A Smarter Way to Access Orthopedic Care: The State Health Plan & Lantern
Healthcare is always evolving and for patients, that means simpler, more ways to access high-quality care.
Through the North Carolina State Health Plan’s partnership with Lantern, eligible members now have access to a more streamlined, guided approach to surgical care, one that removes complexity, improves outcomes, and eliminates financial barriers for many procedures.
At OrthoCarolina, we are proud to be part of this model, helping deliver expert orthopedic care through a physician-led approach focused on quality, consistency, and patient experience.
Why Musculoskeletal Care Matters
Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, such as joint pain, back injuries, arthritis, and sports-related injuries, are among the most common health issues affecting adults today. These conditions can significantly impact daily life and are also a major driver of healthcare costs for employers and health plans. As a result, there is growing focus on improving how patients access care, ensuring they receive the right treatment, at the right time, from trusted providers.
The State Health Plan’s Lantern surgical benefit was designed with this goal in mind, helping connect members to high-quality orthopedic care while simplifying the overall experience.
Expanding Access to High-Quality Surgical Care
Through Lantern, eligible State Health Plan members are connected to a curated network of top-performing surgeons and facilities across North Carolina.
This includes trusted practitioners such as those at OrthoCarolina.
For Lantern members, this means:
Access to trusted orthopedic specialists
Care is delivered by experienced surgeons and care teams recognized for strong outcomes in specific procedures.
A simpler, more guided care experience
From initial consultation through recovery, Lantern helps coordinate care every step of the way.
Confidence in quality and outcomes
Patients are connected with practitioners who follow proven care pathways and focus on delivering efficient, effective treatment.
A No-Cost, Predictable Experience for Members
One of the biggest advantages of the Lantern surgical benefit is financial simplicity.
For eligible procedures, members pay no out-of-pocket costs. This removes financial barriers and allows patients to focus on their care and recovery, without the stress of unexpected medical bills.
At the same time, the program uses bundled pricing, creating a more predictable and transparent experience for both members and the State Health Plan.
Coordinated, End-to-End Care Navigation
Lantern provides dedicated support throughout the entire surgical journey. From helping members understand their eligibility to coordinating appointments and recovery, the experience is designed to be seamless and easy to navigate.
This coordinated approach reduces fragmentation in care and ensures patients feel supported every step of the way.
Why OrthoCarolina
OrthoCarolina’s participation in this model reflects years of investment in delivering value-based orthopedic care.
Our physician-led model, standardized surgical pathways, and use of ambulatory surgery centers allow us to deliver:
- Consistent, high-quality outcomes
- More efficient care delivery
- A better overall patient experience
By aligning with the State Health Plan and Lantern, we are able to extend these capabilities to more patients across North Carolina.
What This Means for You
If you are a State Health Plan member, the Lantern surgical benefit can make it easier to access expert orthopedic care through providers like OrthoCarolina.
To get started, eligible members can call Lantern at 833-916-3826 to learn more about
coverage and begin the process.
A More Connected, Patient-Focused Approach
The State Health Plan and Lantern partnership reflects the future of healthcare—one that prioritizes access, simplicity, and outcomes.
By connecting patients with high-quality providers and guiding them through the entire care journey, this model is helping ensure that patients receive the right care, at the right time, in the right setting.
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