'Blue Cross NC is not immune': State's largest health insurance provider offers employee buyouts to cut costs

DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — The health insurance provider giant announced voluntary separation packages to employees Tuesday amid financial challenges on both a company and consumer level.

Blue Cross NC sent a memo to its workers Tuesday explaining how financial pressures have led to the decision to reduce costs with the approach of separation on a voluntary basis at this time.

"For months now, we’ve talked candidly about the financial challenges we’re navigating, and that reality has not changed," said CEO Tunde Sotunde. "While we’ve made real progress in reducing our operating expenses, tightening our focus, and addressing enterprise issues, we continue to fall short of our 2025 financial plan."

Aside from reasons behind the company's budget, the state legislature's woes with the budget as