Sunflower Health Plan
Sunflower Health Plan is a Kansas-based managed care organization and wholly owned Centene subsidiary administering KanCare Medicaid, Wellcare Medicare Advantage, and Ambetter Marketplace plans to over 200,000 members across all 105 Kansas counties.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersLenexa, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Sunflower Health Plan does
Sunflower Health Plan is a Kansas-based managed care organization (MCO) and a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC). Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Kansas with offices and local staff across the state, the company administers three core health insurance products: KanCare (the Kansas Medicaid and CHIP managed care contract), Ambetter (Health Insurance Marketplace plans), and Wellcare (Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans). It serves over 200,000 members across all 105 Kansas counties and employs more than 300 Kansans.
The company operates a managed care administration platform consisting of member and provider portals, a mobile application, telehealth services, and care management tools. Core operational technology is heavily partner-sourced: Express Scripts handles pharmacy benefit management (since January 2024), SafeRide Health manages non-emergency medical transportation (since November 2024), Teladoc provides digital mental health eLearning, WebMD Ignite powers the HealthHub wellness resource, CoverMyMeds streamlines electronic prior authorization, and Evolent/NIA handles advanced imaging authorizations. Provider engagement is delivered through a statewide team of Provider Engagement Account Managers organized by line of business (Medicaid, Ambetter/Wellcare, behavioral health, HCBS/LTSS). Project ECHO provides tele-mentoring continuing education to community providers in partnership with the University of Missouri.
Revenue is generated primarily through capitated per-member-per-month (PMPM) premium payments from the Kansas state government for KanCare, the federal Medicare program for Wellcare, and individual premiums (with income-based subsidies) for Ambetter Marketplace plans. Care coordination, behavioral health, transportation, and pharmacy benefit management services contribute additional managed-services revenue. The company is NCQA-accredited (Health Plan, Health Equity, and LTSS Distinction) and pursues community partnerships (over 300 organizations, approximately $2 million in cumulative sponsorships over 10 years) to address social determinants of health. Customer acquisition occurs through government enrollment systems (KanCare Clearinghouse, Managed Care Enrollment Center), direct enrollment via state websites, and provider referrals.
Sunflower Health Plan firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sunflower Health Plan
- Legal name
- Sunflower Health Plan
- Website
- https://sunflowerhealthplan.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Sunflower Health Plan is a Kansas-based managed care organization and wholly owned Centene subsidiary administering KanCare Medicaid, Wellcare Medicare Advantage, and Ambetter Marketplace plans to over 200,000 members across all 105 Kansas counties.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Sunflower Health Plan industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Managed Care Health Insurance
- NAICS
- Health and Welfare Funds (525120)
- SIC
- Hospital & Medical Service Plans (6324)
- akta.pro primary industry
- TANF/CHIP Managed Care Plans (HLAEAEAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Group HMO Plans (FSAIAFAK)
Keywords
Where Sunflower Health Plan is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Lenexa
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Sunflower Health Plan business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Government Premium Revenue: Sunflower Health Plan receives capitated premium payments from the Kansas state government (KanCare Medicaid program), Medicare, and Health Insurance Marketplace (Ambetter) for managing healthcare benefits for enrolled members. As an MCO, the company receives fixed per-member-per-month payments to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage.
- Care Coordination and Management Services: Revenue from providing coordinated healthcare services including chronic condition management, behavioral health services, transportation, and pharmacy benefit management
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Others | KanCare Kansas Medicaid Plan |
| Subscription | Monthly | Wellcare Medicare Advantage |
| Subscription | Monthly | Ambetter Health Insurance Marketplace |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Sunflower Health Plan product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Sunflower Health Plan is a Kansas managed care organization that delivers government-sponsored health insurance coverage through three product lines: KanCare (Kansas Medicaid/CHIP), Ambetter (Health Insurance Marketplace), and Wellcare (Medicare Advantage). The company manages comprehensive healthcare benefits for over 200,000 members across all 105 Kansas counties, providing physical, behavioral, pharmacy, transportation and care coordination services. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC).
Product overview
Sunflower Health Plan operates as a managed care organization offering a portfolio of three distinct health insurance products: KanCare (Kansas Medicaid managed care), Ambetter (Health Insurance Marketplace plan), and Wellcare (Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan). These products are supported by member and provider web-based portals enabling eligibility verification, claims management, and authorization submission. The company provides integrated healthcare services including pharmacy benefit management, mental health support through Teladoc, digital wellness resources via HealthHub, and various member programs such as Sunny's Kids Club for children and Project ECHO for provider education. The plan serves all 105 Kansas counties and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- KanCare: Kansas Medicaid health plan program administered by Sunflower Health Plan
- Ambetter
- Wellcare
- Sunny's Kids Club
- Start Smart for Your Baby
- Healthy Rewards Program
- Project ECHO
- Member Advisory Committee
Products and services
- KanCare (Kansas Medicaid Managed Care) State-contracted Medicaid managed care plan covering children, pregnant women, families with children, elderly adults and adults and children with disabilities in Kansas. Provides all standard Kansas Medicaid benefits plus Sunflower's value-added services including care coordination, behavioral health, transportation and rewards programs.
- Ambetter from Sunflower Health Plan
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 200,000 individuals and families served in Kansas
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Sunflower Health Plan
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Sunflower Health Plan technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration12 records
Feature5 records
Sunflower Health Plan partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.
- Kansas Department of Administration / KanCarecoreSunflower Health Plan was selected by the Kansas Department of Administration to continue providing managed health care services through KanCare, the State of Kansas' Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This is the company's core government partnership enabling delivery of managed healthcare to Kansas Medicaid recipients.
- Centene CorporationcoreSunflower Health Plan is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives. Centene provides operational support, technology platforms, and administrative services.
- SafeRide HealthsupportingStarting November 1, 2024, SafeRide Health began managing the transportation benefit for Sunflower members, providing non-emergency medical transportation services.
- Express ScriptssupportingEffective January 1, 2024, Express Scripts began processing pharmacy claims for Sunflower Health Plan members for KanCare (Medicaid), Wellcare (Medicare), and Ambetter (Marketplace) plans.
- CoverMyMedssupportingSunflower Health Plan partners with CoverMyMeds for electronic prior authorization requests, streamlining the medication PA process and providing a fast and efficient way to complete PA requests online.
- GoodLife InnovationssupportingSunflower Health Plan and Centene Foundation announced a $200,000 grant to GoodLife Innovations to support behavioral health professionals who care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
- Hays Medical Center FoundationsupportingSunflower and Centene Foundation announced a $160,000 grant to Hays Medical Center Foundation to provide on-demand and scheduled telepsychiatry services at Hays Medical Center.
- LADD Smart LivingsupportingSunflower and Centene Foundation awarded a $390,000 grant to Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled (LADD) to bring the Smart Living Model to Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
- 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelinesupportingSunflower Health Plan promotes the 988 Lifeline, providing 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress with prevention and crisis resources.
- Unite Us KansassupportingUnite Us Kansas connects members to services for food, housing, transportation, peer support or other services through a care coordinator network and searchable directory.
- University of Missouri - Continuing Education for Health ProfessionssupportingJointly accredited by ACCME, ACPE, and ANCC to provide continuing education for healthcare professionals through Project ECHO programs, offering AMA PRA Category 1 Credits, ANCC contact hours, and ASWB-ACE credits.
- Olathe School District, KidsTLC, Big Brothers Big SistersminorSunflower partnered to host 'Strong Youth Strong Communities' (SYSC) Youth Summits featuring pro football hall of famers to address teen suicide.
- Evolent (NIA)supportingEvolent (formerly NIA) handles prior authorization for complex imaging (MRI, MRA, PET, CT scans), musculoskeletal services, and pain management services.
- New Century HealthsupportingNew Century Health reviews oncology agents and supportive medications for members age 21 and older requiring prior authorization.
- Teladoc HealthsupportingTeladoc Mental Health provides eLearning tools to help members overcome depression and anxiety with daily exercises, mood trackers, and inspirational content.
- WebMD Ignite (HealthHub)supportingHealthHub by WebMD Ignite provides digital health and wellness resources including symptom checker, health advisors, and condition-specific information.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Sunflower Health Plan competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Humana: Major Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care player. Comparable on the Wellcare-branded Medicare Advantage side Sunflower operates, and on Medicaid strategy, but Humana is a national incumbent with materially larger scale.
- Molina Healthcare: Multi-state Medicaid managed care incumbent with a similar state-focused MCO model across Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace lines. Highly comparable business model and member demographics, though operating across many states rather than concentrated in one.
- Cigna Group: National health services and insurance carrier that competes in Medicaid managed care, Medicare Advantage, and Marketplace segments. Comparable product mix though weighted toward commercial and stop-loss rather than state Medicaid contracts.
- Elevance Health (Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield): Diversified national managed care incumbent offering Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and Marketplace plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield state plans. Operates a parallel multi-line, state-based MCO model with substantially greater scale.
Direct peers
- Aetna Better Health of Kansas: The third contracted KanCare MCO in Kansas and a CVS Health subsidiary; competes for identical Medicaid membership, provider network recruitment, and quality bonus payments under the same KanCare framework.
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kansas: One of the three contracted KanCare Medicaid MCOs in Kansas, serving the same Medicaid and CHIP populations under the same state contract structure. Direct head-to-head competitor for the same member enrollment through the same KanCare Clearinghouse.
Others
- Centene Corporation (parent): The 100% parent of Sunflower Health Plan and the largest U.S. Medicaid managed care insurer. Other Centene state plans (e.g., Buckeye Health Plan, Sunshine Health) operate under identical systems, technology platforms, and benefit structures, making them the closest operational analogues even though they sit in different states.
Regional players
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas: Dominant Kansas-domestic carrier offering commercial, Medicare Supplement, and individual products across the same geography Sunflower serves. Comparable regional concentration but with different line-of-business mix (less Medicaid, more commercial).
Emerging players
- Oscar Health: Technology-led individual Marketplace insurer competing with Ambetter on the ACA Marketplace side of Sunflower's business. Compares on the Marketplace product line but lacks the Medicaid/Medicare Advantage diversification Sunflower offers.
- Healthy Blue (Anthem Kansas Medicaid): Anthem-affiliated Medicaid plan operating in select Kansas counties under the Healthy Blue brand, positioned similarly to Ambetter and competing for the same dual-eligible and Medicaid populations across overlapping Kansas geographies.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Sunflower Health Plan social profiles
Digital presenceSunflower Health Plan compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Sunflower Health Plan financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sunflower Health Plan leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Sunflower Health Plan funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Sunflower Health Plan M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments3 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Sunflower Health Plan
What does Sunflower Health Plan do?
Sunflower Health Plan is a Kansas managed care organization that delivers government-sponsored health insurance coverage through three product lines: KanCare (Kansas Medicaid/CHIP), Ambetter (Health Insurance Marketplace), and Wellcare (Medicare Advantage). The company manages comprehensive healthcare benefits for over 200,000 members across all 105 Kansas counties, providing physical, behavioral, pharmacy, transportation and care coordination services. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC).
Is Sunflower Health Plan a public or private company?
Sunflower Health Plan is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Sunflower Health Plan founded?
Sunflower Health Plan was founded in 2013. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Sunflower Health Plan based?
Sunflower Health Plan is headquartered in Lenexa, United States, in the North America region.
How does Sunflower Health Plan make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Government Premium Revenue is the primary driver. The others are care Coordination and Management Services.
Who are Sunflower Health Plan's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Humana, Molina Healthcare, Cigna Group and Elevance Health (Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield). Direct peers are Aetna Better Health of Kansas and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kansas. Centene Corporation (parent) is listed as an others. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is listed as a regional player. Emerging players are Oscar Health and Healthy Blue (Anthem Kansas Medicaid).
Does Sunflower Health Plan have an API?
No public API is recorded for Sunflower Health Plan.
What industry is Sunflower Health Plan in?
Sunflower Health Plan's product category is Managed Care Health Insurance. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAEAEAA, TANF/CHIP Managed Care Plans, with a secondary code of FSAIAFAK, Group HMO Plans. Its NAICS code is 525120 and its SIC code is 6324.