BlueCross BlueShield to continue as state plan’s medical third-party administrator vendor
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News from the Montana Department of Administration
HELENA — On Friday, June 21, the Department of Administration (DOA) announced its intent to award the medical Third-Party Administrator (TPA) contract for the state’s health plan to the incumbent provider, BlueCross BlueShield of Montana (BCBSMT).
In March 2024, the DOA released a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit competitive bids to provide the state with TPA services for the state’s medical plan for employees and retirees. The RFP required a modernized approach with cost-saving measures while maintaining full services for employee and retiree populations. After a diverse evaluation committee reviewed and scored the proposals, BCBSMT received the highest score to earn the award. The DOA will engage in negotiations to finalize a contract.
The DOA is producing evaluation materials in compliance with Senate Bill (SB) 51, which was enacted by the 68th Legislature and signed into law by Governor Greg Gianforte. This law mandates a public comment period of seven days be available prior to finalizing a contract award, providing Montanans with a clear view of the expenditure of taxpayer dollars and an opportunity to voice opinions.
“Contracting with BCBSMT will continue our efforts to be responsible stewards of the State Plan contributions while maintaining high-quality medical care for our state employees and retirees,” said DOA Director Misty Ann Giles. “We are excited to have issued this RFP under the new provisions within SB 51, which will allow our vendors to participate in a truly competitive process while allowing our citizens to review and engage in our procurement activities before a contract is finalized.”
The State Plan is self-funded by the state and includes medical, prescription, drug, dental, and vision plans. The state provides these critical health services to our state employees, retirees, legislators, Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act (COBRA) enrollees, and their respective dependents – collectively referred to as “plan members.” The DOA’s Health Care & Benefits Division is responsible for administering the State Plan, which includes the self-funded medical plan awarded to BCBSMT.
Evaluation materials may be found on the DOA’s State Procurement Bureau homepage: https://spb.mt.gov. In accordance with SB 51, public comment is welcome on the proposed award before the DOA issues a final contract through June 30, 2024. To submit public comment, please contact Enterprise Procurement Supervisor Gwenette Ungerman at: gwenette.ungerman@mt.gov and reference “Medical TPA RFP.”
