# 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. **When is Peak Flu Season?** 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. By Khang T. Vuong, MHA [Read More](/content/post/covid-19-and-flu-season-2020/index.html) **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. Overall, Fidelis Care seems to be a more cost-effective plan, as it has a lower monthly premium. By Mira Research Team [Read More](/content/post/healthfirst-catastrophic-plan-vs-fidelis-care-catastrophic-plan/index.html) **Empire BlueCross BlueShield Bronze vs. UnitedHealthcare Bronze** Both HMO plans offer very similar services and payment plans. Both plans have a deductible of $5,500, give some reimbursement for a gym membership, and charge 50% coinsurance after deductible for services such as preventative care, primary care, specialty visits, and urgent care. By Mira Research Team [Read More](/content/post/empire-bluecross-blueshield_bronze-vs-unitedhealthcare-bronze/index.html) **EmblemHealth Silver Bold vs. Oscar Health Saver Silver** 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. By Mira Research Team [Read More](/content/post/emblemhealth-silver-bold-vs-oscar-health-saver-silver/index.html) **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. By Mira Research Team [Read More](/content/post/oscar-health-simple-bronze-vs-unitedhealthcare-compass-bronze/index.html) **How To Tell if It’s the Flu, Common Cold or COVID-19** 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. By Alyssa Corso [Read More](/content/post/is-it-a-common-cold-the-flu-or-coronavirus/index.html) **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. By Mira Research Team [Read More](/content/post/oscar-health-classic-silver-vs-unitedhealthcare-compass-silver-reviews-which-is-best/index.html) **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. By Mira Research Team [Read More](/content/post/oscar-health-classic-bronze-vs-empire-bluecross-blueshield-bronze-reviews-which-is-best/index.html) **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. By Mira Research Team [Read More](/content/post/emblemhealth-bronze-vs-healthfirst-bronze-reviews-which-ones-best/index.html) **How Much Do Lab Tests Cost With and Without Insurance?** Direct provider prices collected July 10, 2026 show a $29 median for a routine CBC and a $49 median for a CMP in five mixed-setting observations; prices and inclusions vary by test, setting, and required fees. By Khang T. Vuong, MHA [Read More](/content/post/how-much-do-lab-test-cost-without-insurance/index.html) **Empire BlueCross Silver vs Healthfirst Silver - Reviews & Which is best?** 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. By Mira Research Team [Read More](/content/post/empire-bluecross-silver-health-plan-vs-healthfirst-silver-reviews-which-is-best/index.html) **The Best Health Insurance for College Students 2024** 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. By Jacqueline Slobin [Read More](/content/post/student-health-insurance-plan-alternatives/index.html)