N.C. State Health Plan Announces Partnership to Offer No Cost Surgical Benefit for Members

New no-cost, high-quality health care will soon be available for State Health Plan (Plan) members. Under a new agreement, set to begin in October, Plan members will have access to an innovative new surgical benefit as part of the efforts to reduce costs for members and help overcome the budget deficit. N.C. State Treasurer Brad Briner is announcing the Plan has signed into a partnership with Lantern, a Specialty Care Platform, giving members who need surgery access to Lantern’s network of the region’s top surgeons and specialists at no cost to them.

"We’re excited to offer members access to Lantern’s premier network of rigorously vetted surgeons," said Treasurer Briner. "Our team has talked to a lot of members over the last year, and we are committed to improving our plan design through higher quality choices at better rates. Investing in more primary care and waiving the cost of surgery for members through this new partnership is something we’re really excited about.”

To support the state’s 550,000 active members and their families, Lantern will expand its already strong surgical network that includes OrthoCarolina and Raleigh Orthopedics with additional great surgeons in Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte, Greensboro, Hickory and other cities to achieve a statewide network that is convenient for all members. Plan members are incentivized to use the Lantern network to ensure better outcomes and bigger savings. Treasurer Briner encourages high-quality surgeons and health systems who want to participate in this unique partnership to apply to become part of Lantern’s Network of Excellence.

“I’ve seen firsthand how access to high-quality, affordable surgical care makes all the difference in someone’s recovery,” said Dr. Steve Lucey, a Greensboro-based orthopedic surgeon and member of Lantern’s Medical Advisory Board. “This is a win/win relationship where the state will save money, and patients will have far less out-of-pocket costs with the Lantern network of exceptional surgeons.”

"We are honored to partner with the North Carolina State Health Plan to deliver excellent surgical care to the dedicated public servants of North Carolina," said Lantern CEO John Zutter. "Though most people don’t need surgery often, when they do, it’s a stressful time and finding the right surgeon is important. We focus on building a network of the highest quality surgeons and connecting people to the right one, at an affordable price, so they get the best outcome.”

Along with vetting providers and facilities to ensure the highest quality in its Network of Excellence, Lantern also pairs members with a dedicated care team, including care advocates and nurse navigators, for the entirety of their care journey. Members will not have to download anything or take any action to enroll in this program. Members will be getting more information about this partnership leading up to the launch in the fall.

About the North Carolina State Health Plan
The State Health Plan, a division of the Department of State Treasurer, provides health care coverage to more than 740,000 teachers, state employees, retirees, current and former lawmakers, state university and community college personnel, and their dependents.

About Lantern
Lantern is the Specialty Care Platform that helps employers reduce trend in the highest growing area of spend – specialty care. Lantern’s Network of Excellence includes the top surgeons, infusion and cancer centers around the country. Lantern pairs members with a dedicated care team, including Care Advocates and nurse navigators, for the entirety of their care journey, helping them get back to good health, back to their families and back to work. That local access and personal support leads to higher utilization which results in an average 4% trend reduction for employers. Lantern is trusted by the nation’s largest employers to deliver care to more than 6 million members across the country.