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Committee approves short extensions to dental and health contracts after RFP cancellation
Summary
Wayne County’s committee on Oct. 15 approved amendments to extend existing dental and health benefit contracts after the county canceled a recent solicitation due to a technical error.
The Wayne County Committee on Government Operations on Oct. 15 approved a package of contract amendments to continue employee benefits coverage while the county reissues procurement solicitations.
Donna Wilson, personnel and human resources director, told commissioners the county had issued a solicitation for medical prescription drugs, dental, vision and Medicare Advantage plans but canceled the RFP after a technical error and because there was insufficient time to implement a new contract before open enrollment. To avoid service interruptions, the county sought amendments extending current agreements and increasing contract amounts to cover an additional year of service.
The amendments covered: Amendment 2 to a five‑year dental services contract with NCAP Dental Plans; Amendment 1 to a five‑year contract with Delta Dental Plan of Michigan for dental benefits; Amendment 2 to a five‑year administrative services contract and Medicare Advantage Plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; and Amendment 2 to a five‑year administrative services contract and Medicare Advantage Plan with Blue Care Network of Michigan.
Commissioners asked about why the solicitation was canceled and whether insurance rates might change if national policy or market conditions shift. Wilson said the county is a self‑funded plan and uses utilization reports and an adviser (Siegel) to establish rates; employee/union negotiations set employee cost‑sharing. She said the county will reissue solicitations in the coming weeks and that the amendments preserve benefits for employees and retirees through the procurement and open‑enrollment process.
Commissioner Killeen asked whether the county plans to bid the benefits soon; Wilson said the RFP will go out in the next couple of weeks. The package of amendments was approved on a motion by Commissioner Killeen, supported by Commissioner Wilson.
