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  <TITLE>CENTENE CORPORATION S-8</TITLE>
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  <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>
  
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  <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>
  
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  <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>
  
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      <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>
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      <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="10"><HR size="4" noshade></TD>
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      <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>
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  <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>
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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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  <!-- 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>
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      <TD width="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
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      <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
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      <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="26%">&nbsp;</TD>
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      <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
      <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
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      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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      <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>
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      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
      <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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      <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>
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      <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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  <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>
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      <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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metadata_filer: {"company-data": {"conformed-name": "CENTENE CORP", "cik": "0001071739", "assigned-sic": "6324", "irs-number": "041406317"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-108467", "film-number": "03879502"}, "business-address": {"street1": "7711 CARONDELET AVE", "city": "ST LOUIS", "state": "MO", "zip": "63105", "phone": "3147254477"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "7711 CARONDELET AVE", "street2": "SUITE 800", "city": "ST LOUIS", "state": "MO", "zip": "63105"}}
text: CENTENE CORPORATION S-8
  Table of Contents
  As filed with the Securities and
  Exchange Commission on September 3, 2003
  Registration No. 333-
  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
  Washington, D.C. 20549
  FORM S-8
  REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
  THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
  Centene Corporation
  (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
  Delaware
  04-1406317
  (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation
  or Organization)
  7711
  Carondelet Avenue, Suite 800
  St. Louis, Missouri
  (I.R.S. Employer
  Identification No.)
  63105
  (Address of Principal Executive Offices)
  (Zip Code)
  2003 Stock Incentive Plan
  (Full Title of the Plan)
  Michael F. Neidorff
  7711 Carondelet Avenue, Suite 800
  St. Louis, Missouri 63105
  (Name and Address of Agent For Service)
  (314) 725-4477
  (Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)
  Copy to:
  Mark L. Johnson, Esq.
  Hale and Dorr LLP
  60 State Street
  Boston, Massachusetts 02109
  Tel: (617) 526-6000
  Fax: (617) 526-5000
  CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
  Proposed Maximum
  Proposed Maximum
  Title of Securities
  Amount to be
  Offering Price Per
  Aggregate Offering
  Amount of
  to be Registered
  Registered(1)
  Share
  Price
  Registration Fee
  Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share
  1,875,000 shares
  $27.16(2)
  $50,925,000.00(2)
  $4,120.00
  (1)
  In accordance with Rule 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.
  (2)
  Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
  pursuant to Rules 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's Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market on
  August 27, 2003.
  TABLE OF CONTENTS
  PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
  Item 1. Plan Information.
  Item 2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information.
  PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
  Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
  Item 4. Description of Securities.
  Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
  Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
  Item 7.Exemption from Registration Claimed.
  Item 8. Exhibits.
  Item 9. Undertakings.
  SIGNATURES
  POWER OF ATTORNEY AND SIGNATURES
  INDEX TO EXHIBITS
  EX-5 OPINION OF HALE AND DORR LLP
  EX-23.2 CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
  Table of Contents
  PART I
  INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
  Item 1. Plan Information.
  The information required by Item 1 is included in documents sent or given
  to participants in the plan covered by this registration statement pursuant to
  Rule 428(b)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
  Act").
  Item 2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information.
  The written statement required by Item 2 is included in documents sent or
  given to participants in the plan covered by this registration statement
  pursuant to Rule 428(b)(1) of the Securities Act.
  PART II
  INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
  Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
  The registrant is subject to the informational and reporting requirements
  of Sections 13(a), 14, and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
  amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy
  statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission
  (the "Commission"). The following documents, which are on file with the
  Commission, are incorporated in this registration statement by reference:
  (a)  The registrant's latest annual report filed pursuant to Section 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's latest fiscal year for which such statements have been filed.
  (b)  All other reports filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
  Exchange Act since the end of the fiscal year covered by the document referred
  to in (a) above.
  (c)  The description of the securities contained in the registrant's
  registration statements on Form 8-A filed under the Exchange Act, including any
  amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.
  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.
  Item 4. Description of Securities.
  Not applicable.
  -1-
  Table of Contents
  Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
  Hale and Dorr LLP has opined as to the legality of the securities being
  offered by this registration statement.
  Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
  Section 102 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended (the
  "DGCL"), 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.
  Section 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' 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) if such person is successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any
  action, suit or proceeding or (b) 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' 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.
  Section 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.
  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:
  •
  the registrant must indemnify its directors and officers to
  the fullest extend permitted by Delaware law;
  •
  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
  -2-
  Table of Contents
  •
  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.
  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.
  Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.
  Not applicable.
  Item 8. Exhibits.
  Incorporated By Reference
  Filed with
  Exhibit Number
  Description
  This Form S-8
  Form
  Filing Date with SEC
  Exhibit Number
  3.1
  Certificate of
  Incorporation of
  Centene Corporation
  S-1
  October 9, 2001
  3.1
  3.1a
  Certificate of
  Amendment to
  Certificate of
  Incorporation of
  Centene
  Corporation, dated
  November 8, 2001
  S-1/A
  November 13, 2001
  3.2a
  4
  Rights Agreement
  between Centene
  Corporate and
  Mellon Investor
  Services LLC, as
  Rights Agent, dated
  August 30, 2002
  8-K
  August 30, 2002
  4.1
  5
  Opinion of Hale and
  Dorr LLP, counsel
  to the Registrant
  X
  23.1
  Consent of Hale and
  Dorr LLP (included
  in Exhibit 5)
  X
  23.2
  Consent of
  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
  X
  24
  Power of attorney
  (included on the
  signature page of
  this registration
  statement)
  X
  -3-
  Table of Contents
  Item 9. Undertakings.
  1.
  Item 512(a) of Regulation S-K
  . The undersigned registrant hereby
  undertakes:
  (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
  made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
  (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
  Securities Act;
  (ii) 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
  (iii) 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;
  provided, however,
  that paragraphs (i) and (ii) 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 13 or Section
  15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the
  registration statement.
  (2) 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
  bona fide
  offering thereof.
  (3) 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.
  2.
  Item 512(b) of Regulation S-K
  . The undersigned registrant hereby
  undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
  Act, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or
  Section 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
  bona fide
  offering thereof.
  3.
  Item 512(h) of Regulation S-K
  . 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.
  -4-
  Table of Contents
  SIGNATURES
  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 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 3, 2003.
  CENTENE CORPORATION
  By:
  /s/ Michael F.
  Neidorff
  Michael F. Neidorff
  President and Chief Executive
  Officer
  POWER OF ATTORNEY AND SIGNATURES
  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 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.
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
  registration statement has been signed by the following persons as of
  September 3, 2003 in the capacities indicated.
  Signature
  Title
  /s/ Michael F.
  Neidorff
  Michael F. Neidorff
  President, Chief Executive Officer
  and Director (principal executive
  officer)
  /s/ Karey L. Witty
  Karey L. Witty
  Senior Vice President, Chief
  Financial Officer, Treasurer and
  Secretary (principal financial and
  accounting officer)
  /s/ Samuel E. Bradt
  Samuel E. Bradt
  Director
  /s/ Edward L. Cahill
  Edward L. Cahill
  Director
  /s/ Robert K. Ditmore
  Director
  Robert K. Ditmore
  /s/ Claire W. Johnson
  Claire W. Johnson
  Director
  /s/ David L. Steward
  David L. Steward
  Director
  /s/ Richard P. Wiederhold
  Richard P. Wiederhold
  Director
  -5-
  Table of Contents
  INDEX TO EXHIBITS
  Incorporated By Reference
  Filed with
  Exhibit Number
  Description
  This Form S-8
  Form
  Filing Date with SEC
  Exhibit Number
  3.1
  Certificate of
  Incorporation of
  Centene Corporation
  S-1
  October 9, 2001
  3.1
  3.1a
  Certificate of
  Amendment to
  Certificate of
  Incorporation of
  Centene
  Corporation, dated
  November 8, 2001
  S-1/A
  November 13, 2001
  3.2a
  4
  Rights Agreement
  between Centene
  Corporate and
  Mellon Investor
  Services LLC, as
  Rights Agent, dated
  August 30, 2002
  8-K
  August 30, 2002
  4.1
  5
  Opinion of Hale and
  Dorr LLP, counsel
  to the Registrant
  X
  23.1
  Consent of Hale and
  Dorr LLP (included
  in Exhibit 5)
  X
  23.2
  Consent of
  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
  X
  24
  Power of attorney
  (included on the
  signature page of
  this registration
  statement)
  X