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 months of dispute over the Plan’s new tiered network, which was meant to push members toward hospitals offering lower prices. Atrium, the state’s largest system, was initially placed in the pricier “non-preferred” tier.

Where SEANC stands: We’re glad these hospitals landed in a lower-cost tier — rural members and families needing specialized children’s care shouldn’t pay more just because Atrium runs their hospital. State employees and teachers deserve a Plan that holds every provider to the same price standard, regardless of size or political sway. We’ll be watching whether Atrium’s “affordability commitments” actually show up in what members pay.

We discussed this issue on the podcast as well. Click here to listen.