Group Medical Insurance For Hidalgo County Head Start Program

Hidalgo County is soliciting proposals under RFP-26-0521-09-23-04 to secure group medical insurance for approximately 554 full-time employees of the Head Start Program, with a target effective date of January 1, 2027. The county is seeking either fully insured medical plans or level-funded arrangements that integrate medical, pharmacy, and stop-loss coverage. The selected carrier must coordinate with the program's consultants, data warehouse vendor, and an independently selected Direct Primary Care provider, while also accommodating an opt-out incentive for employees who waive coverage. Proposals are due by September 23, 2026, at 3:00 PM CST, and must be submitted via the electronic portal or as a hard copy with a USB. Award decisions will be based on a points-weighted evaluation focusing on price and overall cost (30%), quality and effectiveness of services (25%), overall content quality of the response (25%), vendor reputation and experience with Texas municipalities (10%), and long-term value (10%). Compliance requirements are extensive, including adherence to HIPAA, Title VI, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as the submission of a HUB declaration, debarment certification, and a non-collusion affidavit. Awarded vendors must maintain specific insurance limits for general liability, automobile liability, and workers compensation per Texas law. Payments are subject to the Texas Prompt Payment Act and may be funded through general or grant sources.