Despite premium increases that hit members last year, the long-term sustainability of the State Health Plan remains an open question — and State Treasurer Brad Briner says it's still one of his top concerns.

The Board of Trustees met this week to take up cost-control strategies, voting to restructure benefits around a three-tier network designed to steer members toward high-value providers. The change is aimed at reining in costs, but what it means for your out-of-pocket expenses and provider access will depend heavily on how the new tiers are defined and communicated to members.

SEANC is watching closely. Transparency and sustainability aren't just budget issues — they're questions about whether state employees and retirees can count on their health coverage for the long haul.

On this week's episode of The SEANC View Podcast, we dig into all of it: the three-tier restructuring, the plan's decision not to renew Aetna's contract, and what the expansion of the Lantern surgery network means for members.

We also address Governor Josh Stein's proposed critical needs budget and its potential impact on state employees and retirees, upcoming veto override votes, primary election recounts, and what to expect when the short legislative session gets underway. Click below to listen.