Atrium Health Signed North Carolina State Health Agreement
The state insurance program reached a deal to classify Atrium facilities in the Access tier for the 2027 plan year.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Healthcare
Live Poll
Do you trust your state government to keep healthcare affordable for public employees?
Atrium Health and the North Carolina State Health Plan announced a network agreement on Sept. 14. The move places Atrium hospitals and clinics into the plan's Access tier starting next year.
Why it matters
The State Health Plan is leveraging its purchasing power to control rising medical costs for its 750,000 members. This agreement seeks to prevent a previously projected 21% premium increase while preserving patient access to rural and pediatric care.
For 2027, the Access tier deductible is $3,000 with a $6,500 out-of-pocket maximum, compared to $1,500 and $4,000 for Preferred providers. In contrast, Non-Preferred providers carry a $5,000 deductible and a $12,000 out-of-pocket maximum.
The players
Atrium Health
This is a large, non-profit healthcare system that operates numerous hospitals and clinics across the state.
North Carolina State Health Plan
This entity provides health insurance coverage for nearly 750,000 state employees, teachers, retirees, and their dependents.
The details
The deal includes various regional facilities, such as Levine Children's Hospital, Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital, and Brenner Children's Hospital. It specifically covers Atrium locations across Alleghany, Anson, Cleveland, Columbus, Lincoln, Scotland, Stanly, and Wilkes counties.
Timeline
July 27: State Health Plan and Atrium leaders held a meeting.
Sept. 14: The agreement between Atrium and the state was announced.
Oct. 12-30: Open enrollment period for the 2027 plan year.
Jan. 1: The new tiered healthcare system takes effect.
Market Landscape
This agreement follows the established structure of the North Carolina State Health Plan tiered provider system. It highlights the state's broader strategy to force competition among hospital systems to manage rising insurance premiums for its workforce.
Plan members choosing Atrium facilities will face the $3,000 Access tier deductible rather than the lower $1,500 Preferred rate. Residents should review their specific coverage needs during the October open enrollment window to understand how this tier placement impacts their household budget.
The takeaway
Patients should verify their hospital's tier status before seeking non-emergency care to avoid higher out-of-pocket expenses. Reviewing plan provider directories during open enrollment is essential to managing health costs under the new tiered structure.
What happens next
Open enrollment for the 2027 plan year will take place from Oct. 12 to Oct. 30, and the new tiered structure will officially take effect on Jan. 1.
Further reading
Learn more about the state’s healthcare network strategy on the Healthcare page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The North State Journal.
Live Poll
Do you trust your state government to keep healthcare affordable for public employees?
