No-cost surgeries for North Carolina state employees: What to know about the Lantern Program

North Carolina state employees enrolled in the State Health Plan can access certain non-emergency surgeries at no cost through the Lantern Program. The program covers procedures like knee and hip replacements, bariatric surgeries, and spine surgeries with $0 out-of-pocket expenses. David Thompson, a school bus driver, benefited from the program after receiving a letter offering free care for his injury.