Duke Health has reached an agreement to participate as an Access Provider in the North Carolina State Health Plan's new tiered provider network, ensuring that state employees, retirees, and their families can continue receiving care through the health system beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

The agreement comes as the State Health Plan rolls out a redesigned network intended to improve access to high-quality, affordable care. As an Access Provider, Duke Health will continue offering State Health Plan members access to its statewide network of hospitals, physician practices, and ambulatory facilities, including primary care, specialty services, cancer care, transplant programs, and other highly specialized treatments.

According to Duke Health, State Health Plan members received care through the health system more than 253,000 times in 2025, underscoring the organization's significant role in serving North Carolina's public workforce.

"Every day, teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and so many other public servants dedicate their careers to serving North Carolina," said David Zaas, M.D., chief executive officer of Duke Health, in a statement. "They deserve a health system that is equally committed to serving them."

The agreement resolves uncertainty over network participation ahead of the State Health Plan's transition to its new benefit design and preserves access for members who rely on Duke Health's academic medical center and statewide clinical network.