Council Approves $25,000 Agreement to Hire Consultant for Pharmacy Benefit Manager RFP

The Springfield City Council on Aug. 19 approved an ordinance authorizing a professional services agreement with Travelers Inc. to assist with the city's request for proposals and selection process for a pharmacy benefit manager, or PBM. The agreement covers the Office of Human Resources and runs from March 1, 2026, through Feb. 28, 2027, with compensation not to exceed $25,000, the ordinance said. Alderman Joseph Notriano asked the city’s benefits staff about the procurement; Kelly Martin, senior benefits manager, told council that the city has used Travelers (referred to in the meeting as Treveris/Truveris) on prior PBM requests for proposals and that a PBM RFP is “very complicated” because of credits and discounts. Council voting opened after discussion; Alderman Carlson was recorded voting "aye" and the chair announced the motion passed with nine voting yes and none voting no. The ordinance was listed on the agenda as ordinance 2025-350; the vote represents final passage of the professional services agreement item. Martin said the city has used the consultant for the past two RFPs and relies on outside vendors for PBM procurement work. The council did not alter the contract amount or term during the meeting. The ordinance directs the Office of Human Resources to contract with Travelers Inc. to support the PBM RFP process; no additional amendments or related budget transfers were recorded during the meeting.