Novant Health to Limit Wait Times by 2027
Novant and UNC Health to become exclusive Preferred Providers for North Carolina State Health Plan members.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Healthcare
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Starting January 1, 2027, Novant Health and UNC Health will become the sole Preferred Providers for the North Carolina State Health Plan. Novant Health plans to ensure new-patient appointments within a 10-day window as part of this transition.
Why it matters
This strategic partnership aims to guarantee that state employees have timely access to healthcare services across the network. By centralizing preferred care, the state intends to streamline patient pathways for plan members.
Novant Health operates 18 hospitals and over 700 clinics across North Carolina. The system is establishing a dedicated concierge line at 888-894-9777 to facilitate scheduling for plan members.
The players
Novant Health
A non-profit integrated health system that manages a network of hospitals, clinics, and outpatient facilities.
UNC Health
An academic health system based in North Carolina that is partnering with Novant to serve state plan members.
The details
State Health Plan members will be able to utilize a dedicated concierge line or the state health plan website to coordinate care. The initiative relies on Novant Health's existing infrastructure, which includes extensive virtual care services and physical locations across the state.
Timeline
January 1, 2027: Novant and UNC become sole Preferred Providers.
2027: Implementation of the 10-day appointment goal.
Market Landscape
This move consolidates the health system network for state employees under the North Carolina State Health Plan Preferred Provider designation. It marks a transition toward a more exclusive provider model intended to focus care through two major state systems.
Plan members will need to verify if their current primary care providers remain in-network under the new exclusive Preferred Provider structure. Residents can use the dedicated concierge line to manage the transition of their appointments.
The takeaway
Patients should prepare for potential changes to their provider access by reviewing the updated network list prior to the 2027 deadline. Utilizing the dedicated concierge line early can help clarify coverage questions before the new policy takes effect.
Further reading
Learn more about local health initiatives in North Carolina Healthcare.
Live Poll
Do you believe state-preferred health networks improve timely access to care for local residents?
