RFP 2026-006 - City of Palestine Health Insurance - Rebid (PDF)

This notice is published in the Palestine Herald Press on Saturday, July 25, 2026, and Saturday, August
1, 2026.
CITY OF PALESTINE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
RFP 2026-006 - HEALTH INSURANCE (REBID)
Sealed Proposals Due Date: August 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
I. PURPOSE
The City of Palestine (City) is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) for Fully-Insured, Self-Funded or
Level-Funded Medical and Prescription Drug Plan beginning October 1, 2026.
Sealed proposals are due in the City Secretary's Office by Tuesday, August 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Proposals will be publicly opened at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 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 1 RFP 2026-002-Health Insurance (Rebid)

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 atlarge. 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 RESPONSE
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
Proposal Schedule:
Friday, August 7, 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.
City of Palestine 2 RFP 2026-002-Health Insurance (Rebid)

August 12, 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.
August 12, 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.
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.
City of Palestine 3 RFP 2026-002-Health Insurance (Rebid)

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.
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 nonresponsive.
City of Palestine 4 RFP 2026-002-Health Insurance (Rebid)