After months of negotiations, the North Carolina State Health Plan (Plan) is pleased that Duke Health prioritized continued service to its members. The deal reached between Duke Health and Aetna, which serves as the Plan’s third-party administrator, will deliver high-quality care with a focus on better outcomes and efficiency. We particularly want to thank Dr. Tom Owens of Duke Health for his role in seeking an innovative solution to these negotiations, and our partners at Aetna for their steadfast commitment to affordability.
Press Releases
The North Carolina State Health Plan (Plan) Board of Trustees approved a resolution today to direct Plan staff to take necessary actions if Duke Health and
Negotiations are still ongoing between Duke Healthcare and Aetna, with their contract set to expire in less than a month. The State Health Plan (Plan) is Aetna’s largest client in our state and is watching the talks closely. In preparation for potential failed negotiations, Plan members who use Duke Healthcare will be receiving a letter from the Department of State Treasurer this week to discuss next steps. In addition, State Treasurer Brad Briner released this statement to all Plan members this morning explaining why this negotiation is so important for everyone:
The Department of State Treasurer has successfully allocated nearly $150 million to communities in need in Western North Carolina. This money is meant as a way to help local governments get back on their feet as they wait for the federal government to send much needed relief dollars.
Local Government Commission (LGC) members cleared the way on Sept. 9 for the state to contract for an outside, independent audit of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. The school system has been cited for financial mismanagement and a $46 million budget deficit that led to eliminating 350 positions.
State Treasurer Brad Briner has uncovered $170 million in unspent and unallocated funds as part of a detailed review of the state’s accounts.
Landmark legislation spearheaded by Treasurer Brad Briner earlier this year will revamp the way North Carolina’s $200 billion in public monies from the North Carolina Retirement Systems, cash management and other funds are managed. The Treasurer, who currently holds all investment authority, will now chair a board which oversees these taxpayer dollars. The N.C. Investment Authority Board (NCIA) held its first organizational meeting today.
The North Carolina State Health Plan is following through on its promise to not only provide support when members are in need, but also provide the needed prevention tools to help members stay healthy. As part of these efforts, State Treasurer Brad Briner is announcing a new partnership targeting rural, more difficult to serve communities. Hello Heart, the digital leader in preventive heart health, will now work to empower eligible Plan members to better understand and improve their heart health.
The State Health Plan (Plan) Board of Trustees met today to set premiums for 2026. State Health Plan members include teachers, state employees and retirees. This is the final step in the three-pronged effort to provide financial stability as the Plan faces a half a billion-dollar deficit. The approved premiums include increases for active members and, notably, a cost reduction for some employees who choose to cover children on their plan. To lessen the financial burden on the state’s lowest paid employees, the Plan will be introducing salary-based premiums in 2026.
Wake County will be able to seek financing to build a new Morrisville High School now that the Local Government Commi