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Losing weight is hard – and keeping it off can feel even harder. For many people, bariatric surgery is a turning point for weight loss as well as better health, renewed energy, and a brighter future.
To make that goal more attainable, qualifying members of the North Carolina State Health Plan have a new opportunity to take that step forward – with no out-of-pocket cost.
A New Partnership for Accessible, High-Quality Care
Announced this past summer and set into action this fall, the North Carolina State Health Plan has partnered with Lantern, a Specialty Care Platform that connects patients with top-rated surgeons across the state. This partnership makes bariatric surgery available at no cost to eligible members when they choose a provider within Lantern’s Network of Excellence.
As State Treasurer Brad Briner explains, “We’re excited to offer members access to Lantern’s premier network of rigorously vetted surgeons. Our team has talked to a lot of members over the last year, and we are committed to improving our plan design through higher quality choices at better rates. Investing in more primary care and waiving the cost of surgery for members through this new partnership is something we’re really excited about.”
At Bariatric Specialists of the Carolinas, we’re proud to be part of this groundbreaking program that’s widening care to over half a million North Carolinians. Our experienced care team of bariatric surgeons, nurses, and administrative staff is dedicated to helping patients achieve lasting results through compassionate, evidence-based care.
When you choose our practice through this new program, you can expect:
- Expert surgeons and experienced professionals, committed to safe, effective results.
- Personalized support from a care advocate and nurse navigator to guide you through every step.
- Convenient locations and access to trusted surgical centers across North Carolina.
- No out-of-pocket costs – surgery is fully covered when you qualify through the North Carolina State Health Plan.
Why Consider Bariatric Surgery?
Obesity is complex – it’s not a lack of willpower, and it’s not just about appearance. It’s a medical condition that affects nearly every system in the human body. Over time, excess weight can lead to insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, joint pain, fatigue, and an increased risk of serious diseases.
Bariatric surgery is a proven way to interrupt the cycle. It has become one of modern medicine’s most remarkable success stories, evolving from a niche procedure to a major surgical practice that has changed bodies and lives across the globe. Growth in the field of bariatrics reflects advances in technique and safety, as well as a recognition that obesity and its associated health risks are treatable.
By reshaping how the body processes food and regulates appetite, weight loss surgery can help patients achieve significant and sustained weight loss. But even more importantly, it helps reverse the health conditions linked to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
Patients often describe life after surgery as a rediscovery. Climbing stairs without losing breath. Enjoying movement again without pain. Becoming comfortable in their bodies for the first time in years. Sleeping through the night and waking up feeling rested.
The physical aspects of obesity and weight loss also ripple into the psyche, with years of frustration, stigma, and limitation. Bariatric surgery can mark the moment of emotional healing. As energy returns and discomfort fades, patients frequently report improvements in mood, confidence, and self-worth. They begin to reconnect with activities, relationships, and goals that once felt out of reach.
Proud to Participate
We are as proud to be part of your weight-loss process as you should be of yourself for taking the first step. Choosing to explore bariatric surgery is a pivotal act of self-care and it takes courage. It’s a decision to take control of your health and well-being, and we’re here to walk that path with you.
While this is a life-changing opportunity, and available at no cost to qualifying North Carolina State Health Plan members, it’s still a structured medical process with required steps and qualifications.
The State Health Plan provides comprehensive health coverage to North Carolina’s public employees, educators, retirees, and their families, and now, through this new benefit, is expanding access to bariatric surgery for eligible members.
This initiative is made possible through a partnership with Lantern, a Specialty Care Platform that helps health plans connect members to high-quality surgical care. Lantern’s Network of Excellence includes top bariatric surgeons and care teams nationwide – including Bariatric Specialists of the Carolinas. Each member is paired with a care advocate and nurse navigator to guide them through the process, from consultation to recovery.
Every patient begins with an initial consultation to review health history, discuss goals, and determine which surgical approach is most appropriate.
From there, patients will complete several steps:
- Verification of eligibility under the State Health Plan’s no-cost partnership.
- Pre-surgical evaluations and lab testing to ensure safety and readiness.
- Insurance approval and care coordination through Lantern’s dedicated team.
- Pre-operative education and preparation, including dietary guidance and support.
It may appear tedious, but the structured process is what makes the program so successful. Every patient is not only approved but truly ready for a safe, effective, and lasting outcome by design.
If you’ve struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, this may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for: a chance to restore your health, confidence, and quality of life without the deductibles and out-of-pocket costs associated with other types of insurance.
Reach out to Bariatric Specialists of the Carolinas to schedule your consultation or learn more about this no-cost surgical benefit for North Carolina State Health Plan members. Your transformation starts with a conversation.
