Membership Slump Forces Health Giant Centene Into Staff Buyouts: Report

Centene Corporation is launching a voluntary separation program to reduce workforce costs amid significant membership declines. The health insurer experienced a 2 million member drop in its ACA marketplace business following the expiration of pandemic-era federal subsidies. Total membership fell from 27.9 million to 26.27 million year-over-year, with marketplace membership declining from 5.626 million to 3.582 million in Q1. CEO Sarah London indicated the company prioritized margin over membership growth.