimable Loss	'The resolution of the Kentucky litigation matters may result in a range of possible outcomes.B If the Company prevails on its claims, Kentucky Spirit would be entitled to damages under its lawsuit.B If the Commonwealth prevails, a liability to the Commonwealth could be recorded.B The Company is unable to estimate the ultimate outcome resulting from the Kentucky litigation.B As a result, the Company has not recorded any receivable or any liability for potential damages under the contract as of March 31, 2014.B While uncertain, the ultimate resolution of the pending litigation could have a material effect on the financial position, cash flow or results of operations of the Company in the period it is resolved or becomes known.