In 2017 North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey met with the officials of health insurer Centene regarding approval of their policies in North Carolina. During these discussions, Centene officials expressed their interest in expanding their business in North Carolina, potentially moving their business to North Carolina.
This week, the fruits of those talks paid off. Centene Corp., a St. Louis-based health insurance company, announced on Wednesday, July 1, it will break ground as early as August on its new East Coast headquarters in Charlotte.
“I am proud to have played a part in this company’s move to our state,” said Commissioner Causey. “When I talked to Centene officials in 2017, I knew having them here would be a big help to the North Carolina economy with its additional jobs. Centene will bring more competition to help us drive down health insurance premiums. The timing couldn’t be better.”
North Carolina competed with Florida and South Carolina for the Centene project.
“I appreciate the teamwork with the governor and the Legislature to make this move a reality,” Commissioner Causey said.
“I would also like to thank the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for assuring Centene of the favorable regulatory climate North Carolina encompasses,” said Commissioner Causey. “This transaction could not have happened without its oversight.”
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners is the U.S. standard-setting and regulatory support organization created and governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories.
Centene already has 600 workers throughout North Carolina – in Charlotte, Durham, Rocky Mount and Wilmington. Centene was founded in 1984 and has about 70,000 employees. According to company officials, it is one of the fastest- growing companies in the U.S., serving the healthcare needs of 23 million people.
Since taking office in 2017, Commissioner Causey has brought 793 insurance entities in North Carolina, including licensing 119 new insurance companies.
For more information about the N.C. Department of Insurance, please visit our web page at www.ncdoi.gov.