RFP 2026-001 - City of Palestine Health Insurance (PDF)

Location:	Texas
Posted:	Jun 25, 2026
Due:	Jul 7, 2026
Agency:	City of Palestine
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	Q - Medical Services
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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CITY OF PALESTINE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

RFP 2026-001– HEALTH INSURANCE

This notice is published in the Palestine Herald Press on Saturday, June 20, 2026, and Saturday,

June 27, 2026.

I. PURPOSE

The City of Palestine ("City") is soliciting proposals for Fully-Insured, Self-Funded, or Level-

Funded Medical and Prescription Drug Plans effective October 1, 2026.

Sealed proposals must be received in the City Secretary's Office no later than 10:00 a.m. on

Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Proposals will be publicly opened at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7,

2026, in the City Hall Conference Room. To be considered, proposals must address all services

and requirements outlined in this Request for Proposals (RFP).

II. SERVICES REQUIRED

The City is seeking proposals for Employee Health and Prescription Drug Plan coverage.

Coverage Options to be Proposed:

• Fully-Insured Medical and Prescription Drug Plan

• Self-Funded Medical and Prescription Drug Plan

• Level-Funded Medical and Prescription Drug Plan

Plan Design

The City is interested in innovative plan options and designs to maximize the promotion of high

performing primary care and wellness within the employee population. Proposers shall provide

rates and plan details for the following plan designs and may submit additional plan options for

consideration. Census data may be requested in writing from Rachel Means at

rachel.means@ebctx.com.

1. HDHP/HSA (Core Plan)

Deductible: $2,000 individual / $6,000 family

Out-of-Pocket Maximum: $5,000 individual / $10,000 family

Coinsurance: 20% after deductible

2. PPO (Preferred Plan)

Deductible: $1,000 individual / $3,000 family

Out-of-Pocket Maximum: $5,000 individual / $10,000 family

Office Visit Copays: $25 PCP / $50 Specialist

Coinsurance: 20% after deductible

City of Palestine

RFP 2026-001 - Health Insurance

III. GENERAL INFORMATION

The City of Palestine is a home-rule municipality located in Anderson County, Texas, with a

population of approximately 18,544 according to the 2020 U.S. Census. The City operates under

a Council-Manager form of government consisting of a mayor, six (6) council members, and a city

manager. Council members are elected from single-member districts, and the mayor is elected at-

large. The City Manager serves as the chief executive officer of the City and is responsible for

implementing policies and directives established by the City Council.

IV. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

Proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked:

“RFP 2026-001 – HEALTH INSURANCE - TO BE OPENED: JULY 7, 2026, AT 10:30

A.M.”

Sealed proposals must be received no later than 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in the City

Secretary's Office. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered and will be returned

unopened.

Proposers shall submit three (3) hard copies of their proposal.

The successful proposer shall provide a certificate of insurance meeting City requirements prior to

execution of a contract.

Required Submission Information

Proposals shall include, at a minimum:

1. Detailed premium rates and plan benefits for all coverage tiers for fully insured proposals.

2. Administrative fee and stop-loss breakdown for level-funded or self-funded proposals.

3. GeoAccess reports for medical and pharmacy networks.

4. Performance guarantees and associated penalties.

5. Implementation timeline and available resources.

6. Wellness program offerings and associated costs.

7. Reporting capabilities and sample reports.

8. References from at least three (3) similarly sized clients, preferably public sector entities.

The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive informalities or irregularities,

request clarification of any proposal, and accept the proposal deemed to be in the best interest of

the City. This solicitation does not obligate the City to award a contract or reimburse any costs

incurred in the preparation of a proposal.

Mailing and Delivery Address:

City of Palestine

Attn: April Jackson, City Secretary

504 N. Queen Street

Palestine, Texas 75801

City of Palestine

RFP 2026-001 - Health Insurance

Proposal Schedule:

Friday, July 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., Central Standard Time (CST)

Deadline for inquiries, questions, or requests for additional information regarding this RFP. All

questions must be submitted in writing to Rachel Means at rachel.means@ebctx.com.

Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., Central Standard Time (CST)

Deadline for submission of sealed proposals to the City Secretary's Office.

Proposals may not be amended, modified, or withdrawn after the submission deadline. Any

alterations or corrections made prior to submission must be initialed by the authorized

representative submitting the proposal.

Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., Central Standard Time (CST)

Sealed proposals will be publicly opened in the City Hall Conference Room located at 504 N.

Queen Street, Palestine, Texas.

Communications

All questions regarding plan design, census information, rates, and proposal preparation shall be

directed in writing to:

Rachel Means

Employee Benefits Consulting

Email: rachel.means@ebctx.com

All other communications regarding this solicitation shall be directed to:

Paige Mendez

Employee Benefits Consulting

Email: paige.mendez@ebctx.com

Phone: (903) 780-1493

V. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Each proposal shall include sufficient information to demonstrate the proposer's qualifications,

experience, resources, and ability to provide the requested services. At a minimum, proposals shall

include the following:

Qualifications and Experience

1. Provide the legal name and address of the proposer, including all office locations. Identify

the office location that will be responsible for servicing the City's account.

2. Identify the individuals who will be assigned to the City's account and provide their titles,

qualifications, and contact information.

3. Describe the proposer's experience providing similar services to municipalities,

governmental entities, or similarly sized organizations.

4. Describe any previous experience providing services to the City of Palestine.

City of Palestine

RFP 2026-001 - Health Insurance

VI. EVALUATION PROCESS

The City will evaluate proposals using a best-value approach. The City reserves the right to request

additional information, conduct interviews, seek clarifications, and negotiate with one or more

proposers as necessary.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Cost – 35%

• Network Adequacy and Provider Disruption Analysis – 25%

• Administrative Capabilities and Technology – 20%

• Customer Service and Account Management – 15%

• Wellness and Disease Management Programs – 5%

The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to accept the proposal determined to

be in the best interest of the City.

VII. CONTRACT AWARD

The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive minor informalities or irregularities,

and accept the proposal determined to provide the best value to the City.

Following evaluation of the proposals, the City may enter into negotiations with one or more

proposers regarding pricing, services, implementation, or other matters relevant to the proposed

coverage. Selection of a proposer does not constitute a contract award.

The recommended proposal will be presented to the Palestine City Council for consideration and

possible award on Monday, July 13, 2026.

The successful proposer shall maintain the proposed rates, fees, and terms through the evaluation

and award process unless otherwise approved by the City in writing.

The City reserves the right to request additional information and negotiate final contract terms

prior to execution of an agreement.

A proposal tabulation shall be maintained by the City and made available in accordance with the

Texas Public Information Act.

Point of Contact

Paige Mendez

Employee Benefits Consulting

Email: paige.mendez@ebctx.com

Phone: (903) 780-1493

Notice

Any notice required by this Request for Proposals or applicable law shall be provided by the City

of Palestine. Any interpretations, clarifications, corrections, or changes to this RFP shall be made

only by written addendum issued by the City of Palestine.

City of Palestine

RFP 2026-001 - Health Insurance

The City Secretary shall serve as the sole issuing authority for all addenda related to this

solicitation. Addenda will be distributed to all known recipients of the RFP and shall become part

of the solicitation documents.

Oral statements, representations, or interpretations by any City employee, consultant, or

representative shall not be considered binding. Only written addenda issued by the City of

Palestine may modify the terms, conditions, requirements, or specifications of this RFP.

Failure to acknowledge receipt of any addenda may result in a proposal being deemed non-

responsive.

City of Palestine

RFP 2026-001 - Health Insurance

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

RFP 2026-001 - City of Palestine Health Insurance (PDF)

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