The SEANC View

Host Samantha Cline, Executive Director Ardis Watkins and Government Relations Director Suzanne Beasley break down recent health care developments: the public Duke–Aetna negotiation and its resolution, the new voluntary Lantern network, and the UNC–Humana dispute.

The episode also covers retiree system updates and transparency concerns around investments and contracts, a federal appellate ruling on gender-affirming care coverage, t...

This week, State Treasurer Brad Briner visited The SEANC View Podcast for an extensive interview covering everything from the status of the State Health Plan to the prospect of cost-of-living adjustments for retirees.

In the last few weeks, Briner’s office has been on quite a roll. On Tuesday, he announced a significant agreement with CVS Caremark that has ended a long-standing dispute and is expected to bring savings to Plan membe...

This week, we headed west for The SEANC View podcast, travelling to Cullowhee to interview Western Carolina University Chancellor Kelli Brown and employees. In August, Forbes Magazine named the university the third-best mid-sized workplace in the nation and the best in North Carolina.

WCU was also the highest-ranked education employer in the nation.

Partnering with market research firm Statista, Forbes surveyed more than 217,000 an...

SEANC's new statewide officers join the podcast this week to talk about their upcoming term, which starts on Oct. 1. Incoming President Wendell Powell, First Vice President Emily Jones, and Second Vice President Stacie Crabtree discuss priorities such as member advocacy, unity, retiree support, and worker safety.

We also review the legislature’s dramatic two-day session, which included debates on Iryna’s Law, mental health services...

Hosts Jonathan Owens and Ardis Watkins unpack the Duke–Aetna contract dispute, explaining how secret hospital reimbursements affect State Health Plan members and push up premiums, and why members should urge State Treasurer Brad Briner and state lawmakers to demand transparency.

The episode also previews the General Assembly’s return and the criminal justice measures under consideration, from magistrate authority to renewed debate ...

This week's episode of The SEANC View Podcast explores several current events, including the stabbing on a light-rail train in Charlotte that made national headlines. Our team discusses calls from state employees for better mental health services at our prisons, more facilities to deal with the growing need for mental health services, and other facets of the debate.

We discuss the anniversary of 9/11, the murder of political activi...

Following the State Health Plan Board of Trustees' decision last week to increase premiums for most state employees and retirees, SEANC members have reached out with many questions. State Health Plan Executive Administrator Thomas Friedman revisited The SEANC View Podcast this week to answer them. 

In an extended interview following up on his appearance last month, Friedman addressed everything from the fairness of the new tiered s...

The State Health Plan Board of Trustees voted today to increase premiums for most state employees and retirees for the first time in eight years. 

The increases will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The plan consists of a tiered structure for the increases, with higher-paid employees paying more monthly than lower-paid employees. For some, the increase will be as low as $15 per month, while those making over $90,000 could see their pre...

Welcome to the SEANC View podcast, where host Jonathan Owens, Ardis Watkins, and Sam Cline discuss the pressing issues facing state employees and public services. Focusing on the recent mini budget, they discuss the fiscal challenges and political dynamics affecting funding for state employees and retirees.

The podcast also highlights State Auditor Dave Bullock's recent audit of the DMV. The audit reveals long-standing staffing and...

In this episode of the SEANC View podcast, Samantha Cline takes the helm as host, joined by Executive Director Ardis Watkins, Government Relations Director Suzanne Beasley, and special guest SEANC Public Schools Liaison Brad Langhans. The team dives into the intricacies of school funding and the legislative sessions affecting all state employees.

We highlight the absence of across-the-board pay increases for state employees and add...

In this special Gen Z episode of the SEANC View podcast, Samantha Cline and Jamison Rhodes sit down with Ramona Williams, a dedicated probation and parole officer, who shares her journey from aspiring lawyer to her current role, illustrating the challenges and rewards of public service.

Discover the motivations driving Ramona's career choice, the obstacles she faced entering the field, and how her experiences have shaped her perspe...

Cuts to federal funding in the recently passed "Big Beautiful Bill" will likely force the state legislature to make tough choices in this year's state budget. It may also hasten their return to Raleigh sooner than expected to reach a compromise.

In this week's episode of The SEANC View Podcast, we discuss what the cuts may mean for state employees and retirees. We also discuss retiree cost-of-living adjustments, given the recent ne...

This week, the SEANC team welcomes special guest N.C. Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey for a discussion on the state budget, proposed job cuts at his office, and other topics.

Commissioner Causey shares insights into the role of the Department of Insurance and highlights the importance of public safety during the summer, especially concerning fireworks and travel.

We also discuss the impact of recent federal legislation on the...

This week, we are joined by State Health Plan Executive Administrator Thomas Friedman for an in-depth look at the challenges facing the Plan and its 750,000-plus members.

We discuss the ongoing negotiations with CVS Caremark and the expected premium increases for next year.  Also, we touch on the pressing issues of high healthcare costs and the need for transparency, and Friedman shares the plan's strategies to make healthcare more...

In this episode of the SEANC View podcast, we discuss the ongoing state budget negotiations and the critical issues facing state employees, including delayed raises and potential mini budgets. We also discuss changes to the SHRA Protections bill.

We also explore the financial pressures on the University of North Carolina system, detailing administrative changes and personnel challenges within UNC-Chapel Hill.

Finally, we take a lig...