October 28, 2022

Report: N.C. Hospitals profit millions off of Medicare

SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins took part in a press conference Tuesday to discuss the findings of a report that shows many of the state’s big hospitals are profiting from Medicare to the tune of millions of dollars. 

The report from the State Health Plan and national experts shows that NC hospitals made more than $150 million from Medicare in 2021 alone.

These massive hospital profits and their unwillingness to provide transparency in costs are putting a strain on the State Health Plan, which covers more than 750,000 state employees, retirees, and their family members.

“While hospitals claim they are poor and take in secret profits off taxpayer money, the solvency of the State Health Plan is being put in danger,” said Watkins. “Without the price transparency Treasurer Folwell is seeking and hospitals are fighting against, we are likely to see plan costs shifted to the backs of public employees in the next few years."

Early voting ends soon!

SEANC members could make the difference in close races

With less than two weeks left until the 2022 Midterm Elections, many races remain tight. The U.S. Senate race in North Carolina, for example, could be one of the closest in the country and could determine control of the Senate for the next two years. SEANC members have a real chance to play a pivotal role in this race and others by turning out to vote!

Early Voting runs through Saturday, Nov. 5, and Election Day is on Nov. 8. You can still register and vote at Early Voting sites. Please make a plan now to make your voice heard!

EMPAC has endorsed U.S. Senate candidate Cheri Beasley, ten candidates for the U.S. House, seven candidates for N.C. House, five candidates for N.C. Senate, and four judicial candidates. See the complete list of candidates below.

Visit seancvotes.org for information on registration, candidates, polling places, and more.

SEANC and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services held a virtual town hall this week to address questions and concerns that Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities (DSOHF) employees may have about salary, benefits, and other matters.

If you missed it, you have another chance on November 18 from 9-11 a.m. Mark your calendars now to attend! 

This week, our SEANC team visited state employees at East Carolina University in Greenville with District 65. We also visited employees at Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington with District 62.

Thank you to all the members, employees, and volunteers who came to show their support for SEANC!

Would you like for SEANC to stop at your worksite? We're always looking to add to the list. Just let us know!

Open enrollment ends TODAY! When it comes to insurance, you have choices!

Open Enrollment for the State Health Plan ends TODAY. Changes made during this time are for the benefit year beginning January 1, 2023. Please watch this video for more information.

Sign up for one of the Plan's webinars to learn more here. The Plan will also host a Telephone Town Hall for Medicare members on Tuesday, October 25, from 2-2:45 p.m.

Now is a great time to review your insurance products and ensure that you get the best coverage. You can enroll at any time in SEANC products. Our group buying power allows us to afford members competitive rates on everything from dental and vision to accident coverage to home, auto, and even pet insurance!

Before you enroll in a competitor’s plan, give us a try by clicking the button below.

Smile Bright with Delta Dental

SEANC members have access to North Carolina's largest dental network, Delta Dental. 

The plan includes an annual deductible from $25 to $50 while preventative care is 100 percent with no deductible for two visits per year. 

Enrollment forms that are received by the first of the month will be effective by the first of the following month.

With rates starting at low prices, there are three different plans to cover your whole family. 

Contact a SEANC Insurance Specialist today at 1-800-222-2758 or visit here for more information. 

SEANC offers three nationwide vision plans through Spectera to all members. 

Eye exams, lenses, eyeglass frames, and contact lenses are included in each plan option. With rates starting at low prices, there are options that cover the whole family. 

Once the plan is in effect, there are no waiting periods. Enrollment forms that are received by the first of the month will be effective by the first of the following month. 



Contact a SEANC Insurance Specialist today at 1-800-222-2758 or visit here for more information. 

It's the spookiest time of the year! SEANC has exclusive discounts to Kings Dominion's Halloween Haunt and Scarowinds! Kings Dominion's Halloween Haunt runs until Oct. 31, while Scarowinds will run until Oct. 30 on select nights.

TWEET OF THE WEEK