25-0106-RFP Vision Benefit Services

Pinellas County, Florida, through its Unified Personnel System (UPS), is seeking a vision benefit services provider for county employees and retirees via Request for Proposal (RFP) 25-0106-P. The solicitation targets a fully insured vision insurance option covering approximately 3,200 employees and 1,800 retirees, with services including eye exams, lenses, frames, and contacts. The initial contract term is 60 months, with potential extensions for two additional 12-month periods, aligned to the calendar year. Proposers must provide a comprehensive vision care solution with a network of vision care professionals, claims processing capabilities, multilingual customer service, online access to claims and network information, and COBRA coverage administration. The RFP includes detailed evaluation criteria across five categories: Proposed Benefits (30%), Qualifications (10%), Approach (30%), Compensation (25%), and No Exceptions to RFP (5%), with a total possible score of 1,000 points. Key dates include a question submission deadline of February 11, 2025, and proposal due date of March 18, 2025, at 3:00 pm. The county currently contracts with EyeMed and is seeking a defined benefit plan with an administrative fee currently at $0.27 per employee per month.

The RFP does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The current incumbent is EyeMed Vision Care, which has been providing services with an existing network of 706 providers, including major retail chains and independent practices. Based on the utilization reports, the current vision benefit program serves between 4,811 and 4,869 subscribers, with total members ranging from 7,797 to 7,871. Annual paid claims have been consistent, with projected 2024 claims totaling $425,118, compared to $418,789 in 2023. The fee schedule indicates an estimated 5,000 participants per month and a total potential membership of 8,087 members (employees and dependents) over the 5-year contract period. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the fee schedule provides a template for vendors to propose administrative service fees and estimated claims costs, suggesting potential flexibility in pricing structures. The county will require the selected vendor to comply with a HIPAA Business Associate Agreement, ensuring strict protection of protected health information.