Centene Corp. and WellCare Health Plans Inc. said they satisfied all regulatory requirements under their merger agreement, including a review by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The pending transaction will also include the related divestitures of WellCare's Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans in Missouri, WellCare's Medicaid plan in Nebraska and Centene's Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans in Illinois.

The transaction is expected to close on or about Jan. 23.