Centene Boosts Behavioral Health Offerings With Magellan Buy
Following the recent acquisition of PANTHERx Rare, LLC and the first- quarter 2020 addition of WellCare Health Plans, Inc., Centene Corp. kicked off the new year with an agreement to purchase Magellan Health, Inc. for $2.2 billion. Magellan also just completed the previously disclosed sale of its managed care division to Molina Healthcare, Inc. The newer transaction will allow Centene to expand its behavioral health platform, increase its specialty health and pharmacy capabilities and enhance its ability to address members’ whole health.
During a Jan. 4 conference call to discuss the planned transaction, Centene Chairman, President and CEO Michael Neidorff said the combination is in line with the company’s diversification strategy and boosts Centene’s capacity to “provide comprehensive care to the most complex and vulnerable populations,” especially as it relates to behavioral health care.