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# North Carolina Moves 12 Atrium Hospitals Into State Plan Access Tier
- URL: https://www.theamericanquorum.com/state-news-north-carolina-2026-09-18-b/
- Published: 2026-09-18T07:45:59.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-18T07:45:59.000Z
- Description: North Carolina’s State Health Plan will place 12 Atrium Health hospitals in its Access tier for 2027, preserving defined routes to rural, pediatric and complex care as nearly 750,000 members prepare for October open enrollment.
- Author: News Desk
- Tags: State News, North Carolina, Ohio

North Carolina’s State Health Plan will move 12 Atrium Health hospitals and their associated clinics into its Access tier on Jan. 1, resolving a major source of uncertainty for public employees and retirees before 2027 open enrollment. The [agreement announced Sept. 14](https://www.nctreasurer.gov/news/press-releases/2026/09/14/state-health-plan-and-atrium-health-announce-partnership-expanding-affordable-access-members-2027?ref=theamericanquorum.com) preserves lower-tier access to rural, pediatric and complex-care facilities while leaving other Atrium locations at different benefit levels.

The change matters broadly because the plan covers nearly 750,000 teachers, state employees, retirees, university and community-college personnel, lawmakers and dependents. According to the treasurer’s office, Atrium primary-care and behavioral-health office visits will continue without a change in cost or benefit. Emergency patients should still use the nearest emergency department, with the full emergency-care event covered at the same benefit level members receive now.

The Access-tier additions include rural hospitals serving Alleghany, Anson, Cleveland, Columbus, Lincoln, Scotland, Stanly and Wilkes counties, including Hugh Chatham Health. The agreement also places Levine Children’s Hospital, Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital and Brenner Children’s Hospital in the Access tier. The plan’s updated [regional hospital map](https://www.shpnc.gov/documents/open-enrollment-documents/preferred-provider-regional-maps/open?ref=theamericanquorum.com) shows the broader tier structure and lists participating facilities by region.

For members already receiving specialized treatment, the arrangement includes continuity protections. The plan says patients who need locally available cancer, cystic-fibrosis, transplant, specialized heart or other highly complex care may continue using designated Atrium services. Pregnant members will not be required to change obstetricians or delivery plans for 2027\. People who qualify for those exceptions are expected to receive direct notice, and the plan and Atrium said they will continue refining the list before enrollment begins.

The practical deadline is approaching. The plan’s [2027 enrollment page](https://www.shpnc.gov/2027-open-enrollment-information?ref=theamericanquorum.com) sets open enrollment for Oct. 12 through Oct. 30\. Its online provider directory is scheduled to be updated Sept. 24 to display 2027 Preferred and Access providers. Members should check the directory after that update rather than relying only on a hospital system’s general participation in the plan, because benefit tiers can differ by facility and service.

Members should also distinguish the Access tier from the Preferred Provider program. The plan’s [provider guidance](https://www.shpnc.gov/find-doctor?ref=theamericanquorum.com) says Preferred primary-care providers can carry lower copays and out-of-pocket costs, while the new Atrium agreement specifically describes the hospitals and services being moved into Access. The exact member cost therefore depends on the selected benefit plan, provider tier and type of care.

State Treasurer Brad Briner said the agreement includes affordability commitments from Atrium, but the announcement does not disclose negotiated prices. Atrium said the arrangement provides clarity while preserving primary, emergency, behavioral, rural, pediatric and complex care. The two sides had negotiated since mid-July after the plan introduced a three-tier strategy for 2027.

For members, the central takeaway is not that every Atrium site now has the same status. It is that 12 hospitals and specified continuity-of-care services have a defined Access pathway for 2027\. Checking the refreshed directory, any mailed exception notice and the open-enrollment materials will be necessary to determine individual costs.