Carolina Journal

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State Health Plan OKs premium hikes, preferred providers

On Friday, the North Carolina State Plan Board of Trustees (SHP) voted on what are being called monumental changes to the Plan over the next few years, including preferred provider hospital systems, benefit changes, and premiums for 2027, and the announcement of a Third Party Administrator (TPA) and Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) for 2028, in an effort to make improvements and reduce overall costs for the nearly 750,000 members covered by the Plan.

Theresa Opeka

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America 250 and The Battle of Moore”s Creek Bridge

In this special episode of The Debrief, Jeff Moore sits down with Bob Rosser to discuss Running the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge and the Revolutionary War history behind one of North Carolina’s most important early battles. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this conversation explores the people, places, and legacy of Moores Creek —...

Video

NC’s Booming Sports Betting Industry + Gov. Stein’s DPS Selection

This week on The Debrief, The Center Square’s Alan Wooten joins the show with the latest on North Carolina’s booming sports betting industry as state revenues approach the $300 million mark ahead of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Plus, the Carolina Journal team examines growing controversy surrounding Gov. Josh Stein’s selection to lead North Carolina’s Department...

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Bridge Safety, Abolishing The US Dept of Ed, and Teen Social Media Rules

This week on The Debrief, we break down the latest on Helene recovery efforts and Lake Lure bridge safety, where rebuilding, public access and long-term infrastructure questions remain front and center. We also bring you an update on North Carolina’s budget process, examine the renewed push to abolish the US Department of Education and what...

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Polls

March 2026 — Roy Cooper leads Michael Whatley in Senate Race by nearly 8 points

RALEIGH — With primary season officially over in North Carolina, all eyes are set on North Carolina’s US Senate race. According to the latest Carolina Journal Poll, a survey of 600 likely North Carolina voters, Democratic former Governor Roy Cooper (48.9%) leads Former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley (41.1%) by 7.8 points. Among registered...

February 2026 — Whatley holds 30-point lead, 50% unsure in GOP Senate primary 

More than 38% of likely Republican primary voters say they support Michael Whatley to win next week’s US Senate primary election in North Carolina, according to the latest Carolina Journal Poll. Whatley holds a 30-point lead over second-place candidate Don Brown, at 7.5%.  Yet 50% of those surveyed indicated they were unsure about who they would support in...

January 2026 — North Carolinians want to choose their public school

RALEIGH — This week marks the 16th annual National School Choice Week. Every year, in recognition of National School Choice Week, the Carolina Journal Poll surveys likely North Carolina voters on matters of education. In this year’s poll, voters continued to show strong support for school choice programs, such as open enrollment, the Opportunity Scholarship...

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State Government

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BCBSNC wins State Health Plan TPA, PBM contracts

In addition to voting on preferred provider hospital systems, benefit changes, and premiums for 2027 at its Friday board meeting, the North Carolina State Health Plan Board of Trustees also awarded the Third-Party Administrator (TPA) and Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) contracts to Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) effective January 2028.This will bring BCBSNC back as the TPA after a three-year hiatus. CVS Caremark is the current PBM for the SHP.

Theresa Opeka
News

State Health Plan OKs premium hikes, preferred providers

On Friday, the North Carolina State Plan Board of Trustees (SHP) voted on what are being called monumental changes to the Plan over the next few years, including preferred provider hospital systems, benefit changes, and premiums for 2027, and the announcement of a Third Party Administrator (TPA) and Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) for 2028, in an effort to make improvements and reduce overall costs for the nearly 750,000 members covered by the Plan.

Theresa Opeka

Federal Government

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