State Health Plan

Blue Cross NC will return as the third-party administrator for North Carolina’s State Health Plan in 2028, replacing Aetna. The decision followed a $1 billion cost difference between proposals and a previous 2023 dispute over price transparency that led to Blue Cross being replaced by Aetna.

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.

Retirees in North Carolina's State Health Plan will face higher copays and out-of-pocket maximums for Medicare Advantage coverage, while active state workers and teachers may save through lower costs at preferred providers. The Board of Trustees approved the changes, citing efforts to control medical costs and address reserve drains.

The North Carolina State Board of Education expressed concerns that a proposed teacher pay plan disproportionately benefits early-career teachers over veterans, with raises front-loaded for newcomers and minimal increases for those with 15–24 years of experience. The plan, costing $528 million, aims for an average 8% raise over two years, raising starting pay to $48,000 but maintaining existing pay structures for veterans.