Health Care Cost Study Request for Proposal

Rising health care costs are a challenge across the country and Massachusetts municipalities, including Hingham, resulting in significant budgetary issues for employers and affordability issues for employees and their families. Hingham is facing an urgent situation due to the current required minimum cost sharing allocation of 50% across all health care plans, compounded by the 4% - 8.4% rate increases, effective July 1, 2026. In addition to budgetary and employee impact considerations, the Town’s current position poses additional risks in the recruitment and retention of talent, as well as ongoing collective bargaining efforts.

The Town Administrator/Chief Procurement Officer and the Town of Hingham Select Board will serve as the awarding authority. (Subject to final Select Board vote of contract of over $50,000).

Anticipated Start Month: July 2026

Anticipated Contract End Date and Final Report Due: December 31, 2026

At the direction of the Personnel Board, and in collaboration with a Task Force and external consultants, conduct comprehensive research and assessment of the potential health care plan designs and cost sharing frameworks available to the Town to reduce employee costs while maintaining fiscal responsibilities to the Town. This assessment would include the development of options for consideration, as well as a detailed analysis of the long and short term financial implications of potential changes to the Town’s health benefit cost allocation.