SANFORD, N.C. — Judge Matthew Houston issued his decision Tuesday after a hearing in Sanford, denying North Carolinas employee health plan a temporary injunction against Atrium Healths Affordability Protection Program.
Plan officials said the judge acknowledged their argument that the program could cause irreparable harm, but still refused to block it while the lawsuit continues in Business Court.
Officials warned the plan may have to raise all member premiums by as much as $50 per month in 2028, which could more than double their 2027 premiums, if it cannot stop Atriums cost-share design. Treasurer Brad Briner chairs the plans board of trustees.
Atrium said Starting January 1, 2027, the Atrium Health Affordability Protection Program is designed to reduce costs for enrolled members at Atrium facilities for primary care, specialty care, outpatient care and inpatient care. Deductibles and coinsurance are waived and replaced by lower patient obligations that Atrium says it funds after claims are processed.
Atrium said more than 80,000 teachers, first responders, state employees and their families across North Carolina use its care teams. Company leaders said their offer to match Preferred Tier discounts and designation is still on the table.
Open enrollment for the 2027 benefit year has been extended through Nov. 6, 2026, while the dispute continues. Plan lawyers had sought an emergency order blocking the Protection Program that Atrium publicly revealed on Oct. 6, less than a week before open enrollment began for hundreds of thousands of covered workers and families.
