MedBlue vs. Mira Health vs. Florida Health Solution: ¿Cuál es mejor para los floridanos?
Finding affordable healthcare without traditional insurance can be challenging, especially in Florida where many people are uninsured or underinsured. Medblue, Mira Healthy Florida Health Solution (FHS) are three alternatives that offer membership-based healthcare plans. They provide access to doctors and services for a flat monthly fee plus discounted copays – but each works a little differently. In this post, we focus on how these plans compare for Florida residents, including what they cover, how much they cost (by service type), and key differences in benefits. We’ll also include a comparison table and highlight MedBlue’s unique advantages like $0 telehealth, no SSN requirement, and big discounts. Let’s dive in.
MedBlue (Florida-Based Health Membership)
Medblue is a Florida-founded healthcare membership plan (licensed as a Discount Plan Organization) that offers a broad range of services for one monthly price. It’s designed as an alternativa de seguro for individuals and families, including those who may not qualify for insurance due to immigration status or other reasons. MedBlue members get access to atención primaria, specialists, dental, vision, labs, imaging, telehealth, and more at pre-negotiated low rates. Coverage starts immediately with no waiting periods or enrollment windows. Here are MedBlue’s key features and pricing:
- Membership Cost: $59 per month for a single adult (or $40/month if paid annually – $480/year). Couples can join for $79/month, and up to 5 family or unrelated members for $99/month total. No enrollment fees are charged.
- Primary Care Visits: In-person visits with a primary care physician have a flat $40 copay. This covers routine check-ups and preventive care. There are no deductibles or surprise bills – $40 is all you pay to see a MedBlue network PCP.
- Specialist Visits: Need to see a specialist (e.g. cardiologist, dermatologist, orthopedist)? It’s a fixed $60 copay per visit for any of 30+ specialties in MedBlue’s network. You don’t need separate specialist insurance or referrals – just the flat $60 rate.
- Telehealth (24/7): Unlimited telehealth urgent care consults are included for $0 copay. You can call or video-chat with a doctor 24/7 from anywhere in the U.S. for free, which is great for minor illnesses or questions. This $0 telemedicine is a major perk that saves both time and money.
- Dental Care: MedBlue includes dental benefits. Your first dental visit is $0, which covers a full evaluation and X-rays. After that, cleanings start around $25 and other treatments are provided at discounted rate. This is a big help since dental care is often not covered by health insurance.
- Vision Care: Vision benefits are also offered. Members can get a comprehensive eye exam for $40. Plus, MedBlue provides up to 33% off prescription glasses or contacts through partner optical providers. Good vision coverage is a plus if you need yearly eye checks or eyewear.
- Lab Tests & Diagnostics: MedBlue negotiates very low prices on common labs and imaging. Many lab tests cost under $10 for members. For example, basic bloodwork panels can be as low as $5–$10 (versus $30–$150+ if paying cash). Imaging is also affordable – an EKG is about $9, an X-ray ~$25, and even an MRI around $150. These deep discounts (often 30–80% off regular prices) make managing your health needs much cheaper.
- Prescriptions: With MedBlue, you get a pharmacy discount card usable at 70,000+ pharmacies. Save 30–80% on prescription medications at major chains like CVS, Walgreens, Publix, and Walmart. For many generics, this brings costs down to just a few dollars.
- Other Benefits: MedBlue also provides a Hospital Bill Advocacy service for free – if you have a hospital bill over $300, their team will negotiate with the hospital to reduce it on your behalf. Mental health therapy is available with network counselors for about $60 per session Additionally, MedBlue assigns care navigators to help members find specialists or schedule appointments, ensuring you get the best price and care easily.
- Eligibility & Signup: MedBlue is very inclusive – there are no immigration status or Social Security Number requirements to join. All ages are welcome. Signup is online with no medical exams or pre-existing condition exclusions. Since MedBlue is not insurance, there’s also no open enrollment period – you can start anytime and coverage begins immediately.
In summary, MedBlue offers Florida residents a comprehensive health membership with transparent flat fees. You pay a moderate monthly membership and low set copays for virtually every type of routine care – and many services (telehealth, preventive dental, hospital advocacy) cost $0 extra. It’s a one-stop solution covering primary care, specialists, dental, vision, labs, mental health and more, with broad access to top-rated doctors in Florida. MedBlue’s strongest differentiators are its $0 telemedicine, wide scope of services, no SSN/ID barriers, and steep member discounts (often 30–80% off normal rates).
Mira Health (Nationwide Membership in Florida)
Mira Health (often just “Mira”) is a national health membership program marketed as “the best alternative to traditional insurance.” It’s available in 40+ states, including Florida. Mira is designed to be a low-cost option for basic healthcare needs – especially for people who can’t afford full insurance but want coverage for urgent care, routine tests, and prescriptions. Mira’s model is a bit different from MedBlue’s: it emphasizes virtual care and urgent care clinics. Here are the key points about Mira for Florida users:
- Membership Cost: Mira has simple pricing: $45 per month on a pay-as-you-go basi. If you pay upfront for a year, it’s equivalent to $35/month (about $420/year). There are no long-term contracts required – you can even choose a quarterly plan at $45/month (billed $135 every 3 months) to keep it “paycheck friendly”. Mira’s flat membership fee is lower than MedBlue’s or FHS’s for an individual, reflecting its more limited scope.
- Coverage & Network: Mira is no seguros (no deductibles, no claims) but gives access to a network of partner urgent care clinics and telehealth providers across the country. In Florida, for example, clinics like South Tampa Immediate Care participate in Mira’s network. You can use Mira alone or alongside a high-deductible insurance plan. No referrals are needed – members can directly seek care at any Mira-participating facility.
- Primary/Urgent Care Visits: Mira’s specialty is urgent care and basic primary care needs. Members pay a fixed $99 copay for an in-person visit to a clinic in Mira’s network. This copay covers all services done during that visit – for instance, at some clinics, any necessary lab tests or X-rays during an urgent care visit are included at the $99 price. For everyday illnesses or minor injuries, you can walk into a network urgent care and pay $99 total, with no surprise bills. If you prefer remote care, Mira also offers virtual primary/urgent care visits for a $25 copay. These telehealth visits can handle things like medication refills, common infections, or consults for ongoing conditions.
- Specialist Care: One limitation is that Mira does not directly coordinate specialist visits the way MedBlue or FHS do. Mira is mainly focused on urgent care clinics and virtual care. If you need a true specialist (say a cardiologist or orthopedist), Mira would not have a flat $60 rate like MedBlue – you’d likely need to pay out-of-network or use a referral from a primary doctor outside Mira. This is an important consideration if you have chronic conditions requiring specialists. Mira works best for routine acute issues and preventive visits.
- Preventive Care & Tests: Mira covers routine preventive services through its network clinics. Many members use Mira for annual physicals, wellness visits, and basic screenings. For example, annual wellness exams and well-woman visits can be done at network providers under the standard copay. Mira also often includes common in-house lab tests in the visit copay. Additionally, Mira members can access lab testing directly: a comprehensive bloodwork panel is about $13 for members, and many other lab tests (STD tests, lipid panels, etc.) are similarly discounted.
- Mental Health: Mira offers some mental health support. Virtual counseling sessions (digital talk therapy) are available at no cost to members, which is a standout feature if you need basic therapy. For more advanced care, Mira can connect you to psychiatric providers for conditions like anxiety or ADHD, with copays in the $60–$99 range for those visits. This mental health benefit can be valuable since many insurance alternatives lack it.
- Prescription Discounts: Like MedBlue, Mira provides a prescription savings program. Members get up to 80% off prescription drugs using Mira’s network of 50,000+ pharmacies. In practice, this functions similar to a pharmacy discount card – many generic meds might cost $5–$15 with the Mira discount (comparable to Walmart’s $4 list on generics). High-cost brand-name meds are also discounted, though not fully covered.
- Vision and Other Perks: Mira does not include dental care, but it does have some vision benefits. Members can renew their glasses or contacts prescription online for $20, and see an eye doctor for vision issues for a $49 copay. Additionally, Mira partners with gym networks to give 15–20% off gym memberships and waives initiation fees. These wellness perks are nice extras for those focusing on overall health.
- Eligibility & Usage: Mira is open to anyone; since it’s not insurance, there are no residency or citizenship requirements explicitly mentioned (it’s safe to assume no SSN is required to sign up, similar to other membership plans). You can join online in minutes and start using benefits immediately – there’s no waiting period. One thing to note: you should check Mira’s provider locator for Florida to ensure there are network clinics near you. In major Florida cities (Miami, Tampa, Orlando, etc.), Mira has partnered clinics, but in very rural areas options might be fewer.
In summary, Mira is a budget-friendly plan ($35–$45/month) that covers the basics: virtual care, urgent care visits, lab tests, some mental health, and discounted meds/vision. It shines for young or generally healthy individuals who mostly need occasional urgent care or preventive checkups at a predictable price. Mira’s trade-off for its lower fee is limited scope – it doesn’t cover specialty care or dental services, and in-person visits cost $99 each (which can add up if you need frequent care). For Florida residents, Mira is absolutely an option (it operates in Florida), and it could be the cheapest choice for single individuals. Just be aware of what it doesn’t include, and consider pairing it with something else if you have more complex healthcare needs.
Florida Health Solution (Prepaid Clinic Plan in Florida)
Florida Health Solution (FHS) is a homegrown Florida alternative that has been around for over two decades. Founded in 2002, FHS is a Florida-licensed Prepaid Health Clinic (PHC) y Discount Plan Organization. In many ways, it’s similar to Medblue (in fact, MedBlue’s model is partly inspired by plans like FHS). FHS caters especially to the South and Central Florida community – including many Spanish-speaking and immigrant families – by offering affordable primary care and routine services with low copays. It’s a membership plan (not insurance) where you pay a monthly fee to access their network of providers at discounted rates. Here’s what you should know about Florida Health Solution:
- Membership Cost: Florida Health Solution’s exact pricing isn’t published openly on their site (you have to “Get a Quote” by entering your ZIP code and family size). However, user feedback suggests it’s around $100 per month for an individual plan in 2025. One member testimonial states, “I used to pay $300 for insurance; I pay about $100 here and get all the services I need.”. There may be family plans and variations, but generally FHS is in the same ballpark as MedBlue’s $99 family plan – though not as cheap as Mira. Keep in mind, FHS has been noted to raise loyalty rewards for long-term members (more on that shortly), so sticking with the plan can yield more value over time.
- Primary Care (General Medicine): FHS offers extremely low copays for primary care doctor visits – as low as $5 per visit. This is part of their mission to encourage establishing a Primary Care Physician for every member. You would select or be assigned a PCP in their network, and visits are just a few dollars. This co-pay is notably lower than MedBlue’s $40 or any typical insurance co-pay, making routine doctor visits very accessible.
- Specialist Visits: If you need a specialist under FHS, they require a referral from your PCP and coordination through an FHS representative (a managed care approach). The specialist co-pay starts around $20, which is also quite low. However, you can’t just go directly to a specialist on your own; you must go through the plan’s authorization process. FHS’s network includes various specialists, but you might have to wait a bit for an appointment (they aim for 72 hours for non-urgent referrals). Still, $20 is very affordable for specialist care if you follow the procedure.
- Preventive Care & Lab Tests: Preventive health is a big focus of Florida Health Solution. Many basic lab tests and preventive screenings are provided at no cost to members. FHS has defined “Preventive Panels” (A, B, C, etc.) – for example, annual bloodwork, pap smears, mammograms, prostate exams, cholesterol tests, etc. – that become available after certain months of membership (some panels are available right away, others after being a member for a year). These free preventive panels are included to keep members healthy with no co-pay. Additionally, even outside the free panels, basic diagnostics and labs that are medically necessary are offered at no charge or very low cost to PHC members. This means if your doctor orders routine blood tests or an X-ray, FHS often covers it fully as long as you go to in-network facilities. It’s an impressive benefit for those diligent with checkups.
- Dental and Vision Benefits: FHS provides significant dental and vision perks. Each year, members get one dental cleaning for $0 co-pay. They also mention fixed low prices for other dental procedures through their network dentists. For vision, members are entitled to an annual eye exam at no charge, plus basic prescription glasses frames for free (you’d likely just pay for lens upgrades if needed). These benefits make FHS a very well-rounded plan for entire families, ensuring everyone gets their teeth cleaned and eyes checked yearly without added costs.
- Prescription Medications: Florida Health Solution’s approach to prescriptions is similar to the generic discount programs. They advertise generic medications from $4.99. In practice, they may have a formulary or partnership such that many common generic drugs cost $4.99 for members (this echoes Walmart’s $4 list, but with an extra 99 cents). Brand-name drugs are likely offered at a negotiated discount as well. So, while not free, medications are kept affordable.
- Urgent Care and Other Services: FHS covers urgent care needs through specific urgent care centers. According to their materials, membership “includes a visit to a strategically located Urgent Care Center” near you. It’s not explicitly stated if there’s a small co-pay for urgent care; however, given general medicine is $5, one might expect urgent care visits to be similarly low (possibly under $20). They also have a unique offering called “Doctor at Your Door”, which is a 24/7 urgent care house-call service. If you can’t get to a clinic, a doctor can come to your home – though this likely has a “moderate” fee attached (not fully free, but provided as an option). For expecting mothers, FHS even has pregnancy and delivery packages with their obstetricians, which can make having a baby more predictable in cost. These extra services show FHS’s focus on being a comprehensive healthcare solution.
- Loyalty Reward Program: One distinctive feature of Florida Health Solution is its loyalty rewards. If you stay enrolled continuously, your plan status upgrades from Bronze (0–12 months) to Silver (13–24 months), Gold (25–36 months), and Diamond (36+ months). With each tier, you gain additional free benefits. By the Diamond level (3+ years of membership), you are entitled to up to 5 major procedures with no co-pay. These could include expensive tests like MRI, CT scans, colonoscopies, or other advanced procedures that normally cost hundreds of dollars. Essentially, if you’re a loyal member for long enough, FHS rewards you with big-ticket healthcare services for free. This is a compelling incentive to remain with the plan and emphasizes preventive and early diagnostic care.
- Network and Access: As a regional plan, FHS’s provider network is limited to Florida (specific counties), primarily in South Florida and the Orlando area. They claim hundreds of providers in their network, including doctors, specialists, labs, imaging centers, etc. All care must be coordinated within this network. FHS is accredited by the AAAHC and overseen by Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation, underscoring its legitimacy and quality controls. Customer service is available weekdays to help with referrals and questions. It’s important to note that language is a focus – many of FHS’s staff and providers speak Spanish, and their site is bilingual, reflecting the community they serve.
- Eligibility & Requirements: Since FHS is a Florida state-approved plan, you typically need to be a Florida resident (and live in a county they serve) to join. They likely require basic personal information when signing up, but as a Discount Plan, they do not require you to have U.S. citizenship or a Social Security Number explicitly (similar to MedBlue). Their marketing is community-oriented, and they mention not discriminating based on race, creed, gender, etc.. So we can infer it’s inclusive of immigrants and those without insurance elsewhere. One difference: FHS does assign each member an ID card and requires authorizations for certain services (to confirm your eligibility at time of service). You won’t be filing insurance claims, but providers must verify coverage with FHS before treating you under the plan. This adds a bit of administrative step compared to MedBlue, but it’s standard for a managed plan.
In summary, Florida Health Solution is a tried-and-true Florida member with very low co-pays (as low as $5) and a strong emphasis on preventive care. Long-term members get increasing benefits, effectively receiving partial coverage for big procedures after a few years. FHS includes things like free annual dental/vision care and free lab panels, making it attractive for families and older adults who want full-spectrum basic healthcare. The drawbacks are that it’s localized (you have to use their network in Florida) and somewhat managed (referrals and authorizations required). The monthly cost is higher than Mira and similar to MedBlue’s family plan, but FHS backs it up with many $0 services for that price. It’s a solid option if you’re in its service area and prefer an established provider network with brick-and-mortar clinics.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
To make it easier to compare Medblue vs. Mira vs. Florida Health Solution, the table below breaks down their pricing and features by service type. All three options can save you money on healthcare in Florida, but you’ll see differences in cost and coverage:
Plan Aspect | MedBlue (Florida) | Mira Health (National) | Florida Health Solution (Florida) |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly Membership (1 adult) | $59/month (no fee; ~$40/mo if annual) $99/mo covers up to 5 people | $45/month (pay monthly) $35/month if paid annually | ~$99/month (estimated individual cost) Family plans available via quote |
Primary Care Visit | $40 copay per visit | $25 copay (virtual visit) $99 copay (in-person clinic) | $5 copay per visit (PCP office) |
Visita especializada | $60 copay per visit 30+ specialties in network | N/A – No specialist network (urgent/primary care only) | $20 copay per visit (with referral) |
Telehealth (24/7) | $0 copay – Unlimited urgent care telemedicine | $25 copay per telehealth session | Not a standalone feature (uses urgent care/PCP) |
Plan dental | $0 first exam & X-ray $25 cleanings; discounts on treatments | Not included (no dental coverage) | $0 annual cleaning & checkup Fixed low prices for other dental work |
Oculista | Eye exam $40 Up to 33% off glasses/contacts | $20 prescription renewal (online) $49 eye specialist visit | $0 annual eye exam & basic glasses frames |
Lab Tests | Most common labs <$10 each | Example: Comprehensive blood panel $13 (member-discounted LabCorp tests) | Many labs $0 (free preventive panels) Other tests at minimal/no cost through PHC |
Imaging & Diagnostics | X-ray ~$25, EKG $9, MRI ~$150 | Covered if done during $99 urgent visit (Otherwise discounted via partner) | Many basic diagnostics $0 (with referral) Major scans free after loyalty period |
Prescription Drugs | 30–80% off at major pharmacies | Up to 80% off (network of 50k pharmacies) | Generics from $4.99 each Discounts on brands (via plan formulary) |
Mental Health | $60 therapy sessions (network counselors) | $0 digital counseling; $60–$99 psychiatry | Covered as specialist (likely $20 co-pay if available) |
Extras & Unique Perks | Free hospital bill negotiation servicepersonal care navigators; inclusive (no SSN or immigration requirements). | 15–20% gym membership discounts; can combine with HDHP insurance; available in 40+ states. | Loyalty rewards (free major procedures after years); Doctor-at-Home urgent visits; bilingual support (English/Spanish). |
(Table Source: Plan details from official MedBlue, Mira, and FHS publications.)
As shown above, all three options strive to make everyday healthcare more affordable than paying full cash rates or dealing with high insurance premiums. However, there are clear differences:
- Medblue has a moderate monthly fee but caps most in-person services at $40–$60, and offers the widest range of services (including specialists, dental, vision, mental health, telehealth, etc.). It’s like a comprehensive mini-insurance (without hospital coverage) for routine care.
- Mira has the lowest monthly cost and is very straightforward: pay $35–$45 a month, then $25 for any virtual visit or $99 for any clinic visit. It’s excellent for urgent care needs and simplicity, but doesn’t cover specialized care or dental, and each visit has a significant copay.
- Florida Health Solution sits in between – higher monthly cost, but very low copays ($5-$20) for visits and a lot of included preventive services and free annual perks. It requires using their network and following their procedures, but can be extremely cost-effective if you do (especially as years go by and loyalty benefits kick in).
Which Offers the Best Value in Florida?
Choosing the “best” plan depends on your specific needs, but here are some recommendations: atención primaria
- If you’re an individual on a tight budget and mainly need occasional urgent care or basic telehealth: Mira Health might be the best fit. Its $45 (or $35) monthly fee is the lowest, and you can budget $99 for the rare times you need an in-person visit. Young adults who just want peace of mind for minor illnesses could find Mira sufficient. However, be mindful that Mira doesn’t include dental or extensive specialist care, so it’s somewhat limited. It’s a bit like a “gym membership for healthcare” – great if you use it for routine maintenance, less so if you have a complex condition.
- If you have a family or you want full-spectrum coverage for primary, specialty, dental, vision, etc. without the high cost of insurance: Medblue likely offers the best overall value. For $99 a month, up to five family members can be covered, which breaks down to only $20 per perso– an outstanding deal considering each person then gets $0 telehealth, $40 doctor visits, free dental checkups, discounted labs, and so on. MedBlue’s inclusiveness (no SSN needed, no age restrictions) and immediate enrollment are big pluses. Importantly, MedBlue can handle a wide variety of healthcare needs under one plan. If you or a family member needs to see a specialist regularly, MedBlue’s flat $60 fee beats having to pay out of pocket elsewhere. The convenience of their care navigation and bill negotiation services are cherries on top, making healthcare less of a hassle.
- If you prefer a local network with a long track record and speak Spanish or want a plan tailored to Florida’s healthcare system: Florida Health Solution is a strong candidate. It has served over 100,000 Floridians since 2002, and many trust it as an insurance replacement. FHS is especially good for those who will take advantage of the free preventive care – if you diligently get your panels, dental cleanings, and eye exams, the plan pays for itself. Over a span of years, FHS might cover some big-ticket procedures for free (thanks to the loyalty program) that other plans would never include. The trade-off is you have to navigate their referrals and stay in-network. For someone with multiple family members and a desire for highly predictable costs (e.g., seniors or those with ongoing conditions), FHS’s structure of $5 doctor visits and no-cost tests can be very reassuring.
Overall, for most uninsured or underinsured Floridians, MedBlue emerges as the best all-around value when considering breadth of coverage and family pricing. It combines many of FHS’s strengths (comprehensive services, Florida network, transparent fees) with the flexibility and immediacy of a modern platform (instant telehealth, easy online signup, no referrals needed for most services). MedBlue’s ability to cover nearly every outpatient need – primary care, specialists, labs, imaging, dental, vision, mental health – with simple flat fees sets it apart from the others. Plus, benefits like $0 telemedicine 24/7 and no barriers to join make it extremely accessible.
That said, the “best” plan for you also depends on usage. If you hardly ever go to the doctor and just want to know you can get urgent care affordably, Mira could suffice and save you a few bucks monthly. If you have greater medical needs or a family to cover, the slightly higher cost of Medblue or FHS will likely pay off in the savings you get on services.
In conclusion, all three options – MedBlue, Mira, and Florida Health Solution – can significantly lower your healthcare expenses versus traditional insurance in Florida. They just approach the problem from different angles: MedBlue with an all-in-one broad coverage approach, Mira with a minimalist low-cost approach, and FHS with a preventive care and loyalty approach. Evaluate what matters most to you (price, services included, ease of use, etc.) and use the comparison above to decide. Many Floridians even combine solutions (for example, using Mira for urgent care but paying cash for dental, or using MedBlue for most things and having a catastrophic insurance plan for emergencies). The good news is that you have alternatives. With the likes of MedBlue and others, you can get quality healthcare in Florida without breaking the bank – and without the need for traditional insurance paperwork. That’s a win for your health y your wallet.