SEANC members scored a victory last Friday when the State Health Plan Board of Trustees, responding to a large outcry from plan members, decided not to raise premiums or make other major plan changes for 2017.

As you’ll recall from last week’s Scoop, the board had considered killing the 80/20 plan and spousal coverage based on a proposal from the state Treasurer’s staff. By the opening of last Friday afternoon’s meeting, state Treasurer Janet Cowell proclaimed that plan “off the table.”
Both board members and legislators credited the many calls, emails and visits from plan members for the change in direction. Several legislators were even in attendance at Friday’s meeting. Rep. Darren Jackson (D-Wake) pleaded with the board to hold off on the changes until the legislature returned to session.
SEANC Director of Operations Chuck Stone spoke out for the association at the meeting. You can see his comments by clicking here.

The board decided to delay action on any changes to the plan until May 1. The General Assembly returns to session on April 25. SEANC will keep members informed on any proposed changes or developments as that date nears.