The U.S. Children’s Bureau estimates around 800,000 children are served in the foster care system each year. The Urban Institute found that States disburse approximately $10 billion annually in federal and state funds to meet the needs of children placed in foster care. The foster care population has special behavioral and medical needs.

One study by the Urban Institute suggests that as many as 80 percent of children involved with child welfare agencies have conditions which require mental health services. Additionally, coordinating services and health information for this population has unique challenges. Keeping track of medical history including medical conditions, doctor visits, immunizations, and prescription drug history is complicated by the temporary nature of care situations. States are turning to Medicaid managed care solutions to help coordinate the unique medical, behavioral and social services for these children.

On April 1, 2008, Centene began providing statewide managed care services to foster care children in the state of Texas under its subsidiary, Superior HealthPlan. With commencement of operations, Centene became the first organization in the country to serve as a state’s exclusive managed care company for the foster care population.