Novant and UNC to Become Sole State Plan Providers
State Health Plan members will face network changes as these two systems become the only preferred options starting in 2027.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Healthcare
Live Poll
Do you believe state-preferred health networks improve timely access to care for local residents?
Starting January 1, 2027, Novant Health and UNC Health will become the sole Preferred Providers for the North Carolina State Health Plan. As part of this transition, Novant Health is implementing a new scheduling goal to provide new-patient appointments within 10 days.
Why it matters
This shift consolidates the state health provider network to ensure timely access to care for plan members. Operators should track how these network exclusivity requirements impact regional healthcare service competition and staffing demand across the state.
Novant Health operates 18 hospitals and 700 clinics in North Carolina that will support the new 10-day appointment goal starting in 2027. The system will function alongside UNC Health as one of two sole Preferred Providers for the State Health Plan.
The players
Novant Health
A non-profit integrated health system operating 18 hospitals and over 700 clinics across North Carolina.
UNC Health
An integrated health care system serving as a partner with Novant as a sole Preferred Provider for the state plan.
The details
Members will access this system through a dedicated concierge line to manage scheduling across Novant’s network of clinics and virtual care platforms. By standardizing the appointment window at 10 days for new patients, the system aims to improve efficiency within the state's preferred provider framework. This change represents a narrowed scope of preferred status for the state plan, requiring members to utilize these specific systems to meet the defined access goals.
Timeline
January 1, 2027: Novant Health and UNC Health become the sole Preferred Providers for the State Health Plan.
2027: The 10-day new-patient appointment scheduling goal takes effect for Novant Health.
Market Landscape
This move consolidates the North Carolina State Health Plan Preferred Provider designation to just two health systems. It follows a pattern of state-led network design intended to prioritize cost and access metrics over a broader, fragmented provider pool.
Business owners with employees on the State Health Plan should prepare for potential network coverage shifts by reviewing the upcoming provider list. Monitor communication from the state health plan regarding access to the concierge line at 888-894-9777 to inform your benefits administration.
The takeaway
The move to exclusive Preferred Provider status underscores the state's intent to centralize care delivery through high-volume systems like Novant and UNC Health. Administrators should monitor the 888-894-9777 concierge line as the primary interface for managing state-plan patient access in 2027.
What happens next
The transition to the sole provider model and the 10-day scheduling goal is set for January 1, 2027.
Further reading
For additional context on regional provider network shifts, visit Healthcare.
Live Poll
Do you believe state-preferred health networks improve timely access to care for local residents?
