<SUBMISSION>
<ACCESSION-NUMBER>0000950135-03-004697
<TYPE>S-8
<PUBLIC-DOCUMENT-COUNT>3
<FILING-DATE>20030903
<EFFECTIVENESS-DATE>20030903
<FILER>
<COMPANY-DATA>
<CONFORMED-NAME>CENTENE CORP
<CIK>0001071739
<ASSIGNED-SIC>6324
<IRS-NUMBER>041406317
</COMPANY-DATA>
<FILING-VALUES>
<FORM-TYPE>S-8
<ACT>33
<FILE-NUMBER>333-108467
<FILM-NUMBER>03879502
</FILING-VALUES>
<BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>7711 CARONDELET AVE
<CITY>ST LOUIS
<STATE>MO
<ZIP>63105
<PHONE>3147254477
</BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<MAIL-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>7711 CARONDELET AVE
<STREET2>SUITE 800
<CITY>ST LOUIS
<STATE>MO
<ZIP>63105
</MAIL-ADDRESS>
</FILER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>S-8
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>b47565ccsv8.htm
<DESCRIPTION>CENTENE CORPORATION S-8
<TEXT>
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>CENTENE CORPORATION S-8</TITLE>
</HEAD>
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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>


<P align="center"><FONT size="2">As filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on September 3, 2003
</FONT>


<P align="right"><FONT size="2">Registration No.&nbsp;333-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
</FONT>

<HR size="4" noshade color="#000000" style="margin-top: -5px">
<HR size="1" noshade color="#000000" style="margin-top: -10px">

<P align="center"><FONT size="4"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
</B></FONT>


<DIV align="center"><FONT size="3"><B>Washington, D.C. 20549</B>
</FONT></DIV>


<P align="center"><FONT size="5"><B>FORM S-8
</B></FONT>


<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER<BR>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</B>
</FONT>


<P align="center"><FONT size="6"><B>Centene Corporation
</B></FONT>


<DIV align="center"><FONT size="2">(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
</FONT></DIV>

<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="65%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="50%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="45%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2"><B>Delaware</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
<B>04-1406317</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation<BR>
or Organization)&nbsp;<BR>&nbsp;<BR><B>7711
Carondelet Avenue, Suite&nbsp;800<BR>
St. Louis, Missouri</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
(I.R.S. Employer<BR>
Identification No.)<BR>&nbsp;<BR>&nbsp;<BR>
<B>63105</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">(Address of Principal Executive Offices)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
(Zip Code)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>2003 Stock Incentive Plan</B><BR>
(Full Title of the Plan)
</FONT>


<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Michael F. Neidorff<BR>
7711 Carondelet Avenue, Suite&nbsp;800<BR>
St. Louis, Missouri 63105</B><BR>
(Name and Address of Agent For Service)
</FONT>


<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>(314)&nbsp;725-4477</B><BR>
(Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">Copy to:<BR>
&nbsp;<BR>
<B>Mark L. Johnson, Esq.<BR>
Hale and Dorr LLP<BR>
60 State Street<BR>
Boston, Massachusetts 02109<BR>
Tel: (617) 526-6000<BR>
Fax: (617) 526-5000</B>
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</B>
</FONT>

<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="38%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="29%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="10"><HR size="4" noshade></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Proposed Maximum</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Proposed Maximum</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Title of Securities</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Amount to be</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Offering Price Per</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Aggregate Offering</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Amount of</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>to be Registered</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Registered(1)</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Share</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Price</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Registration Fee</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="10"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">1,875,000 shares
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">$27.16(2)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>

<TD align="center" valign="top" nowrap><FONT size="2">$50,925,000.00(2)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">$4,120.00</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="10"><HR size="4" noshade></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">In accordance with Rule&nbsp;416 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this registration statement shall be deemed to cover any additional
securities that may from time to time be offered or issued to prevent
dilution resulting from stock splits, stock dividends or similar
transactions.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
pursuant to Rules&nbsp;457(c) and 457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and based upon the average of the high and low prices of the
Registrant&#146;s Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market on
August&nbsp;27, 2003.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT>

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<!-- TOC -->
<A name="toc"><DIV align="CENTER" style="page-break-before:always"><U><B>TABLE OF CONTENTS</B></U></DIV></A>

<P><CENTER>
<TABLE border="0" width="90%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
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</TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#000">PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#001">Item&nbsp;1. Plan Information.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#002">Item&nbsp;2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#003">PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#004">Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#005">Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#006">Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#007">Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#008">Item&nbsp;7.Exemption from Registration Claimed.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#009">Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#010">Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#011">SIGNATURES</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#012">POWER OF ATTORNEY AND SIGNATURES</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#013">INDEX TO EXHIBITS</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="b47565ccexv5.txt">EX-5 OPINION OF HALE AND DORR LLP</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="b47565ccexv23w2.txt">EX-23.2 CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP</A></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>



<!-- link1 "PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="000"></A></DIV>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>PART I<BR>
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS</B>
</FONT>

<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;1. Plan Information." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="001"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Item&nbsp;1. Plan Information.</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The information required by Item&nbsp;1 is included in documents sent or given
to participants in the plan covered by this registration statement pursuant to
Rule&nbsp;428(b)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &#147;Securities
Act&#148;).
</FONT>

<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="002"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Item&nbsp;2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information.</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The written statement required by Item&nbsp;2 is included in documents sent or
given to participants in the plan covered by this registration statement
pursuant to Rule&nbsp;428(b)(1) of the Securities Act.
</FONT>


<!-- link1 "PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="003"></A></DIV>


<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>PART II<BR>
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</B>
</FONT>

<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="004"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The registrant is subject to the informational and reporting requirements
of Sections&nbsp;13(a), 14, and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the &#147;Exchange Act&#148;), and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy
statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the &#147;Commission&#148;). The following documents, which are on file with the
Commission, are incorporated in this registration statement by reference:
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp; The registrant&#146;s latest annual report filed pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a)
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or the latest prospectus filed pursuant to Rule
424(b) under the Securities Act that contains audited financial statements for
the registrant&#146;s latest fiscal year for which such statements have been filed.
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp; All other reports filed pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act since the end of the fiscal year covered by the document referred
to in (a)&nbsp;above.
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp; The description of the securities contained in the registrant&#146;s
registration statements on Form&nbsp;8-A filed under the Exchange Act, including any
amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All documents subsequently filed by the registrant pursuant to Sections
13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the filing of a
post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby
have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall
be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this registration statement and to
be part hereof from the date of the filing of such documents. Any statement
contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for the purposes of this
registration statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in
any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any
statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified
or superseded, to constitute a part of this registration statement.
</FONT>

<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="005"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities.</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">-1-</FONT>

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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="006"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hale and Dorr LLP has opined as to the legality of the securities being
offered by this registration statement.
</FONT>

<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="007"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section&nbsp;102 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended (the
&#147;DGCL&#148;), allows a corporation to eliminate or limit the personal liability of a
director of a corporation to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary
damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except where the director
breached his duty of loyalty, failed to act in good faith, engaged in
intentional misconduct or knowingly violated a law, authorized the payment of a
dividend or approved a stock repurchase in violation of Delaware corporate law
or obtained an improper personal benefit.
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section&nbsp;145 of the DGCL provides, among other things, that a corporation,
including the registrant, may indemnify any person who has or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding (other than an action by the corporation or in the right of
the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was one of the
directors, officers, agents or employees of the corporation or is or was
serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, agent, or
employee of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys&#146; fees), judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in
connection with such action, suit or proceeding. The power to indemnify applies
(a)&nbsp;if such person is successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any
action, suit or proceeding or (b)&nbsp;if such person acted in good faith and in a
manner that the person reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the
corporation, or not opposed to the best interest of the corporation, and with
respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to
believe such conduct was unlawful. The power to indemnify applies to actions
brought by the corporation or in the right of the corporation as well but only
to the extent of defense expenses (including attorneys&#146; fees but excluding
amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred and not to any
satisfaction of judgment or settlement of the claim itself, and with the
further limitation that in such actions no indemnification shall be made in the
event of any adjudication of negligence or misconduct in the performance of his
duties to the corporation, unless the court believes that in light of all the
circumstances indemnification should apply.
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section&nbsp;174 of the DGCL provides, among other things, that a director, who
willfully or negligently approves of an unlawful payment of dividends or an
unlawful stock purchase or redemption, may be held liable for such actions. A
director who was either absent when the unlawful actions were approved or
dissented at the time, may avoid liability by causing his or her dissent to
such actions to be entered in the books containing the minutes of the meetings
of the board of directors at the time such action occurred or immediately after
such absent director receives notice of the unlawful acts.
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As permitted under the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation and by-laws
of the registrant include provisions that eliminate the personal liability of
the directors of the registrant from monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
duty as a director. The certificate of incorporation and by-laws of the
registrant further provide that:
</FONT>


<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="93%"><FONT size="2">the registrant must indemnify its directors and officers to
the fullest extend permitted by Delaware law;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="93%"><FONT size="2">the registrant may indemnify its other employees and agents
to the same extent that it indemnified its officers and directors,
unless otherwise determined by its board of directors; and</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">-2-</FONT>

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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>


<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="93%"><FONT size="2">the registrant must advance expenses, as incurred, to its
directors and executive officers in connection with a legal
proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The indemnification provisions contained in the certificate of
incorporation and by-laws of the registrant are not exclusive of any other
rights to which a person may be entitled by law, agreement, vote of
stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. In addition, the
registrant maintains insurance on behalf of its directors and executive
officers insuring them against any liability asserted against them in their
capacities as directors or officers or arising out of such status.
</FONT>

<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;7.Exemption from Registration Claimed." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="008"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Item&nbsp;7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.
</FONT>

<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="009"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits.</B>
</FONT>

<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="30%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="26%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="7"><FONT size="1"><B>Incorporated By Reference</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="7"><FONT size="1"><HR size="1" noshade></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Filed with</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="7"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Exhibit Number</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Description</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>This Form S-8</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Form</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Filing Date with SEC</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Exhibit Number</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">3.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Certificate of
Incorporation of
Centene Corporation
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">S-1
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">October&nbsp;9, 2001
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">3.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">3.1a</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Certificate of
Amendment to
Certificate of
Incorporation of
Centene
Corporation, dated
November&nbsp;8, 2001
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">S-1/A
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">November&nbsp;13, 2001
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">3.2a</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">4</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Rights Agreement
between Centene
Corporate and
Mellon Investor
Services LLC, as
Rights Agent, dated
August&nbsp;30, 2002
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">8-K
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">August&nbsp;30, 2002
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">5</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Opinion of Hale and
Dorr LLP, counsel
to the Registrant
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">X</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of Hale and
Dorr LLP (included
in Exhibit&nbsp;5)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">X</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.2</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">X</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">24</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Power of attorney
(included on the
signature page of
this registration
statement)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">X</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">-3-</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="010"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings.</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<I>Item&nbsp;512(a) of Regulation&nbsp;S-K</I>. The undersigned registrant hereby
undertakes:
</FONT>


<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="97%"></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;To include any prospectus required by Section&nbsp;10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in
the registration statement; and</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;To include any material information with respect to the plan
of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
any material change to such information in the registration statement;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="97%"><FONT size="2"><I>provided, however, </I>that paragraphs (i)&nbsp;and (ii)&nbsp;do not apply if the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by
those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished
to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or Section
15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the
registration statement.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="97%"></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be
a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial <I>bona fide </I>offering thereof.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)&nbsp;To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at
the termination of the offering.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<I>Item&nbsp;512(b) of Regulation&nbsp;S-K</I>. The undersigned registrant hereby
undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each filing of the registrant&#146;s annual report pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or
Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial <I>bona fide </I>offering thereof.
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<I>Item&nbsp;512(h) of Regulation&nbsp;S-K</I>. Insofar as indemnification for
liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors,
officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion
of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed
by the final adjudication of such issue.
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">-4-</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
<!-- link1 "SIGNATURES" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="011"></A></DIV>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>SIGNATURES</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form&nbsp;S-8 and has duly caused this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Clayton, State of Missouri, as of
September&nbsp;3, 2003.
</FONT>

<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="48%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="51%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top" colspan="2"><FONT size="2">CENTENE CORPORATION<BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">By:</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;/s/ Michael F.
Neidorff</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
<HR size="1" noshade></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Michael F. Neidorff<BR>
President and Chief Executive
Officer</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<!-- link1 "POWER OF ATTORNEY AND SIGNATURES" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="012"></A></DIV>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY AND SIGNATURES</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We, the undersigned officers and directors of Centene Corporation, hereby
severally constitute and appoint Michael F. Neidorff and Karey L. Witty, and
each of them singly, our true and lawful attorneys with full power to them, and
each of them singly, to sign for us and in our names in the capacities
indicated below, the registration statement on Form&nbsp;S-8 filed herewith and any
and all subsequent amendments to said registration statement, and generally to
do all such things in our names and on our behalf in our capacities as officers
and directors to enable Centene Corporation to comply with the provisions of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all requirements of the Securities
and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming our signatures as they
may be signed by our said attorneys, or any of them, to said registration
statement and any and all amendments thereto.
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed by the following persons as of
September&nbsp;3, 2003 in the capacities indicated.
</FONT>

<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="80%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="60%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Signature</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Title</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2"><BR></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Michael F.
Neidorff<br><HR size="1" noshade>
Michael F. Neidorff</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director (principal executive
officer)<BR></FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Karey L. Witty<HR size="1" noshade>
Karey L. Witty</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Senior Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Secretary (principal financial and
accounting officer)<BR></FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Samuel E. Bradt<HR size="1" noshade>
Samuel E. Bradt</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Edward L. Cahill<HR size="1" noshade>
Edward L. Cahill</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Robert K. Ditmore</FONT><br><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">Robert K. Ditmore</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Claire W. Johnson<HR size="1" noshade>
Claire W. Johnson</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ David L. Steward<HR size="1" noshade>
David L. Steward</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Richard P. Wiederhold<HR size="1" noshade>
Richard P. Wiederhold</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">-5-</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
<!-- link1 "INDEX TO EXHIBITS" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="013"></A></DIV>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>INDEX TO EXHIBITS</B>
</FONT>

<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="75%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="30%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="26%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="7"><FONT size="1"><B>Incorporated By Reference</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Filed with</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="7"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Exhibit Number</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Description</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>This Form S-8</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Form</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Filing Date with SEC</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Exhibit Number</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">3.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Certificate of
Incorporation of
Centene Corporation
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">S-1
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">October&nbsp;9, 2001
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">3.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">3.1a</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Certificate of
Amendment to
Certificate of
Incorporation of
Centene
Corporation, dated
November&nbsp;8, 2001
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">S-1/A
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">November&nbsp;13, 2001
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">3.2a</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">4</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Rights Agreement
between Centene
Corporate and
Mellon Investor
Services LLC, as
Rights Agent, dated
August&nbsp;30, 2002
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">8-K
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">August&nbsp;30, 2002
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">5</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Opinion of Hale and
Dorr LLP, counsel
to the Registrant
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">X</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of Hale and
Dorr LLP (included
in Exhibit&nbsp;5)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">X</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.2</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">X</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">24</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Power of attorney
(included on the
signature page of
this registration
statement)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">X</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>


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</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-5
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>b47565ccexv5.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EX-5 OPINION OF HALE AND DORR LLP
<TEXT>
<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT 5


                                HALE AND DORR LLP
                                Counselors at Law
                                  haledorr.com
                       60 State Street o Boston, MA 02109
                         617-526-6000 o fax 617-526-5000


                                                               September 3, 2003




Centene Corporation
7711 Carondelet Avenue, Suite 800
St. Louis, Missouri 63105

      Re:   2003 Stock Incentive Plan

Ladies and Gentlemen:

      We have assisted in the preparation of a Registration Statement on Form
S-8 (the "Registration Statement") to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), relating to an aggregate of 1,875,000 shares (the "Shares")
of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of Centene Corporation, a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), issuable under the Company's 2003 Stock Incentive
Plan (the "Plan") after giving effect to a three-for-two stock split effected
by means of a stock dividend paid as of July 11, 2003.

      We have examined the Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of the
Company, each as amended and restated to date, and originals, or copies
certified to our satisfaction, of all pertinent records of the meetings of the
directors and stockholders of the Company, the Registration Statement and such
other documents relating to the Company as we have deemed material for the
purposes of this opinion.

      In our examination of the foregoing documents, we have assumed the
genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us
as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to
us as certified, photostatic or other copies, the authenticity of the originals
of any such documents and the legal competence of all signatories to such
documents.

      We assume that the appropriate action will be taken, prior to the offer
and sale of the Shares in accordance with the Plan, to register and qualify the
Shares for sale under all applicable state securities or "blue sky" laws.

      We express no opinion herein as to the laws of any state or jurisdiction
other than the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and the federal
laws of the United States of America.

      It is understood that this opinion is to be used only in connection with
the offer and sale of the Shares while the Registration Statement is in effect.

      Please note that we are opining only as to the matters expressly set forth
herein, and no opinion should be inferred as to any other matters.
<PAGE>
Centene Corporation
September 3, 2003

Page 2

      Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares have been
duly authorized for issuance and, when the Shares are issued and paid for in
accordance with the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Shares will be validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

      We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission in
connection with the Registration Statement in accordance with the requirements
of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act. In giving such
consent, we do not hereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose
consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and
regulations of the Commission.

                                       Very truly yours,

                                       /s/ Hale and Dorr LLP

                                       HALE AND DORR LLP

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.2
<SEQUENCE>4
<FILENAME>b47565ccexv23w2.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EX-23.2 CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
<TEXT>
<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-8 of our report dated February 14, 2003 except for Note 1
for which the date is June 20, 2003 relating to the financial statements and
financial statement schedules of Centene Corporation, which appears in Centene
Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.


/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP


September 2, 2003




</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SUBMISSION>
