About 750,000 teachers, state employees, retirees, and dependents covered by the North Carolina State Health Plan now have until Nov. 6 to make their 2027 benefit choices, the State Treasurer's office announced. Open enrollment began Oct. 12 and had been set to end Oct. 30. The plan said it added time so members can review how a new copay program from Atrium Health, which the state is challenging in court, could affect them.
For households in the Charlotte area and the Triad, where Atrium is a major provider, the choice could shape what a family pays next year for a doctor visit, a specialist, or a hospital stay. Members are hearing conflicting messages. Atrium says its program will lower its costs, while the plan says the program is unlawful and could threaten its finances.
