CHARLOTTE — A growing dispute between Atrium Health and North Carolina Treasurer Brad Briner could create more uncertainty for state employees and retirees trying to understand their health insurance costs.
On Wednesday, Briner announced that most Atrium Health facilities would be moved to the out-of-network tier of the North Carolina State Health Plan, the most expensive tier for patients under the plan’s new structure. The change is set to take effect in 2027.
The dispute began after the State Health Plan introduced a tiered provider system that offers lower out-of-pocket costs when members use providers that have agreed to deeper discounts. Atrium was initially placed in a non-preferred tier.
Julie Fortner, a retired employee of Cleveland County Schools who worked there for nearly 30 years, said maintaining state health insurance is an important benefit for many public employees, including after retirement.
“I am blessed to have the state insurance plan, and I’m grateful for it. I worked all those years for it,” Fortner said.
She said she has used Atrium Health services and is confused about what the latest changes could mean for patients.
“It is confusing. We don’t understand all the lingo, all the insurance lingo and all the political stuff behind the scenes,” she said.
The latest move follows Atrium’s Oct. 6 announcement of its Affordability Protection Program.
The health system says it will cover eligible members’ deductibles and coinsurance for care at Atrium facilities, lowering out-of-pocket costs beginning Jan. 1.
Briner has argued that Atrium’s program could threaten the financial stability of the State Health Plan.
He said moving Atrium facilities out of network is intended to protect the plan and could save the state hundreds of millions of dollars.
He has also said state employees would not face higher costs if Atrium follows through on its affordability commitment.
A judge on Tuesday denied the State Health Plan’s request to block Atrium’s program. The plan’s leadership has warned that it may need to raise premiums to maintain its financial stability.
Fortner said she worries about how the ongoing dispute could affect other members.
“It is scary, and I can see where people are gonna panic and maybe not do the right thing,” she said.
Atrium did not respond to Channel 9’s request for comment Wednesday night.
When it announced its program, the health system said its goal was to help state employees continue receiving care from providers they know and trust.
“The most important message we want State Health Plan members to hear is simple: we’ve got your back,” Atrium said in its Oct. 6 announcement.