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North Carolina Health Plan Faces Cost Increases, Provider Shift

3/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

North Carolina State Health Plan leaders discussed cost increases for state employees using certain providers to address a shortfall covering 750,000 members.
A new model could raise costs for some specialist visits and offer free or low-cost options.
Lobbyist Suzanne Beasley urged public scrutiny of provider contracts to cut costs.
Officials plan to funnel patients to a limited provider group, drawing hospital criticism while saying shift benefits workers and taxpayers.

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Story summary

North Carolina State Health Plan leaders discussed cost increases for state employees using certain providers to address a shortfall covering 750,000 members.
A new model could raise costs for some specialist visits and offer free or low-cost options.
Lobbyist Suzanne Beasley urged public scrutiny of provider contracts to cut costs.
Officials plan to funnel patients to a limited provider group, drawing hospital criticism while saying shift benefits workers and taxpayers.