Bid guide
How to bid on Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) Jurisdiction 8 (J8) for HHS
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), specifically the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is looking for a Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for Jurisdiction 8. This contractor will process and pay Medicare Fee-for-Service claims and manage relationships with healthcare providers in Indiana and Michigan.
This is a significant opportunity for firms specializing in health insurance benefit administration services. The contract is expected to include a base year plus eight one-year options, indicating a long-term engagement.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is currently a synopsis with a draft Request for Proposal (RFP). Questions on the draft RFP are due by August 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST. The final solicitation is anticipated around October 1, 2026, with proposals due approximately November 2, 2026. The contract award is expected around September 2027.
For the draft RFP, all questions must be submitted electronically via email in Microsoft Excel format by the deadline. Technical questions submitted by phone or verbally will not be accepted. It is the offeror’s responsibility to check the posting site for the final solicitation and its closing date.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for firms with extensive experience in health insurance benefit administration, particularly those familiar with Medicare claims processing and payment services. The contract involves managing both institutional (Part A) and professional (Part B) provider relationships.
The procurement is designated as a full-and-open competition under NAICS code 524114, Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers, which has a small business size standard of $47.0 million. This means both large and small businesses meeting the size standard are encouraged to bid.
How to respond
To access the opportunity, click “View original source” on the portal. If you land on the portal’s homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though for some bids this is not required.
For the draft RFP, questions must be submitted via email to [email protected] by August 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST. Questions should be in Microsoft Excel format, grouped by relevant solicitation section or attachment, and include your company name, address, point of contact, email address, and phone number. Use Attachment J.29 as a guide for submitting questions.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Given this is a draft RFP, thoroughly review all provided documents and attachments. Pay close attention to the statement of work and the specific functions required, including claims-related activities and provider relationship management. Use this period to identify any ambiguities or areas needing clarification and submit your questions by the deadline.
Since the award will be based on a best overall value using a trade-off approach, focus on demonstrating both strong technical capabilities and a fair and reasonable price. Highlight your firm's experience with similar large-scale health insurance administration projects and your ability to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and Medicare manuals. Begin preparing your proposal early, as the final solicitation period may be relatively short.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Health and Human Services, Department of; the original posting controls.