HHS for Health Insurance Counseling to Medicare Beneficiaries

Montgomery County Pennsylvania is seeking a provider for the PA MEDI program to serve as the designated State Health Insurance Assistance Program. The primary objective is to provide free, unbiased, and confidential health insurance counseling to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. The awarded contractor will be responsible for empowering eligible individuals through outreach, counseling, and training to optimize access to care and benefits, with a specific focus on low-income beneficiaries and the Medicare Improvement for Providers and Patients Act initiatives. The contract term is for three years starting January 1, 2027, with the possibility of two additional one-year extensions for a total of five years. Performance requirements include maintaining at least 10 active sites throughout Montgomery County and providing in-person, face-to-face appointments, with community outreach conducted at least four times per year. The contract is subject to rigorous compliance standards, including HIPAA for protected health information, the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, and various federal civil rights laws such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Providers must adhere to standards set by the Administration of Community Living and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. Financial requirements include maintaining separate accounting for the program and providing proof of liability insurance with limits of 500k dollars per occurrence and 2 million dollars aggregate. Proposals must be submitted via the Bonfire portal and include a detailed response narrative, cost proposal, and various certifications regarding lobbying, non-discrimination, and organizational conflicts of interest. Payment is based on a cost-reimbursement model for undisputed invoices, subject to the availability of county, state, and federal appropriations.