808 articles

Mira Healthcare Resources

Our in-house team synthesizes scientific research and translates them into easy-to-digest content for you to get educated on the latest health and healthcare information.

Health Insurance Jul 7, 2023 9 min

ICHRA vs. QSEHRA: Understand Health Reimbursement Accounts

Health Reimbursement Arrangements including the Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) and Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements (QSEHRA) provide healthcare reimbursement options for businesses. ICHRAs are flexible, scalable, easy to administer, and available to businesses of any size but may lead to higher costs for some employees. QSEHRAs are less flexible, have caps on reimbursement amounts and only available to small businesses with less than 50 employees but are more predictable in cost management for both employers and employees.

By Khang T. Vuong, MHA

Health Insurance Jul 8, 2023 10 min

Can I Use My Health Insurance While Traveling?

The type of health insurance you have impacts the level of healthcare access while traveling. Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) offer lower premiums but are restrictive and often cover care within specific networks. Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) provide greater flexibility, with broader coverage but increased out-of-network costs. Point of Service (POS) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) strike a balance between HMOs and PPOs, offering wider networks but limiting out-of-network coverage. Understanding your policy's definition of an "emergency" and potential out-of-network costs is essential

By Mira Research Team

Mental Health Jul 8, 2023 11 min

How To Be Happy No Matter What - 7 Tips from Research

Happiness is significantly influenced by quality relationships, regular exercise, mindfulness and meditation, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet. The concept of 'miswanting' can lead us astray in our pursuit of happiness – we should avoid materialism and the constant comparison trap that social media often feeds into. The practice of savoring, or fully appreciating the present moment, has been linked to increased levels of happiness. Common misconceptions about happiness include the belief that money equals happiness and the idea of a fixed happiness "set point". Happiness is a skill that can be developed and improved over time with practice and persistence.

By Khang T. Vuong, MHA

Healthcare Cost Mar 5, 2025 14 min

How Much Does Hip Replacement Surgery Cost With and Without Insurance?

The cost of hip replacement varies based on the type of coverage you have: a few hundreds to low $3000 with Medicare, couple thousands of dollars for private insurance, and $17,579-$25,495 for self-pay.

By Khang T. Vuong, MHA

Healthcare Cost Jun 27, 2023 7 min

How Much Does Genetic Testing Cost Without Insurance?

Today, genetic testing has become more convenient and accessible than ever before. However, for those without insurance, the cost of these tests can be a significant hurdle. The cost of genetic tests without insurance can vary greatly, ranging from under $100 to over $2,000. Several elements influence these costs, including the type of test, the complexity of analysis, and laboratory processing fees. Despite these costs, uninsured individuals have several options to access affordable genetic tests, such as direct-to-consumer tests and non-profit organizations' offerings.

By Khang T. Vuong, MHA

Prescriptions Jan 30, 2024 10 min

5 Best Ozempic and Wegovy Alternatives for Weightlosss

There are 5 categories of semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) alternatives for blood sugar control: (1) GLP-1 drugs such as exenatide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide; (2) DPP-4 inhibitors (e.g., sitagliptin, linagliptin),(3) SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., canagliflozin, dapagliflozin), (4) metformin, and (5) natural supplements such as cinnamon, berberine, and bitter melon.

By Khang T. Vuong, MHA

Public Health Jun 2, 2023 8 min

Not The Flu, But Feels Like It! What Is Influenza-like Illness (ILI)

Influenza-like illnesses (ILI) are a group of respiratory infections with similar symptoms to the flu but are caused by different viruses or bacteria. Common misconceptions include ILI being the same as the flu and antibiotics being an effective treatment. It's crucial for individuals and healthcare professionals to differentiate between ILI and influenza to prevent misdiagnosis and provide appropriate treatment. Based on a study published in the journal PLoS One, the distribution of symptoms experienced by patients diagnosed with ILI is as follows: Fever: 95.0% Cough: 92.0% Sore throat: 51.0% Muscle aches (myalgia): 42.0% Fatigue: 42.0% Headache: 40.0% Chills: 36.0% Shortness of breath: 28.0% Nasal congestion: 23.0%

By Khang T. Vuong, MHA

Public Health Jun 3, 2023 9 min

Why Is Medicare Advantage So Popular? A Real Life Squid Game

Medicare Advantage (MA) is so popular and growing because of the intricate business model based on overpayments, risk-score gaming, and relationships with healthcare providers. The Medicare Gold Rush, involving billions of dollars in recent investments, is linked to these dynamics, creating a distorted market that ultimately drains taxpayers and obstructs serious healthcare reform. The Medicare Advantage game is a way some health companies make extra money by taking advantage of the rules in the Medicare system. They do this by finding more health issues to report, getting paid more from the government, and then using those extra payments to offer more attractive insurance plans to seniors. The government pays more than it should for these plans, while the involved companies make a bigger profit. This game includes companies paying doctors to report more health problems, sharing the extra money with doctors, and even owning the doctor's offices. However, it's important to remember that not all Medicare Advantage plans are part of this game.

By Khang T. Vuong, MHA

Health Insurance Apr 22, 2024 6 min

3 Pros and 3 Cons of Not Having Health Insurance

The pros of not having health insurance include avoiding premium costs, increased choice in healthcare providers, and potential tax benefits. However, the cons consist of high out-of-pocket expenses, limited access to care, and a lack of financial protection against catastrophic events. Health insurance is most frequently utilized for events such as childbirth, mental health disorders, and surgeries. Carefully considering these pros, cons, and the importance of coverage for common medical events can help individuals make an informed decision about whether to obtain health insurance.

By Khang T. Vuong, MHA

Health Insurance Apr 22, 2024 6 min

Taxable or Not: Employer-sponsored Health Insurance

Offering health insurance to employees brings several tax implications for businesses. Health insurance premiums are tax-deductible, reducing the overall tax burden for businesses. Small businesses can also receive tax credits through the Affordable Care Act. For employees, health insurance premiums are exempt from federal income and payroll taxes, and their medical expenses are tax-deductible under certain conditions. The Affordable Care Act mandates that larger employers provide health coverage to their employees, reducing the taxable income of the employees. Providing health insurance encourages accessible healthcare among employees and reduces the financial burden of high medical costs.

By Blanche Palasi

Tips Jan 1, 2024 10 min

How to Boost My Immune System - Updated 2024

Your immune system protects your body against infection and disease, fighting everything from flu viruses to cancer. Maintaining a strong immune system is critical for overall health and well-being. This article will walk you through five strategies to boost your immune system at home: get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet , manage stress, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

By Jasiah Hasan

Public Health May 19, 2023 6 min

What is the Best Mouthwash for Cavity Prevention?

With many mouthwash options available, choosing the best mouthwash to prevent cavities may be challenging. The best mouthwashes – for example, ACT (fluoride), Crest (CPC), and Biotene (glycerin) Mouthwashes – protect teeth from decay and cavities and often contain vital ingredients to prevent deterioration.

By Blanche Palasi