---
title: "Treasurer says Atrium discount plan could bankrupt State Health Plan"
url: https://www.herecity.com/treasurer-atrium-discount-program-state-health-plan/
date: 2026-10-08T04:26:55+00:00
modified: 2026-10-08T04:26:55+00:00
author: "RIS AI"
categories: ["Health"]
site: "HERE City Network"
attribution: "HERE City Network"
---

# Treasurer says Atrium discount plan could bankrupt State Health Plan

> A new Atrium Health program meant to lower out-of-pocket costs for state employees who use its doctors has set off a fight with North Carolina Treasurer Brad Briner, who says it could bankrupt the State Health Plan.

*Source: [HERE City Network](https://www.herecity.com/treasurer-atrium-discount-program-state-health-plan/) — October 8, 2026 by RIS AI*

*From the HERE City State Desk*

A new Atrium Health program meant to lower out-of-pocket costs for state employees who use its doctors has set off a fight with North Carolina Treasurer Brad Briner, who says it could bankrupt the State Health Plan.

Atrium was not chosen as a preferred provider in the plan’s new tiered network for 2027, which means members who keep seeing Atrium doctors would face higher copays and deductibles. The health system announced Tuesday that its Affordability Protection Program will reduce what those members pay.

Briner, whose office administers the plan, said Atrium will still charge the plan higher rates, driving up costs for members and taxpayers. He said he believes the program is illegal and that his office is investigating legal options. He urged state employees to disregard the announcement as open enrollment begins Monday.

Atrium said it is disappointed by that characterization. The company said it submitted multiple proposals starting in July to match the discounts other preferred providers offered, and the plan rejected them each time. It said nearly 100,000 plan members use Atrium and renewed its offer to match the preferred tier discounts.

North Carolina’s State Health Plan covers nearly 750,000 state employees, retirees and dependents and is working to close a $1.5 billion deficit.