The dispute between Duke Health and Aetna has profound implications for state employees and retirees. If a deal is not reached by next month, the health care of around 70,000 State Health Plan members in the Triangle could be in jeopardy.

State Treasurer Brad Briner told WRAL this week that if Duke Health gets its way, state employees and retirees could face another premium increase in addition to the one just announced.

"Don't get me wrong, we want our provider community to be healthy and financially successful," Briner said. "But there's a difference between successful and greedy. And I think we're crossing that line here."

In this week's episode of The SEANC View Podcast, hosts Jonathan Owens and Ardis Watkins unpack the dispute, explaining how secret hospital reimbursements affect State Health Plan members and push up premiums, and why members should urge State Treasurer Brad Briner and state lawmakers to demand transparency.

The episode also previews the General Assembly's return and the criminal justice measures under consideration, from magistrate authority to renewed debate over the death penalty, while raising broader concerns about budget priorities and staffing shortages.

The episode also includes a Gen Z Takeover interview with District 21 member Latoya Satterwhite, a teacher assistant in Granville County, who shares her experience working with exceptional children, the challenges of public‑school pay and career advancement, mental‑health stresses, and how membership in SEANC supports state employees and retirees.

You can click below to listen to this week's episode.