The SEANC View

State Treasurer Brad Briner Breaks Down Recent State Health Plan Wins

This week, State Treasurer Brad Briner visited The SEANC View Podcast for an extensive interview covering everything from the status of the State Health Plan to the prospect of cost-of-living adjustments for retirees.
In the last few weeks, Briner’s office has been on quite a roll. On Tuesday, he announced a significant agreement with CVS Caremark that has ended a long-standing dispute and is expected to bring savings to Plan members. It may also enable the plan to cover GLP-1 drug treatment for weight loss once again.
Last week, his office brokered a deal between Duke and Aetna that will allow State Health Plan members to continue to see Duke doctors in-network.
We discussed the state retirement system and the need for true COLAs for retirees at length as well. He elaborated on his comments on NC Newsline this week, stating that changes to the system's investing strategy may allow for a raise in 2027. He also discussed fees, in-house management, and the creation of an Investment Authority to oversee the system.

Claws Out: How Western Carolina Became a Top Employer

This week, we headed west for The SEANC View podcast, travelling to Cullowhee to interview Western Carolina University Chancellor Kelli Brown and employees. In August, Forbes Magazine named the university the third-best mid-sized workplace in the nation and the best in North Carolina.
WCU was also the highest-ranked education employer in the nation.
Partnering with market research firm Statista, Forbes surveyed more than 217,000 anonymous employees. Survey respondents were asked to rate their employer based on various factors, including salary, work environment, and other aspects.
We wanted to hear from the employees in Cullowhee just what makes working at WCU so special. They attribute the high ranking to the sense of community, the opportunities for career advancement, and the rewards of seeing their students succeed as reasons they love working there.

Iryna's Law, Mental Health, and a Heated Legislative Return

SEANC's new statewide officers join the podcast this week to talk about their upcoming term, which starts on Oct. 1. Incoming President Wendell Powell, First Vice President Emily Jones, and Second Vice President Stacie Crabtree discuss priorities such as member advocacy, unity, retiree support, and worker safety.
We also review the legislature’s dramatic two-day session, which included debates on Iryna’s Law, mental health services in North Carolina, criminal justice, pay raises, and the lack of a state budget.
We also discuss the Duke–Aetna dispute and its potential premium impact on all State Health Plan members.

Duke–Aetna Standoff Exposes Urgent Need for Transparency

Hosts Jonathan Owens and Ardis Watkins unpack the Duke–Aetna contract dispute, explaining how secret hospital reimbursements affect State Health Plan members and push up premiums, and why members should urge State Treasurer Brad Briner and state lawmakers to demand transparency.
The episode also previews the General Assembly’s return and the criminal justice measures under consideration, from magistrate authority to renewed debate over the death penalty, while raising broader concerns about budget priorities and staffing shortages.
In a Gen Z Takeover interview, Latoya Satterwhite, a teacher assistant in Granville County, shares her experience working with exceptional children, the challenges of public‑school pay and career advancement, mental‑health stresses, and how membership in SEANC supports state employees and retirees.

Charlotte murder highlights the need for more investment in mental health services

This week's episode of The SEANC View Podcast explores several current events, including the stabbing on a light-rail train in Charlotte that made national headlines. Our team discusses calls from state employees for better mental health services at our prisons, more facilities to deal with the growing need for mental health services, and other facets of the debate.
We discuss the anniversary of 9/11, the murder of political activist Charlie Kirk, and look back at last week's SEANC Convention. We also answer questions from social media on pay raises and bonus leave, COLAs for retirees, Aetna's feud with Duke, and more.

Live from the 41st Annual SEANC Convention!

Coming to you live from the 41st annual SEANC Convention in Greensboro, our team discusses Governor Josh Stein's fiery speech and updates from state leaders on health, employment, and retirement issues.
More than 800 delegates are gathering this weekend to conduct the association's business, celebrating the convention's Ohana theme of Strength in Unity.

State Auditor Dave Bullock on Transparency, Tech & DMV Reform

The SEANC team interview State Auditor Dave Bullock about accountability, the DAVE Act, the DMV audit, technology and contract oversight, and what it all means for state employees
We also preview next week's SEANC Convention, check in on Gen Z spending habits, and more.

State Health Plan Shakeup: Premium Hikes and Lantern’s Plan

Following the State Health Plan Board of Trustees' decision last week to increase premiums for most state employees and retirees, SEANC members have reached out with many questions. State Health Plan Executive Administrator Thomas Friedman revisited The SEANC View Podcast this week to answer them. 
In an extended interview following up on his appearance last month, Friedman addressed everything from the fairness of the new tiered structure of the premiums based on salary to the new partnership with Lantern Care to cut the cost of some surgeries and procedures to the need to rein in overcharging by hospitals.
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.