Treasurer Folwell Rolls Out Road Tour to Highlight Transition to Aetna as the State Health Plan’s New Third-Party Administrator

State Health Plan Legal Victory Fuels Bus Tour

Raleigh, NC

Jul 16, 2024

State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, and the State Health Plan (Plan) announced today that the Plan is partnering with Aetna, its new Third-Party Administrator (TPA), to launch an expansive road tour across the state to meet with members about the benefits and enhanced programs offered by Aetna beginning Jan. 1, 2025. The tour will offer members the opportunity to ask questions to learn more about the transition. Members will also have the chance to receive their annual flu shot at locations while supplies last.<_o3a_p>

The road tour, featuring Aetna-themed vehicles, will kick off in Raleigh at the Department of State Treasurer's office on July 25, then will be at the North Carolina General Assembly on Aug. 22. After the Raleigh stops, the tour will roll through the state from late August through late October, with stops in Charlotte, Wilmington, Asheville, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville and numerous other locations. The tour coincides with the Plan's 2025 Open Enrollment period, which will be held Sept. 30 through Oct. 25, 2024.<_o3a_p>

The Plan and Aetna are ready to meet people in person during the tour, online or by telephone. For those unable to come out in person, the Plan will also be offering numerous webinars and Telephone Town Halls containing the same information as in-person events. A list of tour locations and webinars can be found here.<_o3a_p>

This tour comes on the heels of the Office of Administrative Hearings' (OAH) decision in favor of the Plan. Blue Cross NC challenged the Plan's contract award to Aetna. However, OAH ruled that the process clearly revealed that Aetna's bid was superior to Blue Cross NC's bid, and the Plan's Board of Trustees properly approved the contract's award to Aetna. Subsequently, Blue Cross NC decided not to appeal the well-reasoned opinion of the OAH judge.<_o3a_p>

"We're thrilled to offer teachers, state employees and others who serve our state the ability to meet directly with representatives of Aetna," Treasurer Folwell said. "With the litigation behind us, we are focusing on providing a seamless transition for members. The new contract reflects a partnership with Aetna not only focusing on transparency and lowering costs, but also providing high-quality and accessible health care."<_o3a_p>

The transition to Aetna does not affect Plan retirees enrolled in Humana's Medicare Advantage plans.<_o3a_p>

Plan members will start receiving 2025 Open Enrollment information in the mail this summer. More information regarding the tour and other events are located on the Plan's website at www.shpnc.org.<_o3a_p>

The State Health Plan, a division of the Department of State Treasurer, provides health care coverage to more than 740,000 teachers, state employees, retirees, current and former lawmakers, state university and community college personnel, and their dependents.<_o3a_p><_o3a_p>

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