With changes to the State Health Plan still making headlines, Plan leaders — including State Treasurer Brad Briner — met with Atrium Health leadership this week in Raleigh.

Very little information was released about the meeting, only that both sides called it “constructive” and said they’re committed to finding a path forward for the Plan and its members. An update is expected within a few weeks.

At issue is Atrium’s status as a “non-preferred” provider for the Plan beginning January 1, 2027, along with Granville Health and some Duke LifePoint facilities. The Plan says Atrium didn’t submit a competitive proposal during contract negotiations; Atrium disputes that account and says its focus is on continuing care for patients who use its facilities.

SEANC supports the Plan’s broader push to control costs for members and taxpayers by getting hospital systems to compete on price. We also know members in areas where Atrium is the dominant or only nearby provider don’t have many alternatives to choose from. That’s why these ongoing talks matter, and why we’ll keep watching for real movement, not just another “constructive conversation” headline.

Technical Corrections bill includes policy, jobs

The Senate injected policy into what is usually a non-controversial technical clean-up of the state budget this week. Lawmakers are moving a follow-up bill to fix and adjust parts of the state budget passed earlier this month. Along with routine cleanup, it restores some funding that had been cut and shifts a handful of policy items — including changes to who controls oversight of local governments and new restrictions on how the Governor’s cabinet appointments get approved.

The bill passed the Senate largely along party lines and still needs a final vote before heading to the House.

Elections bill shortens early voting

The Senate also approved a broader elections bill this week. The two changes most likely to affect you at the polls: early voting for primaries, runoffs, and special elections would shrink from 17 days to 10, and the State Auditor would be required to conduct additional post-election audits of county vote totals. The bill passed on a party-line vote and still needs House approval.

We discussed these items and more in this week’s episode of The SEANC View Podcast. Click below to listen.