Mira Healthcare Resources

Will There Be A Second Wave Of Coronavirus COVID-19?

Health experts are predicting that there will likely be a second or third wave of coronavirus as we enter the fall and winter. The second wave may be worsened by a lack of compliance with mask-wearing/social distancing, the cold weather, and the presence of other illnesses. Based on data from the spread of H1N1 and the 1918 flu, there is reason to believe that the second wave may be worse than the first. However, if projections show that if there is high compliance with mask-wearing and social distancing, we can save close to 100,000 lives this year, decrease our chance of contracting COVID-19, and lower the risk of overwhelming our health care systems.

Khang T. Vuong, MHA22 Dec 2020

When Is Peak Flu Season? COVID-19 & Flu season

In this article, we explain when peak flu season is and how COVID-19 may affect the spread and severity of the flu, also known as when it peaks and ends. Flu season in the U.S. is typically from October until April; however, the national peak of cases typically occurs in the first week of February. However, it is possible that getting COVID-19 can exacerbate the severity of the flu and put a strain on hospital systems. Therefore, it is recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months gets a flu shot before the end of October.

Healthfirst Catastrophic Plan vs. Fidelis Care Catastrophic Plan

This article provides a detailed look at two catastrophic plans: Healthfirst and Fidelis Care. Catastrophic plans are meant for young and healthy individuals who do not regularly seek medical attention. With both plans, you are responsible for paying a monthly premium and 100% of your medical expenses until the deductible of $8,150 is met. These plans have different in-network hospitals and both offer a partial gym reimbursement. Overall, Fidelis Care seems to be a more cost-effective plan, as it has a lower monthly premium.

Tips

Empire BlueCross BlueShield Bronze vs. UnitedHealthcare Bronze

In this article, we help break down two bronze plans: Empire BlueCross BlueShield Bronze and UnitedHealthcare Bronze. Both HMO plans offer very similar services and payment plans. Both plans have a deducible of $5,500, give some reimbursement for a gym membership, and charge 50% coinsurance after deducible for services such as preventative care, primary care, specialty visits and urgent care. While UnitedHealthcare Bronze has better reviews pertaining to customer service satisfaction, the monthly premium for Empire BlueCross BlueShield is over $100 cheaper than that of UnitedHealthcare bronze. This BlueCross BlueShield may be the better option if you need to save money this year on your premiums.¬†

EmblemHealth Silver Bold vs. Oscar Health Saver Silver

In this article, we compare two silver health insurance plans: EmblemHealth Silver Bold and Oscar Health Saver Silver. EmblemHealth is an HMO plan with a significantly higher deductible than Oscar Health, which is an EMO plan. The monthly premiums of these plans are very similar; however, each has different benefits. EmblemHealth offers $200 every 6 months to put towards a gym membership while Oscar does not. However, EmblemHealth requires a referral to see a specialist and Oscar does not require a referral. EmblemHealth and Oscar cover different hospitals in New York City, so you may want to consider your proximity to each hospital when picking a plan. Overall, we recommend Oscar Health's Saver Silver plan as it enables more flexibility and has positive reviews regarding customer service and user satisfaction.

Oscar Health Simple Bronze vs. UnitedHealthcare Compass Bronze

UnitedHealthcare Compass Bronze has a 38%¬†higher monthly premium when compared to Oscar Bronze, however, when it comes to in-network hospital coverage, UnitedHealthcare has more prominent hospitals covered when compared to Oscar. UnitedHealthcare also offers gym reimbursement where Oscar does not. UnitedHealthcare also has a lower deductible when compared to Oscar. UnitedHealthcare is the better option because of the gym reimbursement and better hospital coverage.

What's the difference between a cold, the flu, or COVID-19?

As flu season is quickly approaching, it is important to be able to distinguish between COVID vs. Flu vs. cold. The best way to know what type of infection you have is to get a diagnostic test for COVID-19 or the flu. There are some symptoms you can use to distinguish between these illnesses. The difference between a cold a COVID-19 and the flu is: It is possible to lose your sense of smell or taste when infected with COVID-19, but unlikely with the flu or a cold. Additionally, it is unlikely that you will have a fever or difficulty breathing with a common cold, but possible with coronavirus and the flu.

Oscar Health Classic Silver vs. UnitedHealthcare Compass Silver- Reviews & Which is best?

UnitedHealthcare has a 25% higher monthly premium than Oscar Health does, not have direct messaging, and you need a referral to see a specialist. However, UnitedHealthcare has more prominent in-network NYC hospitals and includes gym member reimbursement. UnitedHealthcare would be the better option as long as you can pay a little more for the monthly premium and you don't mind needing a referral to see a specialist.

Oscar Health Classic Bronze vs. Empire BlueCross BlueShield Bronze- Reviews & Which is best?

EmpireBlueCross BlueShield bronze has a higher monthly premium and deductible when compared to Oscar Health Classic Bronze. However, EmpireBlueCross also offers more in-network hospital coverage and partial gym reimbursement, making it the better option if you can afford it.

EmblemHealth Bronze vs. Healthfirst Bronze- Reviews & Which one's best?

While EmblemHealth Bronze and Healthfirst Bronze are relatively similar plans, there are some important differences to be aware of. EmblemHealth's bronze plan has a 32% higher monthly premium when compared to Healthfirst. Healthfirst does not require a referral to see a specialist whereas EmblemHealth does require a referral. EmblemHealth also offers more in-network hospital coverage. If basing plans off reviews, EmblemHealth has slightly better reviews with a A+ rating on Better Business Bureau. For a less expensive plan without the need to see a specialist for a referral, we recommend Healthfirst Bronze.¬†