Miami-Dade County approves Aetna as new healthcare provider, securing $40 million in annual savings and expanded healthcare access for employees

Today, the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s recommendation to select Aetna as the County’s new healthcare provider — a move projected to deliver $40 million in annual savings, while enhancing access to quality care for the County’s 20,000 employees, retirees, and their families who rely on the county for essential medical and preventive services. 

“Healthcare benefits are among the largest costs in any public-sector budget, and our employees deserve access to high-quality care,” said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “By partnering with Aetna, we are not only securing significant, recurring savings for taxpayers, but also improving the care and resources available to our workforce. This is what responsible, accountable government looks like.”  

As we face a challenging budget for Fiscal Year 2025–26, Mayor Levine Cava’s administration has undertaken a comprehensive review of County operations to streamline government and protect essential services while maintaining a historically low tax rate. The transition to Aetna, which is projected to save $40 million annually, is a key cost-saving measure, and was identified through a rigorous and competitive procurement process. 

The savings are backed by independent actuarial analysis and confirmed by a second consultant, Aon, at the request of the Board. These cost reductions will occur by: 

• Leveraging scale and negotiated rates: Aetna’s extensive provider network offers lower rates, reducing the County’s annual claims expenses. 

• Enhanced care management and engagement: Programs such as disease management, wellness incentives, and telehealth improve health outcomes at no additional cost to employees. 

• Administrative efficiency: Streamlined platforms and next-generation claims administration will lower the County’s overhead while improving service. 

“As the region’s second-largest employer, Miami-Dade County recognizes that access to quality healthcare supports stronger families and a more prosperous community,” Mayor Levine Cava added. “The decision to partner with Aetna builds on other cost-saving efforts throughout the County to maximize every taxpayer dollar spent, as we work to close the budget gap while protecting critical services.”