Centene expands ACA marketplace footprint, adds 4 new states

Centene is expanding its marketplace offerings in 10 markets in 2019, including four new states. The St. Louis-based insurer announced on Wednesday that it will enter markets in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, and expand its reach in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas. The plans will be offered through its Ambetter brand. The expansion brings Centene's total ACA market share to 20 states. Centene has profited notably off of the exchanges over the last year. At the end of Q1 this year, it reported a 13% increase in revenue, as well as net earnings up to $139 million from Q1 2017. By the end of the second quarter, it saw $27.3 billion more in revenue compared to a year prior, including $14.2 billion from the individual market, which is partially attributed to its acquisition of Fidelis Care.