Centurion of Tennessee will continue to manage inmate healthcare in the state, at a potential cost of more than $473 million over the next five years, according to the Tennessean.
Centurion outbid Corizon for the contract. In its proposals, Centurion floated ideas to stretch federal funding to treat the prison system's hepatitis C epidemic
Centurion currently holds a three-year $270 million contract with the Tennessee Department of Correction to oversee healthcare in the state's prisons. The new contract is expected to take effect in September.
"We view our collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Correction as a true partnership in providing responsible and cost-effective care for this complex population," Steven H. Wheeler, CEO of Centurion, said.
In addition to Tennessee, Centurion also serves as the prison health contractor in Florida, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico and Vermont.
Centurion is a joint venture between St. Louis-based Centene and Vienna, Va.-based MHM Services.