NC Health Plan Weighs 2027 Premium Hikes for 750,000 Members as Board Eyes Provider Overhaul
Updated
Updated · WTVD-TV · Jul 10
NC Health Plan Weighs 2027 Premium Hikes for 750,000 Members as Board Eyes Provider Overhaul
2 articles · Updated · WTVD-TV · Jul 10
Summary
$1.76 to $8.04 in monthly premium increases for individual active employees are under review, with a formal board vote expected later Friday for coverage changes starting in 2027.
The proposal would raise annual costs by $21.12 to $96.48 for individuals, while family coverage would face larger increases as the board tries to contain costs alongside 3% state pay raises.
A preferred-provider model is also under consideration to lower out-of-pocket costs for members who use designated providers.
UNC Health, Novant Health and Iredell Health System were approved as preferred providers, while negotiations with Duke Health and WakeMed continue to preserve Triangle access.
The State Health Plan covers nearly 750,000 teachers, state employees, retirees and dependents, making the decision one of the broadest benefit changes facing North Carolina's public workforce.
Can a new insurer truly deliver '2012 prices' for healthcare, or is this just shifting costs onto members who can't access preferred doctors?
As North Carolina flips its health administrator again, will this administrative churn actually fix the state's massive $507 million healthcare deficit?