Miami-Dade County is poised to achieve significant savings in healthcare costs following a detailed analysis of medical claims presented during a special meeting of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners on August 13, 2025. The analysis revealed that Aetna's medical claims and associated fees totaled approximately $45.5 million less than those of AvMed, marking a substantial financial advantage for the county.

The analysis focused on claims incurred and paid within the 2023 calendar year, ensuring a fair comparison between the two vendors. Both Aetna and AvMed were provided with the same data, allowing for an equitable assessment of their pricing structures. The findings indicated that Aetna's broader discount approach, which is not limited to specific plans, contributed to its lower overall costs.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that the county's directive was to review medical claims specifically, and the analysis included a thorough examination of the repriced claims. Notably, Aetna's initial exclusion of nearly $6 million in claims, typical for non-incumbent carriers, was addressed by including a portion of these claims in the final analysis, further supporting the conclusion of significant savings.

The county administration confirmed that both companies are contractually obligated to deliver the savings presented, ensuring accountability in the pricing structure. This commitment to transparency and financial prudence is expected to benefit Miami-Dade residents through improved healthcare services at a reduced cost.

As the county moves forward, the implications of these findings will be closely monitored, with further discussions anticipated as both Aetna and AvMed present their cases to the Board. The outcome of this analysis not only highlights the importance of competitive pricing in public sector healthcare but also sets a precedent for future vendor evaluations in Miami-Dade County.