The SEANC View

This week we discuss Atrium’s new “Affordability Protection Program,” which lowers out-of-pocket costs for members who stay with its doctors and hospitals without lowering the prices it charges the State Health Plan.

Treasurer Brad Briner says if the program stays in place, it will bankrupt the State Health Plan. Every member will feel the strain through higher premiums, thinner benefits and less money for raises and COLAs.

We also talk to Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler about that behind-the-scenes work from state employees at the Department of Agriculture who plan and run the State Fair, as well the employees from other agencies, like the Department of Labor’s ride inspectors, who help keep fairgoers safe. He explains how those agencies coordinate before and during the fair, and what he wants the public to understand about the people doing the work.

The State Fair runs from Oct. 16-25 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. Make plans now to attend.

On this episode, SEANC Political Strategist Flint Benson and EMPAC Statewide Chair Junior Hulen explain how SEANC’s member-driven political arm (EMPAC) makes endorsements, why this year they avoided races with incumbents, and how they support chosen candidates with boots-on-the-ground activity.

They also break down key North Carolina legislative races to watch, offer election timelines (registration deadline Oct 9, early voting begins Oct 15), and urge members to check vote.seanc.org and make a plan to vote on November 3.

On Monday, the Wake County Board of Commissioners voted 5–2 to advance parts of the WakeMed–Atrium merger after weeks of secret meetings, a large public rally, and a late statement from the governor. Community groups led by the Patients Union and the Justice Center protested the process and warned the deal will raise prices, reduce charity care, and erode local control.

The transfer still faces federal and state reviews, but residents and county leaders remain sharply divided over transparency, the contract’s terms, and the future of affordable care in North Carolina.

Hosts recap the convention highlights, a new agreement allowing select Atrium hospitals into the State Health Plan access tier, and concerns about coverage and costs.

The episode also features an in-depth interview with the Patients Union Executive Director Jamila Headley and Ron Stephens about the proposed WakeMed–Atrium merger, public records and transparency issues, and calls to action for a Monday rally.

The SEANC View team records live from Greensboro at the 42nd Annual Scenic Convention, introducing speakers and previewing the packed agenda, including reports, nominations, and a remembrance for 9/11.

The episode covers the controversy over Atrium’s proposed takeover of WakeMed and its potential cost impact on state employees, North Carolina's poor rankings for worker protections and healthcare, concerns about privacy and Flock cameras, and quick convention updates and takes from hosts.

Hosts Jonathan Owens, Ardis Watkins, Suzanne Beasley and Samantha Cline rush through a packed episode ahead of the convention, leading with the big WakeMed–Atrium merger story and its financial and cost implications for North Carolinians.

They also cover high-paid university staff, a rabies scare at traveling petting goats, tributes to Dolly Parton, local politics, and a lighthearted roundabout question about personal obsessions.

We open by reacting to Dolly Parton’s death, her impact as a songwriter, and calls to donate to the Imagination Library. Then turn to the WakeMed–Atrium proposal, concerns about rising health costs, the upcoming Wake County commissioners vote, and what the merger could mean for patients and employees.

The episode also previews the SEANC convention, highlights state service awards and salary stories, and closes with the question of the week asking listeners for their favorite Dolly Parton song.

This week, we sit down with State Human Resources Director Staci Meyer to unpack the Public Workforce Modernization Act, the most comprehensive update of the State Human Resources Act, the law governing how state government hires, pays, and manages its workforce, since the 1960s. SEANC worked hard to make sure it came out favorable to employees.

Meyer explains hiring reforms, expanded parental and veterans leave, pay and flexibility options for agencies, grievance and probation updates, and how the state plans to implement modern HR policies while treating AI as a tool to enhance — not replace — human work.

The proposed Atrium–WakeMed merger has sparked serious concern among Raleigh residents and the 748,000 state employees and retirees covered by the State Health Plan, which could see significant premium increases if the deal goes through. This week we spoke with Nathan Foster of the NC Justice Center and Anthony Pope of Men of Southeast Raleigh about what this merger would mean for the people who depend on WakeMed most.

We discuss the potential impacts on costs and access to care, Atrium's history with medical debt and legal tactics, the secrecy surrounding the deal, the county commission process, and how you can take action — including at Monday's public hearing before the Wake County Board of Commissioners.

North Carolina's pension fund had a strong year. The fund earned an estimated $17 billion and returned 12.4% for the year ending June 30. So why aren't retirees getting COLAs?

Hosts Jonathan Owens, Ardis Watkins and Samantha Cline discuss this issue as they break down the week in state politics. They discuss the Atrium–state health plan standoff and its impact on premiums, and rising concerns over Social Security funding.

They also cover local fallout from the state budget (Wake County schools), a summer cyclosporiasis outbreak, DMV staffing and technology updates, and the growing debate over hemp-derived THC products and Gen Z consumption trends