News

Stay informed with the newest announcements, stories, and member highlights.

October 2, 2026

Members draw a line: No endorsements in incumbent races

This year, SEANC members decided not to endorse any candidate running in a race with an incumbent legislator. EMPAC, SEANC’s political action committee, normally backs candidates in dozens of legislative races each election. This year it is backing two. Members made that call because the General Assembly has not stood up for the people who […]

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State Health Plan September 25, 2026

Wake Commissioners approve WakeMed/Atrium merger, but fight continues

Wake County Commissioners voted 5-2 Monday night to clear the way for WakeMed to merge with Atrium Health, capping nearly five months of public opposition and last-minute deal changes. Commissioners Vickie Adamson and Tara Waters cast the two “no” votes, citing a rushed process and unresolved questions about what the county was actually signing. SEANC […]

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September 25, 2026

Prepare to be scared with an exclusive Busch Gardens deal for SEANC members

Summer may be over, but the fun doesn’t have to end. SEANC members get exclusive discounted tickets to Busch Gardens, and for a limited time, the deal is even better: buy one ticket, get one free. That’s half off, with a minimum purchase of two tickets. Howl-O-Scream is underway now on select nights through Nov. […]

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State Health Plan September 18, 2026

Wake Commissioners to vote on WakeMed/Atrium merger Monday

Wake County Commissioners are scheduled to vote Monday on the measure that would clear the way for WakeMed to merge with Atrium Health, ending a pause that’s lasted since May. This isn’t just a Wake County issue. Every State Health Plan member statewide has a stake in this vote. State Health Plan leaders say the merger could […]

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State Health Plan September 18, 2026

State Health Plan adds rural Atrium providers to Access tier

The State Health Plan and Atrium Health have reached an agreement adding nine rural Atrium hospitals — including two in Cleveland County (Shelby and Kings Mountain) — plus three children’s hospitals to the Plan’s lower-cost “Access” tier starting in 2027. That avoids a steep cost jump for members who rely on them. The deal follows […]

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September 4, 2026

WakeMed/Atrium vote could come next week

Wake County Commissioners could vote on their portion of the proposed WakeMed-Atrium merger as soon as Tuesday, Sept. 8, capping nearly four months of public debate. WakeMed responded to Gov. Josh Stein’s Aug. 17 letter, claiming that the hospital needs to merge with Atrium to keep up with expected growing demand in the Triangle area. […]

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State Health Plan August 28, 2026

Gov. Stein calls for ‘close scrutiny’ on WakeMed-Atrium merger

This week’s on The SEANC View Podcast, we continue to dig into the proposed merger of WakeMed and Atrium Health. Gov. Josh Stein’s office sent WakeMed a pointed letter this month saying the deal “deserves close scrutiny and careful consideration.” We’re glad to see the Governor weigh in — but for members who’ve been sounding […]

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August 21, 2026

Big changes coming to the state’s HR law. Here’s what it means for you.

For the first time since the 1960s, North Carolina has rewritten the law governing how state government hires, pays, and manages its workforce. SEANC worked hard to make sure it came out favorable to employees. Gov. Josh Stein signed Senate Bill 1041, the Public Workforce Modernization Act, into law on July 6, creating a new […]

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