In this episode of The SEANC View, our team speaks with Thomas Friedman, executive administrator of the North Carolina State Health Plan, about the recently launched Lantern program. Lantern offers state employees and teachers access to free elective surgeries (orthopedics and bariatrics) with high-quality providers across the state, including travel and lodging coverage when needed. They discuss how Lantern aims to reduce overall health costs through price transparency and bundled care, upcoming expansions (including maternity care), and efforts to manage pharmaceutical expenses. The conversation also touches on rural access, provider incentives, and open enrollment.