The Department of Administration (DOA) announced its intention to award the contract for the state’s health plan’s medical Third-Party Administrator (TPA) to BlueCross BlueShield of Montana (BCBSMT), the incumbent provider.
In March 2024, the DOA issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit competitive bids for TPA services for the state’s medical plan serving employees and retirees. The RFP emphasized modernization and cost-saving measures while ensuring comprehensive services for the state’s workforce. Following a thorough review and scoring process by a diverse evaluation committee, BCBSMT achieved the highest score and has been selected for contract negotiations.
The DOA is adhering to the requirements of Senate Bill (SB) 51, enacted by the 68th Legislature and signed into law by Governor Greg Gianforte. This legislation mandates a seven-day public comment period before finalizing a contract award, ensuring transparency in taxpayer expenditures and allowing public engagement in procurement decisions.
DOA Director Misty Ann Giles stated, “Contracting with BCBSMT aligns with our commitment to responsibly manage State Plan contributions while ensuring high-quality medical care for state employees and retirees. Issuing this RFP under SB 51 provisions promotes a competitive process for vendors and enables citizen review and participation in our procurement activities before finalizing contracts.”
The State Plan, self-funded by Montana, encompasses medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage provided to state employees, retirees, legislators, COBRA enrollees, and their dependents – collectively known as “plan members.” The DOA’s Health Care & Benefits Division administers these critical health services, including the self-funded medical plan awarded to BCBSMT.
For detailed evaluation materials and to participate in the public comment period until June 30, 2024, visit the State Procurement Bureau homepage at https://spb.mt.gov. Comments can be submitted to Enterprise Procurement Supervisor Gwenette Ungerman at gwenette.ungerman@mt.gov, referencing “Medical TPA RFP.”
