Needles Questions and Answers.docx

This is a Questions and Answers document issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) addressing inquiries regarding a Request for Applications (RFA) for rebate agreements for sterile, single-use hypodermic needles to be used through the MassHealth and Health Safety Net programs. The RFA, issued on February 6, 2026, seeks one or more rebate agreements with needle manufacturers. Questions were due by February 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM, and applications must be submitted by March 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM via email to EOHHS-Procurement@mass.gov. The anticipated contract term is 24 months beginning January 1, 2027, with optional extensions up to three additional years at EOHHS's discretion. In calendar year 2024, approximately 2,080 fee-for-service claims and 4,230 managed care entity claims were submitted for needles across approximately 3,040 total patients and members.

The RFA contains no brand requirements, and EOHHS may enter into agreements with one or more manufacturers. Manufacturers must submit a completed State Rebate Agreement with Attachment A detailing proposed rebate offers, using a Guaranteed Net Unit Price (GNUP) structure across four designation categories (Exclusive Basis, Dual Basis, 1 of Many, and Non-Preferred) calculated by subtracting the rebate amount from the Wholesale Acquisition Cost effective at the end of each calendar quarter. Qualified applicants must have prior experience serving Medicaid programs as preferred needle vendors within the past five years. No specific award value or guaranteed volume is provided, as EOHHS does not guarantee any particular volume of utilization during the contract term, with actual rebate payments calculated quarterly based on actual units of covered needles dispensed to eligible beneficiaries. Manufacturers are required to maintain current Wholesale Acquisition Cost pricing with First Data Bank or another national price compendium throughout the agreement term and maintain records for seven years with audit availability to EOHHS, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or federal authorities.