Health Care for Musicians: What's Next?
This post authored by FMC Policy Fellow Daniel Lieberman.
“The Affordable Care Act’s requirement that certain individuals pay a financial penalty for not obtaining health insurance may reasonably be characterized as a tax.” Unless you’ve been living under a Marshall stack, chances are you heard these historic words from Chief Justice John Roberts of the Supreme Court, reaffirming President Obama’s controversial effort to bring all Americans into the health care system. Alongside the prospect of more affordable health care premiums and insurance companies that are unable to deny coverage to the sick, we at FMC are pleased the bill was largely upheld. Why? Because among the Americans that stand to benefit from the shiny new law are a group of folks we happen to care an awful lot about — musicians.
Better and more affordable access to health care for musicians is something we have championed for over a decade. In 2002, we released the first major study demonstrating that musicians lacked health coverage at a much higher rate than the rest of the US population. In 2010, while Washington was embroiled in a contentious debate over this issue, we again provided real data demonstrating how acute the problem is and what factors make it difficult for musicians to access coverage. Today, we continue to provide free information to artists about their health care options.
The reasons that so many musicians lack health coverage are largely structural. Musicians routinely work as independent contractors, and supplement their music income with part time employment, which generally leaves employer-provided health coverage out of the equation. Musicians may be able to purchase individual insurance plans privately, but many report that this option is out of their reach financially. While cost is a significant barrier, musicians’ lack of awareness about plans, options and strategies for obtaining coverage is also a factor.
Contrary to what some might argue, advances in technology have not changed the fundamental reality that many working musicians have to spend 180 days a year, if not more, traveling. This can be risky business and the precise time when access to even basic health coverage can be so critical. We know what it looks like when just one injury or one illness can financially devastate not only up-and-coming, but established artists. Frankly, it sucks.
Most artists would prefer to spend their time focusing on their craft rather than thinking about deductibles and copays. However, now that the ACA is out of legal limbo, it is crucial that all artists — especially those without health insurance — know about the “individiual mandate,” which kicks in on January 1, 2014. On that date, musicians, like the rest of Americans, will have to carry some form of insurance or be subject to fines. Our most recent survey results suggest that approximately one third of the musician population is currently uninsured. So as the various components of the Affordable Health Care act are enacted, advocates, artist managers, service organizations and associations will need to educate musicians about the changes in the law, how the new protections affect artists on an individual level, and the private plans or public exchanges that will exist to help them secure coverage. We’ll be doing our part.
Making a living as a musician is hard enough. So, as the Affordable Care Act begins to impact all of our lives, it will be our goal to make sure that it works as intended, particularly for musicians and other creators. Stay tuned.
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Comments
4 comments postedYou can buy catastrophic
Submitted by Dave (not verified) on July 10, 2012 - 2:42pm.You can buy catastrophic insurance (higher deductible) for as low as $35-50 per month today on sites like ehealthinsurance.com, much cheaper than the rates that will be established by the new law. Not only that, if you don't hit the deductible one year, it is reduced the next. This is a great plan for young musicians that probably won't use much healthcare anyway.
Hey Dave, That sure sounds
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 10, 2012 - 8:38pm.Hey Dave, That sure sounds nice in theory. But As a musician with Diabetes as the system is now i'd have to pay $200-$300 a month, with a $5000 deductible over both perscrips, and dr. visits. In no way is that affordable for me. And as someone that could really benefit from better insulins, and healthcare it's simply not attainable.
I just want to know how this
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 12, 2012 - 10:46am.I just want to know how this law is going to make buying your own insurance cheaper. I don't see it happening. This $50 a month bare bones plan is no longer going to be $50. If you want health insurance that's worth anything you're going to fork out money for it and I believe it's going to cost even more by the time it's mandatory to have it. I like the parts of the law about pre existing conditions and all but I don't like the mandatory part. I currently don't buy health insurance because there's not a better plan out there that is better for me than putting aside my own money that I would have paid for health insurance in a savings account (not HSA just normal savings). I can use that money for anything I feel is a medical purpose not what the HSA's say is a medical purpose and I'm not wasting money on monthly payments when I would have to pay a copay or use up my deductible anyway to see the doctor. An average insurance plan for me is ~$300 a month. By not purchasing insurance for the past 12 years I have saved $43,200. Take about $500 a year out for doctors visits and prescriptions and you have $37,200. Not too shabby. And, if something catastrophic did happen then Hospitals are pretty darn good about taking monthly payments and a lot of times if you pay with cash you get a discount. Look if you need health insurance maybe this law will help you but if you're like me and don't need it then it's just a punishment. Unless someone can tell me how this is better for people like me I'm not thrilled with this law being passed. It just shouldn't be mandatory. Even at $50 a month you'd save money. Look, it may be great for all of you who have been excluded and wanted health insurance but to make it mandatory for people like me is just not fair.
This is pure communist
Submitted by Joel Clyde (not verified) on August 10, 2012 - 7:23am.This is pure communist garbage. We don't need the government telling us what to do. And this information is misleading at best. Most of the 'musicians' in the country are actually amateurs with full-time day jobs, and group insurance. And most pro's (like myself) either belong to the Union with full benefits, or work for a venue that provides them. This law has caused many small business to shut down, already, and a lot of doctors/nurses to leave the medical field. It is a disaster in the making, and the sooner we get rid of it, and comrade Obama, the better. Also, I am a combat vet, so I am covered by the VA, If the government decides to fine me anyway, I am not paying it. If they want to jail me, then so be it. Some things are important enough to fight for, or against, and this is one of them.
Wake up, America!
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