A Superior Court judge denied the State Health Plan’s (Plan) request for a temporary restraining order against Atrium Health’s “Affordability Program” (Program) on Tuesday. While this is not the outcome we were hoping for, in the ruling from the bench, the judge did acknowledge our argument that the Program could cause irreparable harm to the Plan. While other legal pathways continue to be explored, the Plan is now forced to consider all options to keep the Plan solvent for 2027 and beyond, which includes having to raise all member premiums, whether they are Atrium patients or not, by as much as $50 per month in 2028, which could more than double their 2027 premiums.
“Every action we take is guided by the commitment to protect our members’ ability to access high-quality, affordable health care,” said Treasurer Brad Briner, who chairs the State Health Plan Board of Trustees. “The State Health Plan is funded by member and taxpayer dollars and those resources are finite. When a single provider can manipulate the Plan’s cost structure, dictate how benefits are designed or undermine our tiered network, it won’t just be disruptive, it could be catastrophic for the Plan, its members and taxpayers.”