State Treasurer Dale Folwell announced Wednesday that the State Health Plan will switch from longtime administrator Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina to Aetna in 2025.

It's important to remember that this change will not take effect for two years. It will not affect Humana Medicare Advantage plans for retirees.

As the leading voice for state employees and retirees, news outlets turned to SEANC for our opinion on the change. SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins appeared in stories from several news outlets, including the News & Observer and Charlotte Observer, WRAL-TV, CBS-17, and the Associated Press.

Watkins also sent a message alerting all members of the change, making it clear that SEANC would stand up for our members’ interests.

“I have already spoken with representatives of Aetna to let them know we will represent the best interests of our members in this process. We want to help make this transition as smooth as possible. Our ultimate goal is for our members to continue seeing the doctors they want without incurring a cost increase.”

SEANC has worked with the Treasurer's office for the last five years to ensure your premiums and out-of-pocket costs did not increase. The Plan is now at a crossroads, where without drastic changes, members would likely see rising costs in the next three years to stay solvent.

While this change will save $140 million, we will only achieve the savings required to keep the State Health Plan affordable to employees, retirees, and their families by fighting for true price transparency and savings on what the Plan pays hospitals.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has already stated it will fight the decision, which could include an appeal to the General Assembly. The legislature opens its 2023 long session on Wednesday, Jan. 11. SEANC’s team of lobbyists will be on the ground throughout the session, watching this issue and others pertaining to state employees and retirees.