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GIC awards dental and vision contracts to Altus; commissioners approve unanimously
Summary
The Group Insurance Commission’s procurement team recommended Altus for both dental and vision contracts after a competitive process; commissioners voted to award the contract, which staff said will lower premiums for active members and minimally disrupt provider access.
The Group Insurance Commission voted to award its dental and vision contracts to Altus after a procurement process that produced three dental bids and two vision bids. Janine Duer, the GIC strategic sourcing team leader, told commissioners the evaluation included technical and cost scoring, oral presentations and best‑and‑final offers.
"Based on our evaluation of all phases of the scoring process, the GIC strategic sourcing team recommends awarding both the dental and vision contracts to Altus," Duer said during the presentation. She said Altus’ proposal would lower administrative fees and reduce premiums for active and retired employees under the proposed contract and that Altus committed to expand the in‑network provider base during the first contract year.
Commissioners asked about geographic access, particularly in western and rural parts of the state; Duer and staff said the bidders provided geo‑access data and that the networks were comparable. Staff also noted extensive out‑of‑network benefits intended to limit member disruption.
Chair Valerie Sullivan asked for a motion to contract with Altus; a motion by Toby, seconded by Catherine, was polled and recorded as passing "unanimously of those voting." Andrew (general counsel) conducted the roll call.
Staff described the procurement as a three‑year contract with two 1‑year extension options and said retiree discounts would change in structure but not materially reduce access. Staff added that active members pay 15% of the combined dental and vision premium under current plan rules and that the GIC will monitor network access during contract negotiation and implementation.
Next steps: staff will complete negotiation of final contract terms, monitor provider network changes during the transition, and post member communications and FAQs ahead of any effective date.
