State Health Plan board approves strategic plan, Medicare Advantage benefits
RALEIGH — The State Health Plan Board of Trustees has approved a 2026-2032 strategic plan and 2027 Medicare Advantage benefits, according to the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer.
The State Health Plan provides health care coverage to more than 750,000 teachers, state employees, retirees, current and former lawmakers, state university and community college personnel and dependents.
The board unanimously approved the strategic plan June 5. The plan focuses on protecting affordable premiums and stable benefits, helping members achieve better health and ensuring members have access to care.
The board also approved 2027 Medicare Advantage benefits for the plan. The changes affect Humana Medicare Advantage plans, which currently serve nearly 177,000 Medicare retirees. According to the Department of State Treasurer, the changes are projected to save the plan about $31.5 million while continuing comprehensive coverage options for retirees.
The department said the actions are part of a broader effort to improve health outcomes, preserve affordability for members and taxpayers and address long-term financial challenges facing health care affordability.
The board also received updates on programs intended to improve member health and manage costs.
One of those programs is Lantern, a surgery and specialty care navigation program that connects members with providers and offers eligible procedures at no cost. Since launching late last year, more than 1,000 plan members have received a zero-dollar procedure through Lantern, generating about $12 million in savings for the plan, according to the department. The participating North Carolina provider network has grown from 60 providers in November 2025 to 194 providers in May 2026.
The board also reviewed the Eat Well Pilot Program, which launched June 1. The program is limited to 1,000 eligible members who have at least one cardiometabolic condition — Type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease or chronic kidney disease — and household income at or below $50,000. The program provides an $80 monthly grocery benefit to buy nutrient-dense foods.
The board also reviewed proposed 2027 benefit changes for active and non-Medicare members, including a multi-tier network structure previously approved in March. A final vote on those proposed changes is scheduled for July 10. That meeting is also expected to include votes on 2027 premium rates and announcements on the 2028 third-party administrator and pharmacy benefit manager.
Editor’s note: This article was drafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence and was reviewed and fact-checked by a member of the NC Political News editorial team before publication.
