Employer Sponsored Dental Benefits

Cook County is seeking proposals for Employer Sponsored Dental Benefits through RFP No. 2523-02062, targeting dental coverage for approximately 21,000 active county employees with current enrollment in two dental plans: a Dental HMO (5,482 employees) and a Dental PPO (13,568 employees). The procurement is for a fully insured and self-insured dental benefits administrator effective December 1, 2026, with a proposed three-year agreement and potential two optional two-year renewal periods. The county requires proposers to submit rates for four distinct scenarios: fully-insured and self-funded options for current and potential alternative plans for the non-union population. Key objectives include securing a dental benefits provider with superior member service, efficient claims processing, proactive service capabilities, innovative health programs, a comprehensive provider network, and competitive fees. The non-mandatory pre-proposal conference is scheduled for September 24, 2025, with proposals due on October 29, 2025. Proposers must provide detailed network access, discount levels, and disruption analyses as part of their submissions.

The procurement includes a significant Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) participation goal of 17.5%, requiring extensive documentation of commitment to minority and women-owned business participation. Potential respondents must complete detailed forms including an Identification of Subcontractor/Supplier form, MBE/WBE Utilization Plan, Economic Disclosure Statement, and execute a Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement to access sensitive demographic and enrollment information. The opportunity is restricted to organizations capable of demonstrating compliance with county procurement requirements, including wage laws, ethics standards, and potential conflicts of interest disclosure. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the scale of the program serving 21,000 employees suggests a substantial contract value. Proposers must also navigate complex compliance requirements, including HIPAA protections for confidential information and adherence to Illinois state law, with potential legal proceedings to be heard in Cook County courts.