Mental Health and Wellbeing (MHD) Healthcare Policy

TGP intends to directly award a group health MHD insurance policy contract to BUPA . This decision is justified under Schedule 5, Paragraph 7 of the Procurement Act 2023, which allows for direct award where:

"(a) a change in supplier would result in the contracting authority receiving goods, services or works that are different from, or incompatible with, the existing goods, services or works"

Rationale:

• BUPA is the incumbent provider of the authority's group health insurance scheme.
• The MHD policy ensures continuity of care for employees with pre-existing conditions, which would be jeopardised by switching providers.
• Transitioning to a new insurer would require re-underwriting or moratorium-based policies, potentially excluding coverage for existing conditions and causing disruption to employee health benefits.
• The authority has assessed the market and determined that no alternative provider can offer equivalent continuity and coverage without significant risk to employee welfare.

This direct award is made in compliance with Section 41 and Schedule 5 of the Procurement Act 2023.