September 2019 • Vol. 37, Issue 6
THE
REPORTER
State Employees Association of North Carolina
State Health Plan to operate two networks in 2020 Clear Pricing Project and BCBSNC’s Blue Options
With most of the state’s hospitals continuing their boycott of the Clear Pricing Project, State Treasurer Dale Folwell announced on Aug. 8 that the State Health Plan would operate in the coming year with a hybrid system. This system features two networks that will ensure all state employees and retirees have in-network coverage at facilities close to home. The new North Carolina State Health Plan Network will consist of the more than 28,000 providers that signed on to the Clear Pricing Project in addition to Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina’s Blue Options Network, the network the plan currently uses. The announcement came just days after a report by WalletHub found that North Carolina ranks 50th in the nation in health care, mostly because of outrageous costs and lack of access. SEANC was the only employee organization willing to stand with Folwell in this fight to bring lower costs and transparency to the State Health Plan.
If implemented fully, the Clear Pricing Project would have saved plan members more than $60 million in out-of-pocket expenses and saved taxpayers more than $250 million. Affordable Healthcare for North Carolina, an advocacy group created by SEANC members, launched an advertising and social media campaign aimed at compelling the boards of the state’s hospitals to do the right thing and sign on to the plan. In the end, the hospitals would not budge from their boycott and cartel-like tactics. “This process has exposed the amount of outsized influence and control the big hospital cartel has on our health care system,” said SEANC Executive Director Robert Broome. “We knew this would be a long-term struggle. We applaud State Treasurer Dale Folwell for having the courage to stand up to the hospitals, and SEANC will not diminish its efforts to bring transparency and lower costs to the State Health Plan.”
Folwell said the decision for the hybrid system was made to comply with access to care requirements for hospital coverage.
HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW »» For 2020, members will have access to the SAME broad, statewide network that they do today, which is the Blue Options network administered by Blue Cross NC. »» Members enrolled in the 70/30, 80/20 and High Deductible Health Plans will also have access to the new network created by the Clear Pricing Project. »» Because of the success of the Clear Pricing Project, this network will include even more providers who are supportive of transparent and lower pricing. »» Open Enrollment for the 2020 benefit year will be held later in the fall at a date that will be announced soon. »» SEANC will continue to fight for transparency and lower costs in the State Health Plan.
Budget stalemate jeopardizes raises, bonuses There is little to report in the ongoing state budget standoff since the July edition of The Reporter. The legislature passed a budget in June that provides most state employees with the largest two-year pay increase in a decade (5%) and includes a 1% bonus for retirees. Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed the bill because it didn’t contain Medicaid expansion. He issued a counterproposal that includes Medicaid expansion and a huge 8.5% pay increase for teachers. As of press time, there are no indications that there are enough votes
to override the governor’s veto. The governor’s counterproposal does not have majority support either. SEANC does not have a position on Medicaid expansion, and your raises and bonuses should not be used as a bargaining chip. This stalemate may result in the legislature leaving Raleigh without a budget in place—meaning no raises, no bonuses, no much-needed correctional officer supplements, no community college and UNC System employee raises or any of the other parts of the budget that benefit state
employees and retirees. In response, SEANC is working with legislators on an amendment to the technical corrections bill that would spend another $50 million to extend the 5% raise to all university staff. We will alert members as soon as an agreement has been reached.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP
»» Visit seanc.org/engage to tell your legislators to override the governor’s veto and pass the budget to end the standoff. »» Follow SEANC on Facebook and Twitter for the latest information.
District 17 members met with their district’s legislators on June 25. Pictured above: District 17 members Walton Jones and Tabitha Croom, Rep. Cecil Brockman (D-Guilford), District 17 member Andrew Murph and District 17 Chair Kemry LaMarr.
JOHNNY DAVISON
District 60 member Marcie Green presents a check to Holy Ghost Drawing Center President Adene George to aid the center in providing hot lunches, clothing and basic computer training for homeless individuals in the Goldsboro area.
SUBMITTED BY WALTON JONES
SUBMITTED BY HIAWATHA JONES
MEMBERS IN ACTION
District 2 members sponsored an employee appreciation event at Black Mountain Neuro-Medical Center on Aug. 7.
SEANC member awarded placement in Leadership Program
SEANC President Jimmy Davis speaks with employees about the benefits of SEANC membership at the Isothermal Community College’s Healthy Living Event on Aug 12.
JOHNNY DAVISON
The Emerging Leaders Committee awarded Sherry Washington of District 13 a scholarship to cover the cost of tuition, meals, travel District 13 member and lodging upon Sherry Washington acceptance into the Leadership North Carolina (LNC) program.
THE
REPORTER
State Employees Association of NC 1621 Midtown Place • Raleigh, NC 27609 919-833-6436 • 800-222-2758 • www.seanc.org
Jonathan Owens, Editor-In-Chief • Beth Dew, Managing Editor • Amanda Wise, Associate Editor
ADVERTISING POLICY SEANC accepts advertising material from companies and persons seeking to communicate with SEANC members. Acceptance of this advertising does not indicate SEANC approval or endorsement of any representation that the message, product or service is as represented by the advertiser. SEANC accepts no responsibility and shall not be liable for any use of or reliance on any such information, product or service. SEANC is a private entity and is under no obligation to carry advertisements of any nature, political or otherwise, that may be viewed as contrary to the interests of the association and its membership. ©Copyright 2019 SEANC. All rights reserved.
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THE REPORTER • September 2019
Washington participated in the LNC competitive application process and was accepted into the program! She will join a class of 50-60 current and emerging leaders from across the state for six two-day sessions between Oct. 2019 and May 2020. These sessions will take place in various North Carolina locations. Participants will learn about the challenges and opportunities facing North Carolina, with a focus on building networks and turning knowledge into action to benefit their communities and the state.
RETIREE FOCUS Supplemental retirement plans receive leadership award State Treasurer Dale Folwell, the Supplemental Retirement Board of Trustees and staff recently received recognition by the National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators (NAGDCA) as a Leadership Award recipient for outstanding achievement in Plan Design and Administration. General Treasurer Chevella L. Thomas SEANC General Treasurer Chevella L. Thomas serves as a member of the Supplemental Retirement Board of Trustees. NAGDCA’s annual Leadership Awards recognize the brightest ideas and most innovative solutions from across the public sector defined contribution industry. “We have a decisive mission in managing plans to the benefit of our members,” said Thomas G. Causey, Interim Executive Director, Retirement Systems Division (RSD). “Our board is dedicated to this mission and we thank them for their support of this project. This award amplifies the positive coordination in our strategies and working relationships.” In 2018, the Board of Trustees and the Department of State Treasurer took on a substantial enhancement of the Supplemental Retirement Plans’ investment lineup and asset allocation tool impacting 260,000 participant accounts, optimizing the investment lineup and saving NC 401(k) and NC 457 Plan participants over $4 million in investment management fees. “I’m proud of the work our team is doing and being recognized for these efforts supports an important part of our mission in providing outstanding customer service and investment options while still cutting fees,” said Treasurer Folwell.
SEANC awards scholarships to members’ grandchildren The following SEANC members’ grandchildren were awarded $500 scholarships to assist their accredited college or university expenses. The awards were given by the SEANC Retiree Council.
Shelby Anderson Wendell
Anna Blackburn Jefferson
Kiyelle Brown Raleigh
University of Mount Olive granddaughter of District 1 member Mary Pollock
Washington and Lee granddaughter of District 8 member Richard Blackburn
UNC-Greensboro granddaughter of District 2 member Shirley Perry
Megan Cribb Nakina
Cameron Hawkins Glade Valley
Zabrina Hice Morganton
Cape Fear Community College granddaughter of District 23 member Sue Faulk
Ferrum College granddaughter of District 16 member Gurney Reavis
Appalachian State University granddaughter of District 5 member John Smith
Alexandria Johnson Raleigh
Braxton Nowell Leland
Shannon Ward Hockessin
Member Appreciation / Retiree Forum
SUBMITTED BY CLIFF JOHNSON
UNC-Greensboro granddaughter of District 44 member Viola Bullock
At left, Executive Director Robert Broome speaks at the District 2 Member Appreciation/Retiree Forum at the Governor’s Western Residence in Asheville on July 18. At right, District 7 member Gwen Wilkes and District 7 Chair/Retiree Council member Henry Belada stopped by to lend a hand.
UNC-Chapel Hill grandson of District 62 member Esther Smith
Appalachian State University granddaughter of District 13 member Betty Ward
The Reporter, USPS 009-852 (ISSN 1069 2142), is published six times a year in the months of February, April, May, July, September and November for $2.50 per year, per member, by the State Employees Association of North Carolina, Inc., 1621 Midtown Place, Raleigh, NC 27609. Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh and additional offices. POSTMASTER, Send address changes to: THE REPORTER, 1621 Midtown Place, Raleigh, NC 27609
THE REPORTER • September 2019
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SEANC ANNUAL SCH The SEANC Scholarship Foundation and SEANC districts across the state announced they are awarding more than $50,000 in scholarships; $40,500 of that is being given out by the statewide SEANC Scholarship Foundation to 50 deserving students. The five categories of statewide scholarships include: FOUR-YEAR FINANCIAL $1,000 scholarship to attend a four-year college or university.
Member-Only ($500)
Sherry Washington Charlotte
Brenda Williams Raleigh
Sandra Worthey Charlotte
Sybil Kearse Winterville
Joseph Keith Oxford
UNC-Pembroke Member of District 13 Central Piedmont Community College
UNC-Chapel Hill Member of District 44 Dept. of State Treasurer
Central Piedmont Community College Member of District 13 Central Piedmont Community College
Fayetteville State University Member of District 63 Dept. of Public Safety
NC Central University Member of District 21 UNC Hospitals
Crystal Artis Goldsboro
Donna Hinson Albemarle
Crystal Outlaw Durham
Michael Futrell Pink Hill
Jan Usher Clinton
FOUR-YEAR MERIT $1,000 merit scholarship to attend a four-year college or university. TWO-YEAR FINANCIAL $500 scholarship to attend a community college, technical school or trade school. TWO-YEAR MERIT $500 merit scholarship to attend a community college, technical school or trade school.
Wayne Community College Member of District 59 Dept. of Health and Human Services
Wingate University Member of District 10 Stanly Community College
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PAYROLL DEDUCTION Go to scholarship.seanc.org.
Donations to the SEANC Scholarship Foundation are tax deductible.
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Melody Hannah Waynesville
Haywood Community College Daughter of District 2 member Robert Davey Hannah Dept. of Transportation
COMBINED CAMPAIGN You may contribute by participating through the State Employees Combined Campaign. Look for number 1563 — SEANC Scholarship Foundation. DIRECTLY TO FOUNDATION You may also make a contribution directly to the SEANC Scholarship Foundation. Please make checks payable to the SEANC Scholarship Foundation.
THE REPORTER • September 2019
Maryville University Member of District 58 Dept. of Public Safety
East Carolina University Member of District 61 Sampson County Schools
Two-Year Financial ($500)
MEMBER-ONLY $500 scholarship awarded to SEANC members.
THREE WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
NC Central University Member of District 27 NC Central University
Marrissa Roach Winterville
Pitt Community College Daughter of District 65 member Amy Woolard East Carolina University
Julia Byrd Lexington
Forsyth Technical Community College Daughter of District 16 member Barry Byrd Dept. of Transportation
Ni' Ajah Tolliver Durham
Durham Technical Community College Daughter of District 27 member Tata Wright NC Central University
Two-Year Merit ($500)
Sierra Ramsey Granite Falls
Caldwell Community College Daughter of District 5 member Kristi Ramsey Caldwell County Schools
Victoria Elaine Kosinski Kinston
James Berry III Morganton
Lenoir Community College Western Piedmont Daughter of District 58/70 Community College members Colleen Kosinski Son of District 6 and Victor Kosinski member James Berry, Jr. Administrative Office of the Courts/ Dept. of Health and NC Dept. of Commerce Human Services
Danna Huffman Morganton
Caldwell Community College Daughter of District 7 member Gwyn Wilkes Dept. of Health and Human Services
HOLARSHIP AWARDS Four-Year Financial ($1,000)
Rachel Cline Robbinsville
Western Carolina University Daughter of District 1 member Frank Cline Dept. of Agriculture
Alison Cook Deep Gap
Appalachian State University Daughter of District 3 member Dan Cook Appalachian State University
Marisol Howard Matthews
Winston-Salem State University Daughter of District 13 member Debra Howard UNC-Charlotte
Zabrina Hice Morganton
Appalachian State University Daughter of District 5 member Amanda Hice Dept. of Public Instruction
K'la Brannon Durham
Bennett College Daughter of District 26 member Sherri Hill Dept. of Public Safety
Brandon Cain Fayetteville
Fayetteville State University Son of District 22 member Latoya Cain Dept. of Health and Human Services
Justin Flynn Garner
East Carolina University Son of District 42 member Nneamaka Flynn Dept. of Health and Human Services
Alexys Oliver Red Springs
UNC-Pembroke Daughter of District 20 member Jacque Chatman Dept. of Public Safety
Rachel Stewart Morganton
East Tennessee State University Daughter of District 7 member Nicole Griffin Dept. of Health and Human Services
Ashley Graham Whitakers
Meredith College Daughter of District 57 member Kela Graham Dept. of Insurance
John Owen Honeycutt Locust
Duke University Son of District 10 member Wendy Honeycutt Dept. of Public Safety
Kayla Kozup Greenville
UNC-Wilmington Daughter of District 65 member Sherri Kozup East Carolina University
Maggie Cook Connelly Springs
Appalacian State University Daughter of District 6 member Jeanna Cook Dept. of Health and Human Services
Alyssa Westberry Winston-Salem
Western Carolina University Daughter of District 16 member Wanda Little Winston-Salem State University
Katlyn Blackwell Raleigh
East Carolina University Daughter of District 46 member Yvette Franklin Retired
Four-Year Merit ($1,000)
Jeremiah Kim Wilmington
Anna Mittelman Lawndale
Hannah Lewis Goldsboro
Shelby McLamb Fayetteville
Keeley Jaco Brasstown
Carson Key Reidsville
Julia Brodsky Southport
Morgan Hall Burke
Harvard University Son of District 59 member Michele Kim Dept. of Health and Human Services
NC State University Daughter of District 4 member Michael Mittelman Dept. of Public Safety
NC State University Daughter of District 58 member Barbara Lewis Retired
UNC-Chapel Hill Daughter of District 22 member Cynthia McLamb Cumberland County Schools
Belmont Son of District 1 member Angela Jaco Tri-County Community College
NC State University Daughter of District 17 member Sandee Key Rockingham Community College
UNC-Charlotte Daughter of District 62 member Shelly Harney NC Courts
Mars Hill University Daughter of District 6 member Lori Hall Dept. of Health and Human Services
Kripa Sriram Apex
Alicia Kim Apex
Emma Davis Clemmons
Anna Blount Clinton
Abigail Burns Greenville
Zachary Everson Cary
William Ambler Boone
Harley Williams Seaboard
NC State University Daughter of District 42 member Soundarya Sriram Dept. of Health and Human Services
Northeastern University Daughter of District 37 member Tae-Gyu Kim Dept. of Transportation
UNC-Chapel Hill Daughter of District 16 member Ray Davis, Jr. Dept. of Public Safety
UNC-Chapel Hill Daughter of District 61 member Toni Blount Clinton City Schools
UNC-Chapel Hill Daughter of District 65 member Crystal Baity East Carolina University
NC State University Son of District 39 member Paige Everson Wake County Public Schools
University of Utah Son of District 3 member Holly Ambler Appalachian State University
Chowan University Daughter of District 56 member Daryl Williams Retired
THE REPORTER • September 2019
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SCHOLARSHIP SCH
ARSHIP BOWL-A-THON
The SEANC Scholarship Foundation held its annual Bowl-a-thon on Saturday, July 27 at Buffaloe Lanes North in Raleigh. Thanks to the support of many, this tournament raised an unprecedented $6,500 for the Scholarship Foundation! The event featured several bowlers and a silent auction with items donated by SEANC members and local businesses. Special thanks to the Scholarship Foundation Board; our volunteers; our corporate sponsors — Doug Sutton Insurance, Colonial Life, InfoArmor and Purchasing Power; our lane sponsors — President Jimmy Davis, Executive Director Robert Broome, Districts 10, 12, 33, 39, 42, 58, 61, 66, 67 and our team sponsors — Districts 2, 17, 19, 21, 41, 63, 64, 65 and 68.
Scholarship Foundation Chair George Theissen presents first place winner District 19 member Anthony Weaver with a trophy for earning the highest single game score.
District 42 members Tralene Williams, Branda Watford and Shonda Kelly take a break to smile for the camera.
Pictured left to right are second place team members Landon Day, District 17 member Mitch Leonard, David Tribble, Leonard’s grandson Anderson Long, Garrett Ford and Scholarship Foundation Chair George Theissen.
District 10 member Kim Martin poses with her Biltmore silent auction package.
District 58’s team (back row) District 58 member Pam Hailey, District 58 Chair Ross Hailey, District 58 members Eddie Brogden, Willie James Walker, (front row) Veineta Howard, Angela Brogden and LaKeisha Jones.
District 65 Chair Cynthia Hart ponders a bid on a silent auction item.
SEANC Executive Officers attended to show their support. Pictured left to right are Immediate Past President Stanley Drewery, President Jimmy Davis, Executive Director Robert Broome, First Vice President Martha Fowler, Second Vice President Kirk Montgomery and General Treasurer Chevella L. Thomas. PHOTOS BY BRENDA JOHNSON
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THE REPORTER • September 2019
STATE PERSONNEL CASES: PROTECTING STATE EMPLOYEE RIGHTS Representing State Employees in State employees are good people. But Grievances, Court of Appeals, and even good people make mistakes NC Office of Administrative Hearings mistakes that violate your rights as a career employee, discriminate against you, or cost you a promotion or job. ■
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Disciplinary Appeals Grievances / Just Cause Exempt Designation Health Care Registry Whistleblower Cases Dismissal Appeals Law Enforcement Certification
My practice is restricted to state personnel disciplinary and licensing matters. I have litigated personnel cases in the Office of Administrative Hearings since the 1990s. If you have a grievance, disciplinary appeal, or any state employment matter, call (919) 865-2572 or email me at michael@mbyrnelawnc.com.
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For added security, sign up for Debit and Credit Card Alerts to monitor your purchase activity!
SAVE OVER 30% ON TICKETS AT YOUR SECU BRANCH OR SEANC OFFICE Member savings not available at front gate. Purchase through SECU Branch (only through 9/30) or SEANC Office (through 10/27). Savings based on $86.99 adult Busch Gardens Williamsburg One Day Ticket. Park and event schedules are subject to change. Please verify park schedule before visiting. Restrictions apply. ©2019 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.
Doug Sutton
Insurance Services Providing quality and affordable insurance to SEANC members for over 40 years. We appreciate doing business with you!
Please call us if we can be of service.
For details, go to www.ncsecu.org, contact your local branch or call 24/7 Member Services at 1.888.732.8562.
919-836-9993 or Toll Free: 1-800-788-7771 dougsutton@dougsuttonins.com THE REPORTER • September 2019
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Periodical Postage PAID Raleigh, NC 1621 Midtown Place Raleigh, NC 27609
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