The North Carolina State Health Plan is moving ahead with plans to charge higher premiums in 2026 that vary based on workers’ salaries. The plan’s Board of Trustees approved a plan Friday to allow the salary-based increases, with a vote on the actual rates expected in the summer.

North Carolina State Health Plan officials faced pushback from public sector workers during a meeting Friday, as they discussed potential increases to address a looming $500 million deficit. The meeting,

The State Health Plan is considering a major overhaul of its pricing structure, likely leading to premium increases for most state employees by 2026.