Sen. Burgin files bill in North Carolina Senate for state-run health benefits exchange

The new bill filed by State Sen. Jim Burgin seeks to give the insurance commissioner broad authority to create and manage a state-run health benefits exchange, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 852 on April 28 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘NC Health Benefits Exchange Implementation.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill authorizes the North Carolina commissioner of insurance to establish and operate a state-run Health Benefits Exchange under the Affordable Care Act or other applicable federal law. It grants the commissioner broad authority to change programs, adopt or amend rules, set policies and plans, apply for and accept federal funds, and create advisory boards or committees to support the exchange’s creation and operation. The bill appropriates $100,000 in recurring General Fund money beginning in the 2026-27 fiscal year for this purpose and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Burgin proposed another 85 bills during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Burgin graduated from The University of Tennessee Knoxville with a BS.

Burgin, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2019 to represent the state’s 12th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Ronald Rabin.