North Carolina is trying to lower health care costs for state workers by limiting how much the state pays some health providers

Alexandra Olgin Feb 26, 2019
HTML EMBED:
COPY
Health improvements can lead to economic improvements. iStock via Getty Images Plus

North Carolina is trying to lower health care costs for state workers by limiting how much the state pays some health providers

Alexandra Olgin Feb 26, 2019
Health improvements can lead to economic improvements. iStock via Getty Images Plus
HTML EMBED:
COPY

The state of North Carolina, like many other employers, is trying to get a handle on the rising cost of health care. The state is taking a step toward lowering costs for state workers by taking control of how much it pays for each visit to mental health and primary care providers. Since the cost of care varies widely across the state, the plan is to even out payments to doctors and hospitals. Therapists and independent primary care doctors stand to benefit, while large institutions are likely to see a cut. The state treasurer wants to push the savings down to state workers with families who now pay high monthly premiums for coverage.  

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible. 

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.