State-run insurance plans for foster kids leave some of them without doctors
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North Carolinians find common ground on health care costs, Medicaid, poll shows
By Rose Hoban North Carolinians feeling the heat of rising health care costs say they’re making difficult choices — some even skipping care they need because of the financial pinch. This is just one finding from a telephone interview poll of 800 North Carolina residents at the beginning of March that asked a broad array…
North Carolina lawmakers take aim at hospitals’ prized tax perks
By Michelle Crouch As North Carolina lawmakers search for ways to reduce the tax burden for state residents, they’re taking aim at the generous tax breaks the state’s nonprofit and public hospitals have long enjoyed. Proposals discussed by a House committee on March 18 would significantly scale back two key tax exemptions. If passed, they…
Big changes ahead for State Health Plan as trustees work to lower costs
By Clayton Henkel NC Newsline North Carolina teachers and state employees can expect more changes to the State Health Plan in 2027 as trustees work to control rising costs for care. Tom Friedman, the State Health Plan administrator, says the plan closed a $507 million deficit in 2025, but there’s more work to be done…
New SNAP requirements could stress county budgets
By Morgan Casey Border Belt Independent Using a blue pen, Bladen County Board of Commissioners chair Cameron McGill signed 18 letters to state lawmakers in late January. One was for N.C. Speaker of the House Destin Hall. Another for the state Senate’s Republican leader, Phil Berger. Others were addressed to senior chairs of the committees…
A new perk for state workers: free surgery
By Michelle Crouch What if your health plan offered free surgery, but only by surgeons on its approved list? That’s the incentive behind a new program the North Carolina State Health Plan is rolling out for more than 700,000 teachers, state workers and their families. The plan connects members needing certain procedures with a select…
Population growth to impact water infrastructure
By Jennifer Allen Coastal Review Online As North Carolina’s population grows, local and state governments, elected officials, educators and nonprofit groups are bracing for the demands more residents will put on the state’s already taxed and aging water infrastructure. The 2026 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Water held Feb. 25 brought together these decision-makers and…
