Associate Counsel – State Health Plan Administration

Job Description We're seeking an Associate Counsel to join our legal team as dedicated legal support for Blue Cross NC's Third-Party Administrator (TPA) services provided to the North Carolina State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees. This position is assigned specifically to the State Health Plan account and will work closely with the business teams responsible for day-to-day administration, implementation, compliance, and operational oversight of the contract. This role is well-suited for an attorney interested in working at the intersection of health care, government programs, public procurement, and large-scale health plan operations. The Associate Counsel will serve as the primary day-to-day legal advisor supporting Blue Cross NC's administration of the State Health Plan contract. This position will partner closely with operational, network, implementation, compliance, finance, data, and executive teams to help ensure contractual compliance, manage legal risk, and support successful execution of complex health care contracts. This role offers exposure to high-profile legal and business issues, including government contracting, public records laws, health plan administration, provider contracting, regulatory compliance, appeals and grievance processes, and implementation of innovative benefit and network strategies. What You'll Do Serve as dedicated legal counsel supporting Blue Cross NC's administration of the State Health Plan TPA contract. Act as the day-to-day resource for business teams supporting the State Health Plan account, providing timely legal guidance on operational, contractual, regulatory, and implementation matters. Develop and maintain deep subject matter knowledge of the State Health Plan contract, including performance guarantees, service levels, reporting obligations, implementation requirements, financial provisions, audit rights, and operational commitments.  Research and analyze federal and state laws, regulations, administrative guidance, and case law applicable to health plans, government programs, and third-party administration services. Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of legal documents, including provider agreements, data sharing agreements, vendor agreements, business associate agreements, amendments, and operational documentation. Support implementation and ongoing administration of State Health Plan initiatives, benefit changes, network arrangements, and vendor integrations. Advise business partners on compliance with HIPAA, HITECH, privacy, security, data governance, and information-sharing requirements. Support responses to audits, investigations, administrative inquiries, regulatory requests, and contractual compliance reviews. Assist with public records requests, confidentiality analyses, and protection of trade secret and proprietary information. Monitor legal, regulatory, and legislative developments impacting the State Health Plan, government health programs, and health…