
Your community counts on your strategic decision-making to secure a strong future. Choices and control are necessary to building the best benefits program. In order to manage the constant juggle of attracting and retaining quality employees while managing costs and risks, managers face unrelenting challenges.
PublicSmart™ is the answer for the public sector.
A custom employee benefits program designed with the needs of public entities in mind, PublicSmart™ delivers quality, affordable health care. Leveraging the power of this unique program, public sector employers enjoy predictable funding, transparency of data, and reduced administrative burden. Plus, employers retain autonomy on their plan designs (PPO, HSA, EPO, etc.).
Equalis Group & Taylor Oswald partnered to create this unique employee benefits program specifically designed for public agencies. PublicSmart™ offers a portfolio of publicly procured, competitively solicited contracts and is actively managed by Taylor Oswald, a premier benefits consultancy.
PublicSmart™ - Common Questions
Taylor Oswald, a minority-owned firm and partner organization of Oswald Companies, takes a global view of risk in the areas of property and casualty, employee benefits and health management, personal insurance management, retirement plan services, and life insurance.
In 2011, Founder and President Eddie Taylor Jr., a recognized Northeast Ohio business and civic leader, combined his business experience and insurance background to partner with Oswald Companies to create a breakthrough initiative in the insurance industry. The result is Taylor Oswald, a minority-owned risk management firm dedicated to innovative solutions that contribute to clients’ successes in today’s changing world.
Taylor Oswald’s Mission
With an inherent belief in equity, we embrace our differences and seek to build lasting and trusting client and employee relationships with every interaction, every day.
Features & Benefits
- Collaborative Purchasing Options – leverage efficiencies of group purchasing without sacrificing your unique benefit design or funding approach.
- Access to Exclusive Networks – access high-quality, low-cost providers through narrow networks, centers of excellence, and cost-plus prescription purchasing.
- Reduced Administrative Burden – subsidized technologies reduce internal administrative burden with employee self-service platforms to connect enrollment, payroll, HRIS, and vendors.
- Collective Bargaining Support – proven labor experience supports the healthcare committee and negotiations process to achieve greater alignment and better outcomes.
- Transparency of Costs & Data – eliminate confusion and build trust with our transparent data and cost information. This data results in a highly productive and effective program.
PublicSmart™ is available to all agencies that select the Taylor Oswald family of companies as their employee benefits consultant.
Awarded Suppliers
Click on the tabs below to learn about each awarded supplier’s capabilities.

Capital Rx Contract Highlights
Through our Clearinghouse ModelTM, Capital Rx is redefining the way prescriptions are priced and administered in the U.S. Our plan members can fill prescriptions at any of our 60,000+ pharmacies nationwide (including all major chains) and have access to best-in-class mail order and specialty pharmacy services.
Here’s what you can expect working with us:
- A faster, trusted way to gain complete PBM procurement compliance
- Capital Rx makes it easy to fully comply with all state regulations – we’re the only PBM that offers complete disclosure and verification of every transaction
- Clearinghouse Model dramatically improves financial visibility and alignment for plan sponsors
- 24/7 access to clinical expertise and unparalleled member service
- High-touch service model drives unprecedented client satisfaction rating in the healthcare industry (96 Net Promoter Score (NPS), industry average 14 NPS)
- Flawless implementation support led by industry experts (100% success as measured by post-implementation surveys)
- Simplified contracting and immediate cost savings
- Demonstrated financial Return on Investment (ROI) with average 27% YOY cost reduction for new clients
- Suite of clinical programs that yield major savings and lower out-of-pocket costs for patients
- A faster, trusted way to gain complete PBM procurement compliance
We minimize risk and create savings for school districts, local governments, and other public institutions. For one public sector client, the savings we provided were turned into salary increases and paid leave for teachers and staff.

Contract#:
2020.03.19A
Lead Agency:
CCOG
Current Term:
01.01.2021 – 12.31.2025
Renewable Through:
12.31.2030
About Capital Rx?
Capital Rx manages pharmacy benefit plans for employers, unions, health plans, and government entities. Our mission is to establish a competitive marketplace for drug pricing and to redefine the way prescriptions are priced and administered. That’s why we invented the Clearinghouse ModelTM, which lowers medication costs for employers and payers across the country and delivers true pricing transparency to patients. By creating the same price for the PBM, pharmacy and employer, we eliminate arbitrary price variability and ensure patients receive seamless access to their medications at the best prices.
Contract Overview
Contract Documents
All contract and solicitation documentation pertaining to the publicly procured PublicSmart™ Program can be accessed on the dedicated Capital Rx Page on the Equalis Group website (here).
Share The Member Kit With Your Procurement Team
Facilitate your procurement and compliance team’s review and approval of this cooperative contract by providing them this Member Kit. The Member Kit contains: i) an overview of Equalis Group and how our Lead Agencies procure contracts, ii) the contract confirmation letter, iii) an overview of the awarded supplier and the products and services available through this contract, and iv) commonly asked questions about Equalis Group membership and how to access any of our publicly procured, competitively solicited contracts.

Highlights
- The purchasing power of a group of thousands of like members that can help to contain costs and attract and retain employees.
- Access to data and analytics typically only available for the largest employers.
- Low fixed costs and high variable costs for enhanced ROI on your healthcare spend.
- The financial security of an A-rated insurance carrier, with access to a network that is locally owned and administered.

Contract#:
COG-2136A
Lead Agency:
CCOG
Current Term:
09.01.2022 – 08.31.2024
Renewable Through:
08.31.2027
Who is Coverys?
Coverys is a proven leader in providing specialized insurance coverage for over 45 years. Our Employer Stop Loss team takes a holistic approach to underwriting in serving self-funded employer groups. Our team is known for uniquely meeting the needs of this market, delivering industry-leading claims analytics, healthcare marketplace intelligence, and risk mitigation resources that can positively impact your health plan’s performance. Coverys* is a direct writer and supports employers with self-funded health plans through customized coverage and policy options to best match the employer’s health plan coverage and risk tolerance.
You can be confident in Coverys’ financial strength and stability. Our underwriting companies are rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best**. Please visit Coverys.com for more information.
*Coverys is the brand name of Medical Professional Mutual Insurance Company (MPMIC) and its subsidiaries. Insurance products issued by ProSelect Insurance Company, a subsidiary of MPMIC.
** A.M. Best rating is held by MPMIC, and its affiliate underwriting companies.
Contract Overview
Contract Documents
All contract and solicitation documentation pertaining to the publicly procured PublicSmart™ Program can be accessed (here).**
**This link will automatically download a compressed folder containing the following documentation: Original RFP, Questions & Answers, Proof of Publication, Bid Tabulation, RFP Response, Award Letter, and Signed Contract.
Critical Supporting Documentation
Download this contract confirmation letter to secure written documentation of the solicitation and awarded contract, the Contract # for your files, utilization eligibility, and how to receive answers to any additional questions you may have.
Share The Member Kit With Your Procurement Team
Facilitate your procurement and compliance team’s review and approval of this cooperative contract by providing them this Member Kit. The Member Kit contains: i) an overview of Equalis Group and how our Lead Agencies procure contracts, ii) the contract confirmation letter, iii) an overview of the awarded supplier and the products and services available through this contract, and iv) commonly asked questions about Equalis Group membership and how to access any of our publicly procured, competitively solicited contracts.

Mutual Health Services Contract Highlights
- Being Mutual Makes a Difference – Our status as a mutual company sets us apart from our competition. This means we don’t have stockholders, answer to Wall Street analysts, or pay dividends to investors. Our focus is entirely on our policyholders and their covered dependents, with the goal of developing products and services that help our members live healthier lives.
- Plans and Services that Meet Your Needs – We know different people have different needs. That’s why our plans include wellness programs and care management programs that not only engage you to live healthy lifestyles, but also put a strong emphasis on preventive care, ensuring you receive timely care to effectively manage any health conditions.
- Exceptional Customer Service – At Mutual Health Services, we treat every one of our customers like family. Our customers can trust us to do things right and to help them get value from their health plan. When you interact with one of our Ohio-based Customer Care specialists, you can expect proactive and personalized guidance designed to meet your needs. Our continuous improvement model — measure, improve, measure again — ensures we stay aligned with changing customer service standards. Our same day call resolution exceeds 92% and we process thousands of claims each day, with 99% accuracy.
- Living and Working in Ohio Makes a Difference – Ohio has been our home since 1934. Our employees live, work, and play in this state and we love all of the unique and wonderful communities we serve. That’s why we’re committed to working closely with numerous civic, educational, and cultural organizations to help promote and support a variety of social causes.

Contract#:
COG-2135A
Lead Agency:
CCOG
Current Term:
09.01.2022 – 08.31.2024
Renewable Through:
08.31.2027
Who is Mutual Health Services?
Mutual Health Services is a full-service, third-party administrator that offers custom health insurance options to employers. As a wholly owned, independent subsidiary of Medical Mutual of Ohio, we offer many distinct advantages over our competition. We offer financial security and additional services, but we also give you more personalized plans and service. Like our parent company, we’re committed to supporting our customers and our communities.
Contract Resources
Mutual Health Services (PublicSmart™ Program – One-Pager)
Medical Mutual Introduction Brochure
Contract Documents
All contract and solicitation documentation pertaining to the publicly procured PublicSmart™ Program can be accessed (here).**
**This link will automatically download a compressed folder containing the following documentation: Original RFP, Questions & Answers, Proof of Publication, Bid Tabulation, RFP Response, Award Letter, and Signed Contract.
Critical Supporting Documentation
Download this contract confirmation letter to secure written documentation of the solicitation and awarded contract, the Contract # for your files, utilization eligibility, and how to receive answers to any additional questions you may have.
Share The Member Kit With Your Procurement Team
Facilitate your procurement and compliance team’s review and approval of this cooperative contract by providing them this Member Kit. The Member Kit contains: i) an overview of Equalis Group and how our Lead Agencies procure contracts, ii) the contract confirmation letter, iii) an overview of the awarded supplier and the products and services available through this contract, and iv) commonly asked questions about Equalis Group membership and how to access any of our publicly procured, competitively solicited contracts.

The Health Plan Contract Highlights
- The Health Plan is focused on the future. Offering Claims processing, Customer Service, Clinical Programs, RX Admin, CDHP, Cobra Admin. and Regulatory Compliance that self-insured Medical plans require.
- The Health Plan owns and operates networks in Ohio and WV. Bringing best in class national and regional networks as well as Referenced Based Pricing options. We make it easy for the clients, members and providers to come together for the highest quality care at the lost costs.
- Immediate cost savings through an integrated model, our members experience the concierge treatment with all calls answered in less than 30 seconds with any member need.

Contract#:
COG-2137A
Lead Agency:
CCOG
Current Term:
09.01.2022 – 08.31.2024
Renewable Through:
08.31.2027
Who is The Health Plan?
For over 40 years, The Health Plan, a community health organization, has provided vibrant, personal, and energetic service. We have built a solid reputation through a team of health care professionals and partners who understand the meaning of integrity.
Licensed and operating in all 50 states, The Health Plan currently serves over 300,000 members nationally and is known for our flexibility and responsiveness with all clients and members. Our ability to manage and maintain our own network puts us in a unique position to allow and provide that customization clients deserve.
Contract Overview
Contract Documents
All contract and solicitation documentation pertaining to the publicly procured PublicSmart™ Program can be accessed (here).**
**This link will automatically download a compressed folder containing the following documentation: Original RFP, RFP Response, Award Letter, and Signed Contract
Critical Supporting Documentation
Download this contract confirmation letter to secure written documentation of the solicitation and awarded contract, the Contract # for your files, utilization eligibility, and how to receive answers to any additional questions you may have.
Share The Member Kit With Your Procurement Team
Facilitate your procurement and compliance team’s review and approval of this cooperative contract by providing them this Member Kit. The Member Kit contains: i) an overview of Equalis Group and how our Lead Agencies procure contracts, ii) the contract confirmation letter, iii) an overview of the awarded supplier and the products and services available through this contract, and iv) commonly asked questions about Equalis Group membership and how to access any of our publicly procured, competitively solicited contracts.