About 300,000 state government employees now know how much their 2026 health insurance premiums will be as members of the State Health Plan.

The plan's Board of Trustees approved Friday tier-based monthly premium rates for the standard and plus PPO plans, with those with higher annual base salaries paying more.

The SHP is North Carolina’s largest purchaser of medical and pharmaceutical services. It covers nearly 750,000 teachers, state employees, legislators, retirees and their dependents.

The approved premiums include increases for active members, along with a cost reduction for some employees with children on their plan.

There will no longer be a lower premium cost for those who do not consume tobacco products.

The 2026 open enrollment period for SHP participants takes place Oct. 13

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