v2.4.0.8

Retirement Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Retirement Plan [Abstract]
Retirement Plan	Retirement Plan Centene has a defined contribution plan which covers substantially all employees who are at least twenty-one years of age. Under the plan, eligible employees may contribute a percentage of their base salary, subject to certain limitations. Centene may elect to match a portion of the employee's contribution. Company expense related to matching contributions to the plan was $9,422, $6,771 and $5,119 during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

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- Definition

The entire disclosure for an entity's employee compensation and benefit plans, including, but not limited to, postemployment and postretirement benefit plans, defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution plans, non-qualified and supplemental benefit plans, deferred compensation, share-based compensation, life insurance, severance, health care, unemployment and other benefit plans.

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