For the first time in more than 40 years, a new company won the state contract to manage health insurance for more than 700,000 North Carolina state employees, teachers, retirees and their families.
State Treasurer Dale Folwell said Aetna will take over the plan in 2025, replacing Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.
Folwell’s office said the shift would bring $140 million in savings over the life of the contract.
The state health plan covers more than $17.5 billion in healthcare spending over five years.
A BlueCross spokeswoman said the company will pursue a formal appeal, and that it’s “seeking more information through a public records request to ensure the best outcome for North Carolina and all state health plan members.”
The contract runs from January 2025 through the end of 2027, with the option to renew for two one-year terms. Other contract details weren’t immediately available.