Request for Qualification for Insurance Consulting Services

January 20, 2015

Date Due: February 6, 2015

I.General Information

A.Purpose

The purpose of this request for quotation of services(RFQS) is to solicit and select an independent insurance broker (hereinafter referred to as Broker) to act as the representative of Blaine County School District (hereinafter referred to as BCSD) for employee health and welfare benefits management. The Broker shall effect the most advantageous placement of insurance coverage including but not limited to the terms and conditions of coverage, continuity and cost. In addition, the Broker must be capable of providing a full range of value-added services, including but not limited to, those outlined in the Scope of Services section.

This RFQS has been designed and will be executed by the Health Insurance Selection committee made up of BCSD employees, including BCEA representatives, and/or the Finance Committee of the Blaine County School District. This RFQS is not subject to the procurement requirements set forth in Chapter 67 of the Idaho Code. Procurement of personal or professional services are specifically exempted under Idaho Code Section 67-2803(4).

II.Scope of Services – Employee Benefits Consulting

The services detailed below are those services expected to be provided by the Broker pertaining to health and welfare benefits. Actual work will be directed by BCSD and may involve other consulting services that are not listed below.

  1. Conduct strategic planning meetings to establish goals, priorities and identify areas of concern.
  1. Financial underwriting and claims analysis, including renewal analysis and negotiations, budget projections, funding levels and alternatives, large claims analysis and monthly reporting of the plan’s financial performance.
  1. Evaluate plan design in light of industry trends and labor market conditions, claims cost trends, alternative delivery systems and legal requirements. Evaluate eligibility, cost-sharing and benefit structure and network savings.
  1. Prepare Requests for Proposals for insurance services and/or other employee benefit programs; analyze and make appropriate recommendations.
  1. Apprise BCSD of local and national trends and innovative ideas, and recommend new products, programs and services to ensure a competitive benefits plan.
  1. Review and analyze claims experience data, claims service, efficiency and accuracy of claims administration to ensure that BCSD is receiving optimum service and benefits from all carriers and vendors.
  1. Review on-going employee communications program, including a review of booklets, announcement materials and benefit statements.
  1. Manage carrier/vendor relationships, review and advise on master contracts, review carrier service levels and compare to performance guarantees, resolve administrative issues, conduct periodic meetings as necessary.
  1. Assist in COBRA, HIPAA, DOL, ERISA and reporting to include Summary Plan Descriptions and other Plan Documents.
  1. Provide specific assistance, tools and instruction in the implementation of all aspects of thePatient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
  1. Act as a technical resource and provide periodic updates on legislative developments and emerging trends.
  1. Evaluate in-house administration procedures including recommendations for improving services and efficiency through the use of technology.
  1. Design and coordinate vendors attendance for any employee benefit fairs that BCSD conducts and/or conduct benefits meetings at various buildings throughout the District to inform and educate our employees of our benefit offerings.

III.Proposal Instructions

All proposals submitted by the BROKER MUST be CLEARLY presented. Broker shall submit one (1) original and three (3) copies of the proposal. Only one proposal will be accepted from a single Broker.

All proposals must include the following requested information in the appropriate sections as defined below:

Section I Introduction

1Company Information

1.1Name of the proposed firm and name of the representative submitting the proposal. Include all contact information.

1.2Provide an overview of your firm and its ownership/organizational structure and number of employees.

1.3Describe, if applicable, any relationships that you have with insurance companies that may potentially influence your ability to provide Broker services to BCSD.

1.4Identify members of your staff that would be assigned to this contract and provide a summary of their qualifications.

Section IICompany Expertise/Experience

1Describe your firm’s expertise in each of the following areas.

1.1Health, Dental and Vision consulting services

1.2Legal Counsel/Compliance

1.3Actuarial/Underwriting

1.4Research and Technical Services

1.5Benefits Administration

1.6Benefits Communication

1.7Online Enrollment

2Marketplace Position

2.1Describe your firm’s marketplace leverage in negotiating with insurance carriers and service providers in regards to rates, policy terms and plan design.

2.2Describe your view of the role of a Broker in this type of relationship and what differentiates your firm from other brokerage-consulting firms.

2.3Identify a minimum of three (3) other accounts similar in size, type and scope for which you are presently serving as Broker which can serve as a reference for your service.

3Insurance Carrier and Health Plan Selection Process

3.1Describe how your firm would handle the process for selection of insurance carriers and other service providers for BCSD.

4Description of Broker Services and Ability

4.1Describe the process your firm utilizes to manage and administer a benefit package of our size throughout a contract year.

4.2What strategy does your firm utilize to manage and forecast a benefit package over a 2-3 year period?

4.3Describe all services your firm/agency will offer BCSD including one on one meetings with staff, annual meetings in each of the buildings and new hire staff meetings at the beginning of each school year.

4.4Describe your procedure for dealing with employee inquiries.

4.5How do you offer assistance with claims and/or coverage questions?

4.6Describe the action that would be taken, the support provided, and the personnel who would be involved in investigating and settling a disputed claim.

4.7Describe the steps you anticipate will be needed to ensure a smooth transition if you are selected as the new Agent of Record.

4.8How will you handle PERSI and all PERSI related issues? Do you have an experienced staff member who routinely deals with PERSI issues?

4.9How will you seek information from our insurance carrier and provide BCSD with monthly claims information, including disruption analysis and claims discounts analysis, advice for those trends and information on ways to decrease possible claims?

4.10How will your firm, including staff attorneys, be involved in contract negotiations and in making decisions regarding BCSD’s health insurance plan design?

4.11Will you be available for consultation during District bargaining unit negotiations? If so, please describe how you will be available for consultation.

Section IIICost

5Compensation

5.11Provide a description of the compensation structure proposed by the brokerage firm. The description shall include all bases for remuneration proposed by the firm, i.e., commission, fee, other.

5.12Provide in detail your firm’s policy on disclosing any additional compensation paid to your firm and/or your agents from any vendor that is selected as an insurance carrier or service provider to BCSD.

5.13Describe all available fee structures offered by your firm; including, but not limited to, commissions, consulting fees, travel charges and any other cost that may be passed on to BCSD.

5.14Describe the manner in which your firm communicates and/or proposes compensation changes during the period in which BCSD is a client of your firm. Please provide a 5 year projected compensation structure that you would anticipate for this engagement.

IV.Overview of Current Insurance Programs

The following is provided as Broker information only. This is a general overview of BCSD’s current employee benefits program. This information is to be used in the preparation of your proposal only.

Type of Coverage / Carrier / Employees Enrolled
Medical - Employer Provided / Blue Cross- Preferred Blue and HAS Blue PPO for Statewide Schools / 534
Medical – Employee Paid / Blue Cross- Preferred Blue and HAS Blue PPO for Statewide Schools / 116
Dental / Blue Cross – PPO Incentive Dental for Statewide Schools / 533
Vision / Blue Cross – VSP Plan III / 534
Group Life Insurance – Employer Provided / Standard Life Insurance / 536
Voluntary Life / NCPERS Life Insurance / 44
Health Savings Accounts / American Fidelity / 75
Flexible Spending Account / American Fidelity / 242

V.Evaluation Criteria

The proposals received will be evaluated based on the following criteria to determine each Broker’s qualifications. The order does not indicate relative ranking.

  1. Demonstration of competence, technical expertise, experience in employee benefits, insurance placement and Human Resources.
  1. Demonstrated record of responsiveness and quality of customer service on this type of account.
  2. Both the Broker’s capabilities and the experience of individual team members assigned to the BCSD account will be considered, including experience with other School Districts.
  3. Availability to travel as needed to the District Service Center and/or building locations.
  4. Rates, fees or charges including the level of detail provided in the firm's fee information, as well as the willingness of the firm to offer flexible fee arrangements.
  1. Broker’s awareness and ability to provide timely, accurate communication of emerging trends, opportunities, regulatory updates and liabilities to clients.
  1. Broker’s ability to provide a broad spectrum of consulting services, including, but not limited to actuarial, claims administration, alternative funding arrangements.
  1. Responsiveness of the Broker’s proposal to the RFQS, including clarity and organization of response, clear presentation of Broker’s experience and approach to ensuring the needs of BCSD are fully met.

VI.Final Evaluation and Selection

Based on a review of the written response, BCSD may select the consultant based on the response or may organize a short list of candidates who will be asked to make an oral presentation to be arranged at a mutually convenient time at BCSD’s District Office.

VII. Proposal Timetable

The timetable below sets forth the expected due dates for each event regarding this RFQS process and our selection of the successful Broker.

Proposals due to BCSDFebruary6, 2015

Final Selection and AwardFebruary 10, 2015

Request for Proposal-Insurance Co.March 2015

Contract to beginSeptember 1, 2015

VIII. Proposal Due Date and Contact Information

Proposals shall be submitted to BCSDdistrict office on or before February 6, 2015 at 2:00 PM (MST). Please submit one (1) original and three (3) co of the proposal to:

Mike Chatterton

Blaine County School District

118 West Bullion

Hailey, ID 83333

If you have any questions regarding this proposal please submit them in writing and email to .

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