Raleigh, N.C. — The State Health Plan board voted Friday to transfer management of the health insurance program for state employees and a separate drug benefits contract back to Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, undoing a 2023 decision that had shifted control to Aetna. The change is scheduled to take effect in 2028.
What leaders say and why it matters
State Treasurer Brad Briner, who oversees the State Health Plan, framed the decision as a major benefit for members. In public comments about the board action he said the move was significant for enrollees.
“This is monumental for all our members,” Briner said.
According to reporting, the 2023 contract award to Aetna was contentious and provoked complaints from some plan participants. The switch back to Blue Cross could affect what members pay, which services are covered and which providers are in-network, officials warned. Aetna representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment following Friday’s vote.
Potential consequences and open questions
Observers say the transition raises several practical and legal issues. The original 2023 decision to award the multibillion-dollar contract to Aetna prompted litigation; reversing course could invite further legal challenges. State officials have also moved on other plan changes recently, including premium increases and a new tiered provider system that assigns preferred and non-preferred status to providers and offers lower costs for employees who use preferred providers.
- Timing: The management change is planned for 2028.
- Coverage impact: The switch may alter premiums, covered services and network status for providers.
- Legal risk: Past litigation after the 2023 award to Aetna suggests the move could be challenged in court.
Background and context
For decades before 2023, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina managed the State Health Plan. The 2023 decision to select Aetna represented a significant policy shift under then-Treasurer Dale Folwell. In recent months, Treasurer Briner indicated he favored returning the contract to Blue Cross, citing different administrative priorities. Aetna told reporters in March that it had completed a complex transition and remained committed to improving members’ health and well-being.
| Year | Action |
|---|---|
| Pre-2023 | Blue Cross managed the State Health Plan |
| 2023 | Board awarded management to Aetna |
| 2026 (July) | Board voted to return management to Blue Cross; effective 2028 |
Plan members, state officials and providers will be watching the implementation closely. Changes to network design and drug benefit management can affect access, out-of-pocket costs and continuity of care for public employees and their families. The possibility of legal disputes also creates uncertainty about the timetable and final terms of any new contract.
This report is based on public statements from state officials and reporting on the State Health Plan board vote. It does not offer medical or legal advice; members with questions about their coverage should contact plan administrators or their human resources office for plan-specific information.
