The North Carolina State Health Plan is making significant shifts by terminating its contract with Aetna and re-engaging with Blue Cross NC to manage its member benefits. This move impacts over 750,000 members who will see a 5% increase in premiums. The State Health Plan board has approved new tiers of benefits aimed at helping members manage their costs more effectively, alongside a list of preferred network providers. Despite the rise in premiums, the overall costs for members could decrease under the new system. The board continues to evaluate premium increases and approved the selection of preferred hospitals to provide better care options.