Greg Buchert Appointed CEO Of California Health & Wellness

SACRAMENTO, Calif. and ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., Oct. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- California Health & Wellness announced today that Greg Buchert, MD, has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer and Plan President, effective immediately.

California Health & Wellness, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), was recently awarded a contract to serve Medi-Cal beneficiaries in Imperial County, as well as 18 Northern California counties, pending regulatory approval.  Under the contract, California Health & Wellness will serve members under the state's Medi-Cal Managed Care program.  The program initially covers members eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and will enroll other populations in the near future.

"Dr. Buchert is an experienced health care executive with over 2 decades of leadership in California healthcare.  His breadth of knowledge and experience will ensure that California Health & Wellness delivers high-quality care to its members, works in partnership with its providers and achieves the policy goals of the State of California," said Robert Hitchcock, Executive Vice President, Health Plans, for Centene.

Dr. Buchert most recently worked as a Principal Consultant at Health Management Associates, and previously served as the COO of CalOptima.  Dr. Buchert received a MD from Tulane University School of Medicine, a MPH from Tulane University of Public Health, and a BA from Tufts University. 

"I'm excited to execute California Health & Wellness' goal of providing fully integrated care," said Dr. Buchert.  "Centene's long track record of successfully transitioning fee-for-service Medicaid programs to managed care, coupled with its experience in serving members in rural areas in other states, will help us deliver better health outcomes for California residents in a cost-effective manner for the state."

About California Health & Wellness
California Health & Wellness is a Medi-Cal plan founded in 2013.  Through locally-grounded, coordinated care and support services, we are committed to improving the health of the community, one person at a time.  California Health & Wellness is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a national leader in healthcare services.  For more information, please visit us on the Web at www.cahealthwellness.com

SOURCE California Health & Wellness