Aetna chosen over BCBSNC for State Health Plan

State Treasurer Dale Folwell announced on Jan. 4 that the State Health Plan will switch from longtime administrator Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) to Aetna in 2025.

The administrative contract, awarded by the State Health Plan Board of Trustees, oversees health care spending of more than $17.5 billion over five years. BCBSNC, which has administered the plan for more than 40 years, and United HealthCare both filed appeals against the board’s decision, but were denied.

It’s important to remember that this change will not take effect for two years. It will not affect Humana Medicare Advantage plans for retirees.

“Partnering with Aetna, which already employs over 10,000 people in North Carolina, will create a lot of new opportunities for the Plan and the members we serve,” said State Treasurer Dale Folwell. “A change of this magnitude is a great opportunity for a fresh perspective, and we look forward to working closely with Aetna to create new ways to provide price transparency, increase access and quality while lowering the cost of health care for those who teach, protect and serve, and taxpayers like them.”

As the leading voice for state employees and retirees, news outlets turned to SEANC for our opinion on the change. SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins appeared in stories from several news outlets, including the News & Observer and Charlotte Observer, WRAL-TV, CBS-17, and the Associated Press.

Watkins also sent a message alerting all members of the change, making it clear that SEANC would stand up for our members’ interests.

“I have already spoken with representatives of Aetna to let them know we will represent the best interests of our members in this process, she stated. We want to help make this transition as smooth as possible. Our ultimate goal is for our members to continue seeing the doctors they want without incurring a cost increase.”

SEANC has worked with the Treasurer’s office for the last five years to ensure your premiums and out-ofpocket costs did not increase. The Plan is now at a crossroads, where without drastic changes, members would likely see rising costs in the next three years to stay solvent.

While this change will save $140 million, we will only achieve the savings required to keep the State Health Plan affordable to employees, retirees, and their families by fighting for true price transparency and savings on what the Plan pays hospitals.

Folwell said Plan members will start receiving more information regarding the changes in 2024 prior to Open Enrollment for the 2025 benefit year.