<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with WebFilings-->
<!-- -->
<xsd:schema attributeFormDefault="unqualified" elementFormDefault="qualified" targetNamespace="http://www.centene.com/20131231" xmlns:cnc="http://www.centene.com/20131231" xmlns:invest="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013-01-31" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:nonnum="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" xmlns:num="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema">
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-roles/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-roles-2013-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-types/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-types-2013-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/arcrole/fact-explanatoryFact" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/arcrole/factExplanatory-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negated" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/net" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/net-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/nonNumeric-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013/country-2013-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2012-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2012/currency-2012-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2013/exch-2013-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2011/naics-2011-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011/sic-2011-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:annotation>
    <xsd:appinfo>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="cnc-20131231_cal.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="cnc-20131231_def.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="cnc-20131231_lab.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="cnc-20131231_pre.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:roleType id="BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPolicies" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPolicies">
        <link:definition>2126100 - Disclosure - Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails">
        <link:definition>2426401 - Disclosure - Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Commitments" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/Commitments">
        <link:definition>2120100 - Disclosure - Commitments</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/CommitmentsDetails">
        <link:definition>2420402 - Disclosure - Commitments (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsTables" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/CommitmentsTables">
        <link:definition>2320301 - Disclosure - Commitments (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrant" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/CondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrant">
        <link:definition>2125100 - Disclosure - Condensed Financial Information Of Registrant</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantCondensedBalanceSheetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/CondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantCondensedBalanceSheetsDetails">
        <link:definition>2425402 - Disclosure - Condensed Financial Information Of Registrant (Condensed Balance Sheets) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantCondensedBalanceSheetsParentheticalDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/CondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantCondensedBalanceSheetsParentheticalDetails">
        <link:definition>2425403 - Disclosure - Condensed Financial Information Of Registrant Condensed Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantCondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/CondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantCondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails">
        <link:definition>2425405 - Disclosure - Condensed Financial Information Of Registrant (Condensed Statements Of Cash Flows) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantCondensedStatementsOfOperationsDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/CondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantCondensedStatementsOfOperationsDetails">
        <link:definition>2425404 - Disclosure - Condensed Financial Information Of Registrant (Condensed Statements Of Operations) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantTables" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/CondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantTables">
        <link:definition>2325301 - Disclosure - Condensed Financial Information Of Registrant (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets">
        <link:definition>1001000 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical">
        <link:definition>1001501 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementOfComprehensiveEarnings" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfComprehensiveEarnings">
        <link:definition>1003000 - Statement - Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Earnings</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementOfStockholdersEquity" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfStockholdersEquity">
        <link:definition>1004000 - Statement - Consolidated Statement Of Stockholders' Equity</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows">
        <link:definition>1005000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations">
        <link:definition>1002000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements Of Operations</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsParenthetical">
        <link:definition>1002001 - Statement - Consolidated Statements Of Operations Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquityParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquityParenthetical">
        <link:definition>1004501 - Statement - Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Contingencies" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/Contingencies">
        <link:definition>2121100 - Disclosure - Contingencies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ContingenciesContingenciesDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/ContingenciesContingenciesDetails">
        <link:definition>2421401 - Disclosure - Contingencies Contingencies (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Debt" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/Debt">
        <link:definition>2112100 - Disclosure - Debt</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DebtNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/DebtNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2412402 - Disclosure - Debt (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DebtScheduleOfAggregateMaturitiesOfDebtDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/DebtScheduleOfAggregateMaturitiesOfDebtDetails">
        <link:definition>2412404 - Disclosure - Debt (Schedule Of Aggregate Maturities Of Debt) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DebtScheduleOfDebtDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/DebtScheduleOfDebtDetails">
        <link:definition>2412403 - Disclosure - Debt (Schedule Of Debt) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DebtTables" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/DebtTables">
        <link:definition>2312301 - Disclosure - Debt (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DiscontinuedOperationsDiscontinuedOperationsAssetsLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsDiscontinuedOperationsAssetsLiabilitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>2404404 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations (Assets &amp; Liabilities) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DiscontinuedOperationsDiscontinuedOperationsExitCostsDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsDiscontinuedOperationsExitCostsDetails">
        <link:definition>2404402 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations (Exit Costs) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DiscontinuedOperationsDiscontinuedOperationsOperatingResultsDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsDiscontinuedOperationsOperatingResultsDetails">
        <link:definition>2404403 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations (Operating Results) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DiscontinuedOperationsNotes" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsNotes">
        <link:definition>2104100 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations (Notes)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DiscontinuedOperationsTables" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsTables">
        <link:definition>2304301 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Dividends" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/Dividends">
        <link:definition>2127100 - Disclosure - Dividends</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DividendsDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/DividendsDetails">
        <link:definition>2427401 - Disclosure - Dividends (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DocumentAndEntityInformation" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation">
        <link:definition>0001000 - Document - Document And Entity Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EarningsPerShare" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/EarningsPerShare">
        <link:definition>2122100 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EarningsPerShareDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails">
        <link:definition>2422402 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EarningsPerShareTables" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables">
        <link:definition>2322301 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueMeasurements" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/FairValueMeasurements">
        <link:definition>2106100 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueMeasurementsFairValueMeasurementsByLevelForAssetsMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueMeasurementsByLevelForAssetsMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails">
        <link:definition>2406402 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Fair Value Measurements By Level For Assets Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2406403 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueMeasurementsTables" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables">
        <link:definition>2306301 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GoodwillAndIntangibleAssets" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssets">
        <link:definition>2110100 - Disclosure - Goodwill And Intangible Assets</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2410402 - Disclosure - Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfChangesInGoodwillByOperatingSegmentDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfChangesInGoodwillByOperatingSegmentDetails">
        <link:definition>2410403 - Disclosure - Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Changes In Goodwill By Operating Segment) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfFutureAmortizationExpensesDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfFutureAmortizationExpensesDetails">
        <link:definition>2410405 - Disclosure - Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Future Amortization Expenses) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsDetails">
        <link:definition>2410404 - Disclosure - Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Intangible Assets) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTables" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTables">
        <link:definition>2310301 - Disclosure - Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxes" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/IncomeTaxes">
        <link:definition>2117100 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesConsolidatedIncomeTaxExpenseDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/IncomeTaxesConsolidatedIncomeTaxExpenseDetails">
        <link:definition>2417403 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Consolidated Income Tax Expense) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesTables" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesTables">
        <link:definition>2317301 - Disclosure - Income Taxes Income Taxes (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2417402 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfTaxProvisionAtUSFederalStatutoryRateToProvisionForIncomeTaxesDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfTaxProvisionAtUSFederalStatutoryRateToProvisionForIncomeTaxesDetails">
        <link:definition>2417404 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of The Tax Provision At The U.S. Federal Statutory Rate To The Provision For Income Taxes) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesReserveForUncertainTaxPositionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/IncomeTaxesReserveForUncertainTaxPositionsDetails">
        <link:definition>2417406 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Reserve For Uncertain Tax Positions) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesTaxEffectsOfTemporaryDifferencesWhichGiveRiseToDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/IncomeTaxesTaxEffectsOfTemporaryDifferencesWhichGiveRiseToDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>2417405 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tax Effects Of Temporary Differences Which Give Rise To Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="InterestRateSwap" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/InterestRateSwap">
        <link:definition>2114100 - Disclosure - Interest Rate Swap</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="InterestRateSwapDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/InterestRateSwapDetails">
        <link:definition>2414401 - Disclosure - Interest Rate Swap (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="MedicalClaimsLiability" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/MedicalClaimsLiability">
        <link:definition>2111100 - Disclosure - Medical Claims Liability</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="MedicalClaimsLiabilityScheduleOfChangeInMedicalClaimsLiabilityDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/MedicalClaimsLiabilityScheduleOfChangeInMedicalClaimsLiabilityDetails">
        <link:definition>2411402 - Disclosure - Medical Claims Liability (Schedule Of Change In Medical Claims Liability) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="MedicalClaimsLiabilityTables" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/MedicalClaimsLiabilityTables">
        <link:definition>2311301 - Disclosure - Medical Claims Liability (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="NoncontollingInterestAndAcquisitions" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/NoncontollingInterestAndAcquisitions">
        <link:definition>2103100 - Disclosure - Noncontolling Interest and Acquisitions</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="NoncontollingInterestAndAcquisitionsAcquisitionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/NoncontollingInterestAndAcquisitionsAcquisitionsDetails">
        <link:definition>2403403 - Disclosure - Noncontolling Interest and Acquisitions Acquisitions (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="NoncontollingInterestAndAcquisitionsNonControllingInterestAndAcquisitionTables" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/NoncontollingInterestAndAcquisitionsNonControllingInterestAndAcquisitionTables">
        <link:definition>2303301 - Disclosure - Noncontolling Interest and Acquisitions Non Controlling Interest and Acquisition (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="NoncontollingInterestAndAcquisitionsNonControllingInterestDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/NoncontollingInterestAndAcquisitionsNonControllingInterestDetails">
        <link:definition>2403402 - Disclosure - Noncontolling Interest and Acquisitions Non Controlling Interest (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="NotesReceivable" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/NotesReceivable">
        <link:definition>2108100 - Disclosure - Notes Receivable</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="NotesReceivableNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/NotesReceivableNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2408401 - Disclosure - Notes Receivable (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OrganizationAndOperations" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/OrganizationAndOperations">
        <link:definition>2101100 - Disclosure - Organization And Operations</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OrganizationAndOperationsDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/OrganizationAndOperationsDetails">
        <link:definition>2401401 - Disclosure - Organization And Operations (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="PropertySoftwareAndEquipment" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/PropertySoftwareAndEquipment">
        <link:definition>2109100 - Disclosure - Property, Software And Equipment</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="PropertySoftwareAndEquipmentDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/PropertySoftwareAndEquipmentDetails">
        <link:definition>2409402 - Disclosure - Property, Software And Equipment (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="PropertySoftwareAndEquipmentTables" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/PropertySoftwareAndEquipmentTables">
        <link:definition>2309301 - Disclosure - Property, Software And Equipment (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="QuarterlySelectedFinancialInformation" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/QuarterlySelectedFinancialInformation">
        <link:definition>2124100 - Disclosure - Quarterly Selected Financial Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="QuarterlySelectedFinancialInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/QuarterlySelectedFinancialInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2424402 - Disclosure - Quarterly Selected Financial Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="QuarterlySelectedFinancialInformationTables" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/QuarterlySelectedFinancialInformationTables">
        <link:definition>2324301 - Disclosure - Quarterly Selected Financial Information (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RetirementPlan" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/RetirementPlan">
        <link:definition>2119100 - Disclosure - Retirement Plan</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RetirementPlanDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/RetirementPlanDetails">
        <link:definition>2419401 - Disclosure - Retirement Plan (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SegmentInformation" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/SegmentInformation">
        <link:definition>2123100 - Disclosure - Segment Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SegmentInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/SegmentInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2423402 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SegmentInformationTables" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/SegmentInformationTables">
        <link:definition>2323301 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShortTermAndLongTermInvestmentsAndRestrictedDeposits" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/ShortTermAndLongTermInvestmentsAndRestrictedDeposits">
        <link:definition>2105100 - Disclosure - Short-Term And Long-Term Investments And Restricted Deposits</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShortTermAndLongTermInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesOfShortTermAndLongTermInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/ShortTermAndLongTermInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesOfShortTermAndLongTermInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsDetails">
        <link:definition>2405405 - Disclosure - Short-Term And Long-Term Investments And Restricted Deposits (Contractual Maturities Of Short-Term And Long-Term Investments And Restricted Deposits) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShortTermAndLongTermInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsFairValueOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentsWithGrossUnrealizedLossesByInvestmentTypeAndLengthOfTimeDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/ShortTermAndLongTermInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsFairValueOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentsWithGrossUnrealizedLossesByInvestmentTypeAndLengthOfTimeDetails">
        <link:definition>2405404 - Disclosure - 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)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShortTermAndLongTermInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/ShortTermAndLongTermInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2405402 - Disclosure - Short-Term And Long-Term Investments And Restricted Deposits (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShortTermAndLongTermInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsShortTermAndLongTermInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsByInvestmentTypeDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/ShortTermAndLongTermInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsShortTermAndLongTermInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsByInvestmentTypeDetails">
        <link:definition>2405403 - Disclosure - Short-Term And Long-Term Investments And Restricted Deposits (Short-Term And Long-Term Investments And Restricted Deposits By Investment Type) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShortTermAndLongTermInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsTables" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/ShortTermAndLongTermInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsTables">
        <link:definition>2305301 - Disclosure - Short-Term And Long-Term Investments And Restricted Deposits (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StatutoryCapitalRequirementsAndDividendRestrictions" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/StatutoryCapitalRequirementsAndDividendRestrictions">
        <link:definition>2116100 - Disclosure - Statutory Capital Requirements And Dividend Restrictions</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StatutoryCapitalRequirementsAndDividendRestrictionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/StatutoryCapitalRequirementsAndDividendRestrictionsDetails">
        <link:definition>2416401 - Disclosure - Statutory Capital Requirements And Dividend Restrictions (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockIncentivePlans" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/StockIncentivePlans">
        <link:definition>2118100 - Disclosure - Stock Incentive Plans</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockIncentivePlansNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/StockIncentivePlansNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2418402 - Disclosure - Stock Incentive Plans (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockIncentivePlansNonVestedRestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/StockIncentivePlansNonVestedRestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockDetails">
        <link:definition>2418406 - Disclosure - Stock Incentive Plans (Non-Vested Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockIncentivePlansOptionPricingAssumptionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/StockIncentivePlansOptionPricingAssumptionsDetails">
        <link:definition>2418404 - Disclosure - Stock Incentive Plans (Option Pricing Assumptions) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockIncentivePlansScheduleOfOtherInformationPertainingToOptionActivityDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/StockIncentivePlansScheduleOfOtherInformationPertainingToOptionActivityDetails">
        <link:definition>2418405 - Disclosure - Stock Incentive Plans (Schedule Of Other Information Pertaining To Option Activity) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockIncentivePlansSummaryOfStockOptionActivityDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/StockIncentivePlansSummaryOfStockOptionActivityDetails">
        <link:definition>2418403 - Disclosure - Stock Incentive Plans (Summary Of Stock Option Activity) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockIncentivePlansTables" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/StockIncentivePlansTables">
        <link:definition>2318301 - Disclosure - Stock Incentive Plans (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockholdersEquity" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/StockholdersEquity">
        <link:definition>2115100 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockholdersEquityDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/StockholdersEquityDetails">
        <link:definition>2415401 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SubsequentEvents" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/SubsequentEvents">
        <link:definition>2128100 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SubsequentEventsDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails">
        <link:definition>2428401 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies">
        <link:definition>2102100 - Disclosure - Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies">
        <link:definition>2202201 - Disclosure - Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfAllowanceForUncollectibleAccountsDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfAllowanceForUncollectibleAccountsDetails">
        <link:definition>2402405 - Disclosure - Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Allowance For Uncollectible Accounts) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfAmortizationPeriodForIntangibleAssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfAmortizationPeriodForIntangibleAssetsDetails">
        <link:definition>2402404 - Disclosure - Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Amortization Period For Intangible Assets) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfPercentageOfCompanysTotalRevenuesDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfPercentageOfCompanysTotalRevenuesDetails">
        <link:definition>2402406 - Disclosure - Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Percentage Of Company's Total Revenues) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfPropertySoftwareAndEquipmentDepreciationPeriodsDetails" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfPropertySoftwareAndEquipmentDepreciationPeriodsDetails">
        <link:definition>2402403 - Disclosure - Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Property, Software And Equipment Depreciation Periods) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" roleURI="http://www.centene.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables">
        <link:definition>2302302 - Disclosure - Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
    </xsd:appinfo>
  </xsd:annotation>
  <xsd:element id="cnc_AssetBackedSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure" name="AssetBackedSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAggregateLossesAccumulatedInInvestments" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAggregateLossesAccumulatedInInvestments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAggregateLossesAccumulatedInInvestments" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAggregateLossesAccumulatedInInvestments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainAccumulatedInInvestments" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainAccumulatedInInvestments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLossAccumulatedInInvestments" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLossAccumulatedInInvestments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" name="BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_CasenetMember" name="CasenetMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedFairValueDisclosure" name="CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_CashFlowsReceivedByParentFromUnrestrictedSubsidiaries" name="CashFlowsReceivedByParentFromUnrestrictedSubsidiaries" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_CashandCashEquivalentsIncludingDiscontinuedOperations" name="CashandCashEquivalentsIncludingDiscontinuedOperations" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_CenturionMember" name="CenturionMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_CertificatesOfDepositRestrictedFairValueDisclosure" name="CertificatesOfDepositRestrictedFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_CommitmentsAbstract" name="CommitmentsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_ComputerHardwareMember" name="ComputerHardwareMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_CondensedBalanceSheetsAbstract" name="CondensedBalanceSheetsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_CondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantAbstract" name="CondensedFinancialInformationOfRegistrantAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_ConsiderationReceivedForSaleOfConvertibleNotes" name="ConsiderationReceivedForSaleOfConvertibleNotes" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_ConsolidatedStatementOfStockholdersEquityParentheticalAbstract" name="ConsolidatedStatementOfStockholdersEquityParentheticalAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsAbstract" name="ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_ContingenciesAbstract" name="ContingenciesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_CorporateSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure" name="CorporateSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_CostMethodInvestmentsAndEquityMethodSecuritiesMember" name="CostMethodInvestmentsAndEquityMethodSecuritiesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_DebtAbstract" name="DebtAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesDepreciationAndAmortizationNoncurrent" name="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesDepreciationAndAmortizationNoncurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPrepaidAssetsAndOtherCurrent" name="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPrepaidAssetsAndOtherCurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLongTermInvestmentsandRestrictedDeposits" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLongTermInvestmentsandRestrictedDeposits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsMedicalClaimsLiability" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsMedicalClaimsLiability" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_DividendsDisclosureTextBlock" name="DividendsDisclosureTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" name="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_ExerciseOfStockWarrants" name="ExerciseOfStockWarrants" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_ExerciseOfStockWarrantsShares" name="ExerciseOfStockWarrantsShares" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_ExternalCustomerMember" name="ExternalCustomerMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_FederalNetOperatingLossesExpirePeriod" name="FederalNetOperatingLossesExpirePeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_FivePointSevenFivePercentSeniorNotesMember" name="FivePointSevenFivePercentSeniorNotesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_FurnitureAndOfficeEquipmentMember" name="FurnitureAndOfficeEquipmentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_GeneralObligationMunicipalSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure" name="GeneralObligationMunicipalSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAbstract" name="GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_HealthBenefitRatio" name="HealthBenefitRatio" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_HomeStateHealthPlanMember" name="HomeStateHealthPlanMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_ImpairmentLossOfGoodwillIntangibleAssetsAndInvestements" name="ImpairmentLossOfGoodwillIntangibleAssetsAndInvestements" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_ImpairmentLossOfGoodwlllAndIntangibleAssets" name="ImpairmentLossOfGoodwlllAndIntangibleAssets" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsLessNoncontrollingInterest" name="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsLessNoncontrollingInterest" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_IncomeTaxAbstract" name="IncomeTaxAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_IncomeTaxesAbstract" name="IncomeTaxesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_IncomeTaxesLineItems" name="IncomeTaxesLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_IncomeTaxesTable" name="IncomeTaxesTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_InterestRateSwapAbstract" name="InterestRateSwapAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_InterestRateSwapAgreementsExpireDate" name="InterestRateSwapAgreementsExpireDate" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="invest:dateStringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_InterestRateSwapTextBlock" name="InterestRateSwapTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_InternalCustomerMember" name="InternalCustomerMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_InvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsAmortizedCost" name="InvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsAmortizedCost" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_InvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue" name="InvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_InvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsAmortizedCost" name="InvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsAmortizedCost" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_InvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue" name="InvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_InvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesAfterTenYearsAmortizedCost" name="InvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesAfterTenYearsAmortizedCost" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_InvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue" name="InvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_InvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesAmortizedCost" name="InvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesAmortizedCost" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_InvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesFairValue" name="InvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_InvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesWithinOneYearAmortizedCost" name="InvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesWithinOneYearAmortizedCost" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_InvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue" name="InvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsContractualMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_LessFlowThroughNoncontrollingInterest" name="LessFlowThroughNoncontrollingInterest" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_LifeInsuranceContractsAndCostMethodInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" name="LifeInsuranceContractsAndCostMethodInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_LifeInsuranceContractsMember" name="LifeInsuranceContractsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_LongTermInvestmentsAmortizedCost" name="LongTermInvestmentsAmortizedCost" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_LouisianaHealthcareConnectionsMember" name="LouisianaHealthcareConnectionsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_MedicaidManagedCareMember" name="MedicaidManagedCareMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_MedicalClaimsLiabilityAbstract" name="MedicalClaimsLiabilityAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_MedicalClaimsLiabilityTextBlock" name="MedicalClaimsLiabilityTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_MortgageNoteMember" name="MortgageNoteMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_MunicipalSecuritiesPreRefundedMember" name="MunicipalSecuritiesPreRefundedMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_MunicipalSecuritiesRevenueMember" name="MunicipalSecuritiesRevenueMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_NetBookValueOfCollateralizedProperties" name="NetBookValueOfCollateralizedProperties" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_NetDividendsFromAndCapitalContributionsToSubsidiaries" name="NetDividendsFromAndCapitalContributionsToSubsidiaries" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_NetOperatingLossesAcquiredInBusinessCombinations" name="NetOperatingLossesAcquiredInBusinessCombinations" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_NonControllingInterestAndBusinessCombinationTextBlock" name="NonControllingInterestAndBusinessCombinationTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_NonRecourseMortgageNoteDueJanuary12021Member" name="NonRecourseMortgageNoteDueJanuary12021Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_NoncontrollingInterestAndAcquisitionsDisclosureAbstract" name="NoncontrollingInterestAndAcquisitionsDisclosureAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromRedemptionsOrPurchaseOfInterestsAndDistributionToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" name="NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromRedemptionsOrPurchaseOfInterestsAndDistributionToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromEquityIssuanceOrSaleOfParentEquityInterestAndConsolidationOfInterest" name="NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromEquityIssuanceOrSaleOfParentEquityInterestAndConsolidationOfInterest" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_NondeductibleImpairmentLoss" name="NondeductibleImpairmentLoss" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_NoteReceivableDueDecember2012Member" name="NoteReceivableDueDecember2012Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_NoteReceivableDueSeptember2013Member" name="NoteReceivableDueSeptember2013Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_NoteReceivableDueSeptember2014Member" name="NoteReceivableDueSeptember2014Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_NotesReceivableAbstract" name="NotesReceivableAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_OhioMember" name="OhioMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_OrganizationAndOperationsAbstract" name="OrganizationAndOperationsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_PercentageOfInvestmentsRecordedAtFairValueThatCarryRatingOfAaMinusOrAa3OrHigher" name="PercentageOfInvestmentsRecordedAtFairValueThatCarryRatingOfAaMinusOrAa3OrHigher" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_PercentageOfInvestmentsRecordedAtFairValueThatCarryRatingOfAaaOrAaa" name="PercentageOfInvestmentsRecordedAtFairValueThatCarryRatingOfAaaOrAaa" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_PercentageOfInvestmentsRecordedAtFairValueThatCarryRatingOfMinusOrA3OrHigher" name="PercentageOfInvestmentsRecordedAtFairValueThatCarryRatingOfMinusOrA3OrHigher" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_PercentageOfRevenuesUnderContractsOrSubcontracts" name="PercentageOfRevenuesUnderContractsOrSubcontracts" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_PeriodEndAtRiskMembership" name="PeriodEndAtRiskMembership" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_PositionsFromWhichGrossUnrealizedLossesWereGenerated" name="PositionsFromWhichGrossUnrealizedLossesWereGenerated" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:decimalItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_PreRefundedMunicipalSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure" name="PreRefundedMunicipalSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_PremiumAndRelatedReceivablesAndUnearnedRevenuePolicyTextBlock" name="PremiumAndRelatedReceivablesAndUnearnedRevenuePolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_PremiumAndServiceRevenues" name="PremiumAndServiceRevenues" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_PremiumTaxExpense" name="PremiumTaxExpense" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_PremiumTaxRevenue" name="PremiumTaxRevenue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_PropertySoftwareAndEquipmentAbstract" name="PropertySoftwareAndEquipmentAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_ProviderContractsMember" name="ProviderContractsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_QuarterlySelectedFinancialInformationAbstract" name="QuarterlySelectedFinancialInformationAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_Remainingstatutorycapitalfromdiscontinuedoperation" name="Remainingstatutorycapitalfromdiscontinuedoperation" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_RestrictedCashEquivalentsMember" name="RestrictedCashEquivalentsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_RestrictedCertificatesOfDepositMember" name="RestrictedCertificatesOfDepositMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_RetirementPlanAbstract" name="RetirementPlanAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_RevenueMunicipalSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure" name="RevenueMunicipalSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_ScheduleOfAllowanceForUncollectibleAccountsTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfAllowanceForUncollectibleAccountsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_ScheduleOfAmortizationPeriodForIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfAmortizationPeriodForIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_ScheduleOfCondensedBalanceSheetsTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfCondensedBalanceSheetsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_ScheduleOfCondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfCondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_ScheduleOfCondensedStatementsOfOperationsTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfCondensedStatementsOfOperationsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_ScheduleOfContractualMaturitiesOfInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsAxis" name="ScheduleOfContractualMaturitiesOfInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_ScheduleOfContractualMaturitiesOfInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsDomain" name="ScheduleOfContractualMaturitiesOfInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_ScheduleOfInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsByTypeAxis" name="ScheduleOfInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsByTypeAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_ScheduleOfInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsTypeDomain" name="ScheduleOfInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsTypeDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_ScheduleOfPercentageOfCompanysTotalRevenueTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfPercentageOfCompanysTotalRevenueTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_ScheduleOfPropertySoftwareAndEquipmentDepreciationPeriodsTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfPropertySoftwareAndEquipmentDepreciationPeriodsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_SeniorNotesAtPar" name="SeniorNotesAtPar" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_ShortTermAndLongTermInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsByInvestmentTypeTableTextBlock" name="ShortTermAndLongTermInvestmentsAndRestrictedDepositsByInvestmentTypeTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_ShortTermInvestmentsAmortizedCost" name="ShortTermInvestmentsAmortizedCost" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_SignificantCustomersPolicyTextBlock" name="SignificantCustomersPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_SpecialtyServicesMember" name="SpecialtyServicesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_StateNetOperatingLossesExpirePeriod" name="StateNetOperatingLossesExpirePeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_StatutoryCapitalAbstract" name="StatutoryCapitalAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_StatutoryCapitalRequirementsAndDividendRestrictionsAbstract" name="StatutoryCapitalRequirementsAndDividendRestrictionsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_StockIncentivePlansAbstract" name="StockIncentivePlansAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnc_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" name="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_TaxBenefitRecognizedDueToDecreaseInAccruedInterest" name="TaxBenefitRecognizedDueToDecreaseInAccruedInterest" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_TexasMember" name="TexasMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_TotalRestrictedDepositsFairValueDisclosure" name="TotalRestrictedDepositsFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_Totalunrealizedinvestmentpositions" name="Totalunrealizedinvestmentpositions" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:decimalItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitLiabilitiesIncluded" name="UnrecognizedTaxBenefitLiabilitiesIncluded" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_UsTreasurySecuritiesAndObligationsOfUsGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesFairValueDisclosure" name="UsTreasurySecuritiesAndObligationsOfUsGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_UsTreasurySecuritiesAndObligationsOfUsGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesRestrictedFairValueDisclosure" name="UsTreasurySecuritiesAndObligationsOfUsGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesRestrictedFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_ValuationAllowanceAdditions" name="ValuationAllowanceAdditions" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_ValuationAllowanceReductions" name="ValuationAllowanceReductions" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnc_VariableRateDemandNotesMunicipalSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure" name="VariableRateDemandNotesMunicipalSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
</xsd:schema>