State Treasurer Brad Briner told reporters this week that premium increases for the State Health Plan will be more common during his term, with another increase possible in 2027.

Former Treasurer Dale Folwell did not increase premiums for eight years. Briner took over in January, and the State Health Plan Board of Trustees approved salary-based increases in August.

The board met on Friday morning, and SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins once again implored them not to shift costs to state employees and retirees, who are already struggling with a lack of raises this year, since no state budget has been passed.

Instead, trustees and Treasurer Briner should fight for transparency in costs paid by the Plan. Estimates indicate that the Plan is paying nine times the Medicare rate for some procedures.

Watkins also discussed the more than $7 billion in liabilities that the Plan currently holds due to municipalities participating in the Plan. Suzanne Beasley, Government Relations Director, outlined the problem in a letter to trustees.

How do you feel about possible State Health Plan premium increases again next year? Click here to tell the Board of Trustees that you can't afford it.

In this week's episode of The SEANC View Podcast, we delve into the issue in depth. We also discuss the news that the state retirement system made $14 billion this year, while retirees continue to struggle without cost-of-living adjustments. We also talk about the opening of the filing period for the 2026 election.