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Folwell backs decision to award Aetna the State Health Plan contract

North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell said Tuesday the decision to go with Aetna as the third-party administrator for the State Health Plan was in the best interest of plan members. During his monthly “Ask Me Anything” Q&A conference call with reporters, Folwell emphasized that neither North Carolina Blue Cross Blue Shield, nor incoming Aetna, have ever been the actual insurer for the SHP, but rather the administrator of it.

Theresa Opeka
News

Health care costs at center of debate in race for state treasurer

Taxes and employee benefits are at the center of the race for N.C. treasurer. Republican incumbent Dale Folwell and Democrat Ronnie Chatterji are clashing over the future of the state’s finances, including its $108 billion pension fund and health plan.  The candidates met recently as part of the 2020 Hometown Debate Series with Spectrum News...

Julie Havlak

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CJ politics week in review, Oct. 5-9

Each week, staff at Carolina Journal looks back at the week in N.C. politics and chooses several interesting, relevant stories you may have missed. Cunningham investigation: The U.S. Army Reserve Command is investigating U.S. Senate candidate Cal Cunningham after news broke the Democrat had an affair with a military veteran’s wife, the News & Observer...

Julie Havlak, Lindsay Marchello
News

Labor commissioner debate exposes stark differences on state reopening plans

Reopening the economy during COVID-19 is a hotly contested issue in the race for N.C. Commissioner of Labor. The two candidates — Republican state Rep. Josh Dobson, R-McDowell, and Democratic county commissioner Jessica Holmes — would take drastically different approaches to that, and labor issues generally. Dobson supports North Carolina’s right-to-work laws, deregulation, and economic...

Julie Havlak
News

Truitt, Mangrum debate Opportunity Scholarships, reopening schools

Reopening schools is the top priority of Catherine Truitt, the Republican candidate for state superintendent.  Truitt also wants to defend the Opportunity Scholarship program, but her Democratic opponent, Jen Mangrum, argues learning must take a back seat to teacher safety. Opportunity Scholarships provide low-income students up to $4,200 per year to help pay tuition at...

Julie Havlak
News

Contrasting views of race dominate lieutenant governor candidate debate

“I don’t consider myself to be a black leader. I consider myself to be a leader in N.C. who just happens to be black.”  That’s how Republican candidate for lieutenant governor Mark Robinson introduced himself at a debate hosted by the N.C. Institute of Political Leadership and Spectrum News.  The two candidates running to become...

Julie Havlak
News

State Health Plan will cover costs associated with COVID-19

North Carolina teachers and other state employees won’t pay out-of-pocket for coronavirus treatments through June 1.  State Treasurer Dale Folwell announced Thursday, April 2, the State Health Plan will cover treatments for diagnosed COVID-19 cases, including deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance through June 1.  The plan already covered the cost of COVID-19 testing for members. The...

Julie Havlak
News

New Medicare Advantage contract ends premiums for state retirees without adding costs to taxpayers

State retirees and their dependents beginning next year won’t pay premiums on Medicare Advantage plans. The State Health Plan awarded Humana a new contract that will save taxpayers $590 million over three years. The savings will allow the State Health Plan to erase retirees’ monthly premiums for Medicare Advantage plans, State Treasurer Dale Folwell announced...

Julie Havlak