State
Employees Association of North Carolina
State Health Plan to operate two networks in 2020
Clear Pricing Project and BCBSNC’s Blue Options
With most of the state’s hospitals continuing their boycott of the Clear Pricing Project, State Treasurer Dale Folwell announced on Aug. 8 that the State Health Plan would operate in the coming year with a hybrid system. This system features two networks that will ensure all state employees and retirees have in-network coverage at facilities close to home.
The new North Carolina State Health Plan Network will consist of the more than 28,000 providers that signed on to the Clear Pricing Project in addition to Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina’s Blue Options Network, the network the plan currently uses.
The announcement came just days after a report by WalletHub found that North Carolina ranks 50th in the nation in health care, mostly because of outrageous costs and lack of access.
SEANC was the only employee organization willing to stand with Folwell in this fight to bring lower costs and transparency to the State Health Plan.
If implemented fully, the Clear Pricing Project would have saved plan members more than $60 million in out-of-pocket expenses and saved taxpayers more than $250 million.
Affordable Healthcare for North Carolina, an advocacy group created by SEANC members, launched an advertising and social media campaign aimed at compelling the boards of the state’s hospitals to do the right thing and sign on to the plan.
In the end, the hospitals would not budge from their boycott and cartel-like tactics.
“This process has exposed the amount of outsized influence and control the big hospital cartel has on our health care system,” said SEANC Executive Director Robert Broome. “We knew this would be a long-term struggle. We applaud State Treasurer Dale Folwell for having the courage to stand up to the hospitals, and SEANC will not diminish its efforts to bring transparency and lower costs to the State Health Plan.”
Folwell said the decision for the hybrid system was made to comply with access to care requirements for hospital coverage.
HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
» For 2020, members will have access to the SAME broad, statewide network that they do today, which is the Blue Options network administered by Blue Cross NC.
» Members enrolled in the 70/30, 80/20 and High Deductible Health Plans will also have access to the new network created by the Clear Pricing Project.
» Because of the success of the Clear Pricing Project, this network will include even more providers who are supportive of transparent and lower pricing.
» Open Enrollment for the 2020 benefit year will be held later in the fall at a date that will be announced soon.
» SEANC will continue to fight for transparency and lower costs in the State Health Plan.
Budget stalemate jeopardizes raises, bonuses
There is little to report in the ongoing state budget standoff since the July edition of The Reporter.
The legislature passed a budget in June that provides most state employees with the largest two-year pay increase in a decade (5%) and includes a 1% bonus for retirees.
Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed the bill because it didn’t contain Medicaid expansion. He issued a counterproposal that includes Medicaid expansion and a huge 8.5% pay increase for teachers.
As of press time, there are no indications that there are enough votes
to override the governor’s veto. The governor’s counterproposal does not have majority support either.
SEANC does not have a position on Medicaid expansion, and your raises and bonuses should not be used as a bargaining chip.
This stalemate may result in the legislature leaving Raleigh without a budget in place—meaning no raises, no bonuses, no much-needed correctional officer supplements, no community college and UNC System employee raises or any of the other parts of the budget that benefit state
employees and retirees.
In response, SEANC is working with legislators on an amendment to the technical corrections bill that would spend another $50 million to extend the 5% raise to all university staff. We will alert members as soon as an agreement has been reached.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP
» Visit seanc.org/engage to tell your legislators to override the governor’s veto and pass the budget to end the standoff.
» Follow SEANC on Facebook and Twitter for the latest information.
MEMBERS IN ACTION
SEANC President Jimmy Davis speaks with employees about the benefits of SEANC membership at the Isothermal Community College’s Healthy Living Event on Aug 12.
REPORTER THE
Jonathan Owens, Editor-In-Chief
Beth Dew, Managing Editor
ADVERTISING POLICY
Amanda Wise, Associate Editor
SEANC accepts advertising material from companies and persons seeking to communicate with SEANC members. Acceptance of this advertising does not indicate SEANC approval or endorsement of any representation that the message, product or service is as represented by the advertiser. SEANC accepts no responsibility and shall not be liable for any use of or reliance on any such information, product or service. SEANC is a private entity and is under no obligation to carry advertisements of any nature, political or otherwise, that may be viewed as contrary to the interests of the association and its membership.
SEANC member awarded placement in Leadership Program
The Emerging Leaders Committee awarded Sherry Washington of District 13 a scholarship to cover the cost of tuition, meals, travel and lodging upon acceptance into the Leadership North Carolina (LNC) program.
Washington participated in the LNC competitive application process and was accepted into the program!
She will join a class of 50-60 current and emerging leaders from across the state for six two-day sessions between Oct. 2019 and May 2020. These sessions will take place in various North Carolina locations. Participants will learn about the challenges and opportunities facing North Carolina, with a focus on building networks and turning knowledge into action to benefit their communities and the state.
District 17 members met with their district’s legislators on June 25. Pictured above: District 17 members Walton Jones and Tabitha Croom, Rep. Cecil Brockman (D-Guilford), District 17 member Andrew Murph and District 17 Chair Kemry LaMarr.
District 60 member Marcie Green presents a check to Holy Ghost Drawing Center President Adene George to aid the center in providing hot lunches, clothing and basic computer training for homeless individuals in the Goldsboro area.
District 2 members sponsored an employee appreciation event at Black Mountain Neuro-Medical Center on Aug. 7.
District 13 member Sherry Washington
JOHNNY DAVISON
Supplemental retirement plans receive leadership award
State Treasurer Dale Folwell, the Supplemental Retirement Board of Trustees and staff recently received recognition by the National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators (NAGDCA) as a Leadership Award recipient for outstanding achievement in Plan Design and Administration.
SEANC General Treasurer Chevella L. Thomas serves as a member of the Supplemental Retirement Board of Trustees.
NAGDCA’s annual Leadership Awards recognize the brightest ideas and most innovative solutions from across the public sector defined contribution industry.
“We have a decisive mission in managing plans to the benefit of our members,” said Thomas G. Causey, Interim Executive Director, Retirement Systems Division (RSD). “Our board is dedicated to this mission and we thank them for their support of this project. This award amplifies the positive coordination in our strategies and working relationships.”
In 2018, the Board of Trustees and the Department of State Treasurer took on a substantial enhancement of the Supplemental Retirement Plans’ investment lineup and asset allocation tool impacting 260,000 participant accounts, optimizing the investment lineup and saving NC 401(k) and NC 457 Plan participants over $4 million in investment management fees.
“I’m proud of the work our team is doing and being recognized for these efforts supports an important part of our mission in providing outstanding customer service and investment options while still cutting fees,” said Treasurer Folwell.
SEANC awards scholarships to members’ grandchildren
The following SEANC members’ grandchildren were awarded $500 scholarships to assist their accredited college or university expenses. The awards were given by the SEANC Retiree Council.
The Reporter, USPS 009-852 (ISSN 1069 2142), is published six times a year in the months of February, April, May, July, September and November for $2.50 per year, per member, by the State Employees Association of North Carolina, Inc., 1621 Midtown Place, Raleigh, NC 27609. Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh and additional offices. POSTMASTER, Send address changes to: THE REPORTER, 1621 Midtown Place, Raleigh, NC 27609
Zabrina Hice Morganton Appalachian State University granddaughter of District 5 member John Smith
Cameron Hawkins Glade Valley Ferrum College granddaughter of District 16 member Gurney Reavis
Megan Cribb Nakina Cape Fear Community College granddaughter of District 23 member Sue Faulk
Shannon Ward Hockessin
Appalachian State University granddaughter of District 13 member Betty Ward
Braxton Nowell Leland
UNC-Chapel Hill grandson of District 62 member Esther Smith
Alexandria Johnson Raleigh UNC-Greensboro granddaughter of District 44 member Viola Bullock
Anna Blackburn Jefferson Washington and Lee granddaughter of District 8 member Richard Blackburn
Shelby Anderson Wendell University of Mount Olive granddaughter of District 1 member Mary Pollock
Kiyelle Brown Raleigh UNC-Greensboro granddaughter of District 2 member Shirley Perry
General Treasurer
Chevella L. Thomas
At left, Executive Director Robert Broome speaks at the District 2 Member Appreciation/Retiree Forum at the Governor ’s Western Residence in Asheville on July 18. At right, District 7 member Gwen Wilkes and District 7 Chair/Retiree Council member Henry Belada stopped by to lend a hand.
The SEANC Scholarship Foundation and SEANC districts across the state announced they are awarding more than $50,000 in scholarships; $40,500 of that is being given out by the statewide SEANC Scholarship Foundation to 50 deserving students. The five categories of statewide scholarships include:
FOUR-YEAR FINANCIAL
$1,000 scholarship to attend a four-year college or university.
FOUR-YEAR MERIT
$1,000 merit scholarship to attend a four-year college or university.
TWO-YEAR FINANCIAL
$500 scholarship to attend a community college, technical school or trade school.
TWO-YEAR MERIT
$500 merit scholarship to attend a community college, technical school or trade school.
MEMBER-ONLY
$500 scholarship awarded to SEANC members.
THREE WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
1 2 3
PAYROLL DEDUCTION
Go to scholarship.seanc.org.
COMBINED CAMPAIGN
You may contribute by participating through the State Employees Combined Campaign. Look for number 1563 — SEANC Scholarship Foundation.
DIRECTLY TO FOUNDATION
You may also make a contribution directly to the SEANC Scholarship Foundation. Please make checks payable to the SEANC Scholarship Foundation.
Donations to the SEANC Scholarship Foundation are tax deductible.
Jan Usher Clinton
Joseph Keith Oxford
Two-Year Financial ($500)
Two-Year Merit ($500)
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Rachel Cline Robbinsville Western Carolina University
Daughter of District 1
member Frank Cline Dept. of Agriculture
Alison Cook Deep Gap Appalachian State University
Daughter of District 3
member Dan Cook Appalachian State University
Marisol Howard Matthews
Winston-Salem State University
Daughter of District 13
member Debra Howard
UNC- Charlotte
Jeremiah Kim
Wilmington
Harvard University
Son of District 59
member Michele Kim
Dept. of Health and Human Services
Zabrina Hice Morganton Appalachian State University
Daughter of District 5 member Amanda Hice Dept. of Public Instruction
K'la Brannon Durham Bennett College
Daughter of District 26
member Sherri Hill Dept. of Public Safety
Anna Mittelman Lawndale
NC State University
Daughter of District 4
member Michael Mittelman Dept. of Public Safety
Kripa Sriram Apex
NC State University
Daughter of District 42
member Soundarya Sriram
Dept. of Health and Human Services
Alicia Kim Apex Northeastern University
Daughter of District 37
member Tae-Gyu Kim Dept. of Transportation
Brandon Cain
Fayetteville
Fayetteville State University
Son of District 22
member Latoya Cain Dept. of Health and Human Services
Justin Flynn Garner East Carolina University
Son of District 42
member Nneamaka Flynn Dept. of Health and Human Services
Hannah Lewis Goldsboro
NC State University
Daughter of District 58
member Barbara Lewis Retired
Alexys Oliver Red Springs
UNC-Pembroke
Daughter of District 20
member Jacque Chatman Dept. of Public Safety
Rachel Stewart Morganton East Tennessee State University
Daughter of District 7
member Nicole Griffin Dept. of Health and Human Services
Shelby McLamb
Fayetteville
UNC-Chapel Hill
Daughter of District 22
member Cynthia McLamb
Cumberland County Schools
Emma Davis Clemmons
UNC-Chapel Hill
Daughter of District 16
member Ray Davis, Jr. Dept. of Public Safety
Anna Blount
Clinton
UNC-Chapel Hill
Daughter of District 61
member Toni Blount Clinton City Schools
Ashley Graham Whitakers
Meredith College
Daughter of District 57
member Kela Graham Dept. of Insurance
John Owen Honeycutt Locust
Duke University
Son of District 10
member Wendy Honeycutt Dept. of Public Safety
Kayla Kozup Greenville
UNC-Wilmington
Daughter of District 65
member Sherri Kozup East Carolina University
Maggie Cook Connelly Springs Appalacian State University
Daughter of District 6
member Jeanna Cook
Dept. of Health and Human Services
Keeley Jaco Brasstown Belmont
Son of District 1
member Angela Jaco Tri-County Community College
Carson Key
Reidsville
NC State University
Daughter of District 17
member Sandee Key Rockingham Community College
Abigail Burns Greenville
UNC-Chapel Hill
Daughter of District 65
member Crystal Baity East Carolina University
Zachary Everson Cary
NC State University
Son of District 39
member Paige Everson
Wake County Public Schools
Alyssa Westberry
Winston-Salem
Western Carolina University
Daughter of District 16
member Wanda Little
Winston-Salem State University
Katlyn Blackwell Raleigh East Carolina University
Daughter of District 46
member Yvette Franklin Retired
Julia Brodsky Southport
UNC-Charlotte
Daughter of District 62
member Shelly Harney NC Courts
Morgan Hall
Burke
Mars Hill University
Daughter of District 6
member Lori Hall Dept. of Health and Human Services
William Ambler Boone
University of Utah
Son of District 3
member Holly Ambler
Appalachian State University
Harley Williams Seaboard Chowan University
Daughter of District 56
member Daryl Williams Retired
Four-Year Financial ($1,000)
Four-Year Merit ($1,000)
SCHOLARSHIP
SCHARSHIP BOWL-A-THON
The SEANC Scholarship Foundation held its annual Bowl-a-thon on Saturday, July 27 at Buffaloe Lanes North in Raleigh. Thanks to the support of many, this tournament raised an unprecedented $6,500 for the Scholarship Foundation! The event featured several bowlers and a silent auction with items donated by SEANC members and local businesses.
Special thanks to the Scholarship Foundation Board; our volunteers; our corporate sponsors — Doug Sutton Insurance, Colonial Life, InfoArmor and Purchasing Power; our lane sponsors — President Jimmy Davis, Executive Director Robert Broome, Districts 10, 12, 33, 39, 42, 58, 61, 66, 67 and our team sponsors — Districts 2, 17, 19, 21, 41, 63, 64, 65 and 68.
District 58’s team (back row) District 58 member Pam Hailey, District 58 Chair Ross Hailey, District 58 members Eddie Brogden, Willie James Walker, (front row) Veineta Howard, Angela Brogden and LaKeisha Jones.
Pictured left to right are second place team members Landon Day, District 17 member Mitch Leonard, David Tribble, Leonard’s grandson Anderson Long, Garrett Ford and Scholarship Foundation Chair George Theissen.
District 10 member Kim Martin poses with her Biltmore silent auction package.
District 65 Chair Cynthia Hart ponders a bid on a silent auction item.
District 42 members Tralene Williams, Branda Watford and Shonda Kelly take a break to smile for the camera.
Scholarship Foundation Chair George Theissen presents first place winner District 19 member Anthony Weaver with a trophy for earning the highest single game score.
SEANC Executive Officers attended to show their support. Pictured left to right are Immediate Past President Stanley Drewery, President Jimmy Davis, Executive Director Robert Broome, First Vice President Martha Fowler, Second Vice President Kirk Montgomery and General Treasurer Chevella L. Thomas.
PHOTOS BY BRENDA JOHNSON
Representing State Employees in Grievances, Court of Appeals, and NC Office of Administrative Hearings
■ Disciplinary Appeals
■ Grievances / Just Cause
■ Exempt Designation
■ Health Care Registry
■ Whistleblower Cases
■ Dismissal Appeals
■ Law Enforcement Certification
State employees are good people. But even good people make mistakesmistakes that violate your rights as a career employee, discriminate against you, or cost you a promotion or job.
My practice is restricted to state personnel disciplinary and licensing matters. I have litigated personnel cases in the Office of Administrative Hearings since the 1990s.
If you have a grievance, disciplinary appeal, or any state employment matter, call (919) 865-2572 or email me at michael@mbyrnelawnc.com.
Learn how I put 20 years of experience and consistent success in state personnel cases to work for you - when your rights are on the line.
LAW OFFICES OF MICHAEL C. BYRNE
