AvMed has come a long way from its humble roots as “Aviation Medicine,” a prepaid healthcare system for Miami’s pilots in 1969. Over fifty years later, we’ve grown to become one of Florida’s oldest, largest, and best-regarded not-for-profit health plans. As we look towards the future, we move forward committed to our mission of helping our members live healthier. Take a look below at where we’ve come from, to better understand where we’re going.

  • 2025

    Ranked #1 in Florida for Commercial Health Plan Member Satisfaction, 2 years in a row, and most trusted by J.D. Power. test

  • 2025

    Received “Excellent” 4.5 star rating by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

  • 2024

    Awarded by J.D. Power for being #1 in Member Satisfaction among Commercial Health Plans in Florida.

  • 2023

    Acquired by Sentara Healthcare.

  • 2014

    Added by J.D. Power to its elite list of 2014 Customer Champions.

  • 2011

    Rated above average for consumer satisfaction by NCQA.

  • 2010

    Rated above its statewide competitors for overall satisfaction with health plans by NCQA.

  • 2009

    Received highest overall rating of any statewide Florida plan by NCQA for the fifth consecutive year.

  • 2008

    Ed W. Hannum named President and Chief Operating Officer of AvMed.

  • 2007

    Michael P. Gallagher is named President and CEO of SantaFe HealthCare with overall responsibility for each of its Affiliates, including AvMed.

  • 2006

    Ranked as the health plan with the highest customer care in Florida by the National Research Corporation.

  • 2005

    Received NCQA dual “Excellent” rating: Commercial, Medicare.

  • 2000

    Earned five stars in member satisfaction from the Agency for Health Care Administration.

  • 1999

    Named "Top Rated Plan" in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan.
     

  • 1998

    Became one of five HMOs accredited by NCQA and JCAHO.

  • 1997

    Implemented disease management for common acute conditions.

  • 1996

    Recognized by Newsweek and earned Sachs Seal of Excellence Award.

  • 1989

    Purchased Lincoln National Health Care and its subsidiary Healthwin.

  • 1988

    Purchased the majority interest of SunCare HMO, Inc.
     

  • 1986

    Acquired by SantaFe HealthCare, Inc.; converted to not-for-profit corporate structure.

  • 1982

    Contracted with Health Care Financing Administration to provide Medicare coverage.

  • 1973

    Licensed by the State of Florida as a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO).

  • 1963

    Established as prepaid health plan for Miami pilots.

Explore this Section