The State Health Plan Board of Trustees voted today to increase premiums for most state employees and retirees for the first time in eight years.

The increases will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The plan consists of a tiered structure for the increases, with higher-paid employees paying more monthly than lower-paid employees. For some, the increase will be as low as $15 per month, while those making over $90,000 could see their premiums triple.

SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins spoke out against the increases at the meeting (video above), pointing out to the board that the increases and the lack of a raise this year will mean that state employees and retirees will take home less next year than this year.

"We don't want to see (premium increases)," she said. "We believe that instead of increasing prices on people who aren't getting a raise… there's been no final budget and there may never be a final budget… this sets them so far behind that it's absolutely wrong. I hope moving forward, we can hold the people who are making four times what it takes to make a profit accountable."

This week's episode of The SEANC View Podcast, recorded before the meeting, focuses on the State Health Plan increases. We also discuss the state budget, Gen Z employees, and more.