Michael Carson

Group President, Medicare and Specialty Centene

Last Reviewed: October 1, 2026

Executive Summary

Michael Carson leads Centene’s Medicare and specialty businesses as Group President, a role created in 2026 that gives Carson oversight of Medicare Advantage, the Part D drug plan business, plans for dual-eligible members, and specialty services. Carson joined Centene in January 2024 to run its Wellcare Medicare business, after leading Bright Healthcare and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care as chief executive. Centene ranked No. 19 on the 2026 Fortune 500.

Career Highlights

• Group President, Medicare and Specialty of Centene since 2026.
• Chief Executive Officer of Wellcare, Centene’s Medicare business, from January 2024.
• Chief Executive Officer of Bright Healthcare.
• Chief Executive Officer of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.

Professional Journey

Carson was Chief Executive Officer of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and of Bright Healthcare.

Carson joined Centene in January 2024 as CEO of Wellcare, its Medicare business. In April 2026 Carson was named Group President, Medicare and Specialty, and the board named Carson an executive officer in May 2026.

Education

No first-party source read for this profile states their education.