DESCRIPTION: Michigan State University (the "University" or "MSU") is soliciting proposals through this Request for Proposal ("RFP") for the purpose of administration of its retiree medical and prescription drug programs. The requested services are more thoroughly described under the Scope of Work Section of this RFP. Firms intending to respond to this RFP are referred to herein as a "Respondent" or "Supplier."
RFP TIMELINE (selected dates provided in RFP): Issue RFP: October 22, 2026; Deadline for Respondent Questions to MSU: October 27, 2026; Deadline for providing intent to bid: October 28, 2026; RFP Response Due Date: November 16, 2026, 3:00 pm Eastern; Finalist Presentations: Week of December 14, 2026; Estimated Contract Award: February 1, 2027.
BACKGROUND: Michigan State University provides medical and prescription drug coverage to eligible retirees and their dependents, including approximately 1,600 pre-65 members and 7,200 Medicare-eligible members. Current programs include a non-Medicare PPO arrangement and separate Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D coverage. Bidders are directed to the 2028 Michigan State University Retiree Medical RFP Introduction Document and associated materials for additional background and data.
SCOPE OF WORK: MSU is seeking proposals for administration and delivery of retiree medical and prescription drug benefits effective January 1, 2028. The scope includes plan administration; provider and pharmacy access; eligibility and enrollment support; member service and communications; clinical and care management programs; reporting; compliance support; implementation; and coordination across pre-65 medical, pre-65 prescription drug, Medicare Advantage, and stand-alone Part D programs as applicable. Bidders may propose an integrated solution or specific program(s) for which they were invited to bid. Respondents must refer to the Introduction Document, questionnaires, financial templates, data files, and reference materials for complete details.
MANDATORY MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (summary): applicable licensure and regulatory authority in Michigan and other jurisdictions; CMS authorization and good standing for Medicare bidders; ability to serve eligible MSU retirees and dependents nationwide; readiness to implement by January 1, 2028 (including support for October 1, 2027 annual enrollment period); eligibility and enrollment capability including support for Medicare transitions and mixed-Medicare-status households; experience serving employer-sponsored group health plans covering 1,000+ members; existing operational capability (no reliance on undeveloped products/platforms); and sufficient financial and organizational capacity. Accessibility requirements (WCAG 2.2 Level AA VPAT) apply for digital products/services.
PRICING: Respondents must provide complete pricing for each program and funding arrangement proposed including premiums, administrative fees, implementation charges, credits, guarantees, and other applicable costs. Applicable pricing templates (Medicare Fully Insured Quote Template and/or ASO Quote Template) must be completed and submitted in original format and per instructions; pricing templates serve as the primary basis for financial evaluation.
EVALUATION: Proposals will be evaluated on criteria including Financial Competitiveness (30%), Provider Disruption (15%), Formulary Disruption (15%), Network Access (5%), Performance Guarantees (5%), Clinical Programs and Care Management (15%), Retiree Experience (10%), and Innovation/Strategic Partnership (5%). The RFP reserves rights regarding selection, clarifications, negotiations, and award conditions as detailed in the RFP.
