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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.
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.
The flu and COVID-19 are all respiratory tract infections that can affect your sinuses, nose, throat, windpipe, and or lungs, but the characteristic symptom of COVID-19 is loss of taste and smell.
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.
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.
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. 
Lab tests without insurance, lab tests can cost over $1000. CBC can cost $140 - $622, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone test can cost $150 - $1,139, Lipid Panel can cost $303 - $843, Basic Metabolic Panel can cost $330 - $1309, and Urinalysis can cost $129 - $643. Contact us to learn more about how much you can save on labs
Empire Blue Cross silver plan is the more expensive option that costs almost 39% more than the HealthFirst silver plan. Both plans have a similar deductible and copay amount by design. HealthFirst offers better access to specialists since you would not need a referral while with Empire Blue Cross you would need one from a primary care provider or similar.
The average student health insurance plan costs between $1500 and $2500 per year. If you already have coverage via your parents, you can apply for a waiver and opt-out of the university student health plan. Alternatives to student health insurance include ACA plans, Medicaid, and Mira.
Researchers are currently reporting that it is unlikely that you will get coronavirus twice or become reinfected by COVID-19. However, there have been a couple of anecdotal cases of reinfection where individuals have recovered and then developed symptoms again.
Healthfirst and MetroPlusHealth are both insurance options available on the NY State Health Exchange. Both offer bronze plans as explained in this article. MetroPlusHealth Bronze- B2 is a better option compared to Healthfirst because the monthly premium and deductible it's less expensive than Healthfirst, while still being able to to get similar care options.
Catastrophic care can be a good option if you're a young adult who only needs occasional care. Fidelis Care and Oscar Health both offer catastrophic plans and both plans will require you to pay most medical expenses on your own. However, Oscar may be the better fit if you prioritize a higher-tech company as well as more in-network hospitals.
