Novant Health makes it easier for State Health Plan members to prepare for 2027 care

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Novant Health today launched a new online resource to help North Carolina State Health Plan members, retirees and their families prepare for the plan's 2027 benefits, providing additional information about the health system as a Tier 1 preferred provider beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

The new resource serves as a central destination for State Health Plan members seeking clear information about their healthcare choices and the steps they can take to establish care if they choose Novant Health for their healthcare needs now or in 2027. It is part of Novant Health's broader effort to make healthcare easier to access, easier to navigate and more affordable for the people who serve North Carolina.

"Everyone deserves care that is affordable, convenient and easy to navigate," said Carl S. Armato, president and CEO of Novant Health. "This new resource gives state employees, retirees and their families a clear place to start, whether they are looking for a physician, exploring virtual care or preparing for benefits that begin in 2027. Our goal is simple: make healthcare easier."

Beginning in 2027, approximately 750,000 State Health Plan members, retirees and covered family members will be eligible to access Novant Health's North Carolina network at the plan's most affordable benefit level. Novant Health's North Carolina network includes 18 hospitals, more than 700 physician clinics, numerous outpatient and imaging locations, and a robust virtual care network.

The online resource was developed to help members understand what the transition means for them and to connect them with the tools and information needed to establish care, locate physicians, access virtual services and take advantage of digital resources that support a more convenient healthcare experience.

In addition to convenient in-person care locations, Novant Health offers same-day and next-day appointment availability in key specialties in the Charlotte and Triad regions, including primary care, pediatrics, orthopedics and women's care. Patients also have access to 24/7 virtual care options, as well as specialized virtual services for primary care, menopause support and weight management, providing more ways to connect with care when and where it's most convenient. In 2025, Novant Health facilitated nearly 500,000 virtual health visits.

The resource builds on Novant Health's existing work with the State Health Plan to expand access and improve affordability for members. Through the Lantern surgical benefit partnership, eligible members already have access to high-quality surgical care at no out-of-pocket cost, and Novant Health has received approximately 650 requests for surgical services through the program in 2026.

For more information, visit NovantHealth.org/SHP.