While you might consider health insurance an unaffordable luxury or something that only belongs to people who hold “real” jobs, the truth is that you can’t afford to go without it. Illnesses, accidents and other circumstances requiring doctors’ visits or hospital stays could happen to any of us—and the costs of medical care without health insurance are staggering. Here’s an overview of your options as a musician residing in New York State.
Contents:
What kind of insurance should I be looking for? What should I know when I start looking?
Why is insurance so expensive in New York State?
Where can I find group insurance plans?
Are there any special programs for New York State musicians?
What other resources are there for musicians who continue to be uninsured or underinsured?
Resources
What kind of insurance should I be looking for? What should I know when I start looking?
The first base to cover is basic health insurance: that is, how to pay for medical bills that you can’t cover entirely out-of-pocket.
There are four basic options for buying health insurance. The simplest is to work for an employer that offers health insurance to its employees. Of course, this is not an option for most full-time musicians who are self-employed.
If you need to find insurance on your own, a second option is to buy private insurance, which you purchase as an individual, couple or family.
The third is to purchase insurance as part of a larger group, like a professional union or other organization.
The fourth is to see if you are eligible for any of the government-subsidized programs that exist for people whose incomes are too low for private or group insurance. These include Healthy New York and Family Health Plus (see “Resources” section for links).
Why is insurance so expensive in New York State?
While New York is a “guaranteed issue” state, which means that insurers are not permitted to turn you down because of your health status or other factors, it is also one of a few states in the nation that uses a “community rating” system to set policy rates. Under this rating system, the cost of insurance depends on the medical and hospital costs in the community in which the person lives. Individual characteristics of the insured – including age, gender or health – are not considered at all.
In other words, under a community rating, everybody in the same community/region pays the same amount, whether they’re a 61 year-old man or a 21 year-old woman. This is different than the system in other places, where gender and age create different rate tiers. The community rating system is good for older and less healthy people, since their rates will be lower than in areas where their age and health are taken into consideration, but is less beneficial to younger or healthier residents. For them, the costs under a community rating system will be higher than in a tiered system, since they’re in the same pool as the older or less healthy people. Although the concept is progressive, the net result of this “we’re all in this together” approach is that younger people who cannot afford the coverage leave the pool. The median age is subsequently raised, and the amount of money in the pool reduced.
Where can I find group insurance plans?
Although FMC does not endorse any individual organizations, unions, or plans, there are several avenues that may be worth exploring. These include:
unions or other professional organizations to which you may already belong or are eligible to join, like AFM or AFTRA.
organizations for the self-employed and/or freelancers, such as Freelancers Union.
other groups dedicated to professional musicians and artists that provide access to group plans, such as Fractured Atlas or Chamber Music America.
if you went to college, your alma mater; many colleges and conservatories’ alumni benefits programs now include access to group insurance plans.
if you have immediate family who are in the military or are veterans, you may be eligible for benefits.
In all cases, spend time comparison shopping. You may well be eligible for more than one group plan, so check out each plan’s rates, benefits, lists of participating doctors, and types of programs carefully.
Also, you need to be aware of each plan’s terms real costs: not just how much the monthly premium is, but also what the structure is for deductibles, co-payments, prescription costs, benefit caps and so on. Make sure that the plan you choose offers comprehensive coverage, so that down the line you won’t have the ugly surprise of a hospital bill that runs into the tens—or even hundreds—of thousands of dollars. Depending on your personal history and health care needs, you may also need to consider how each insurer defines “pre-existing medical conditions.”
Are there any special programs for New York State musicians?
Yes. The NY State Insurance Department is running a pilot program called the COBRA Continuation Assistance Program. Signed into law by Gov. Pataki in 2004, the state will pay 50 percent of the monthly COBRA premium costs for up to one year for an individual (and spouse and dependents) who works in the entertainment industry, who is receiving COBRA from an entertainment industry union or employer, and whose household income is below 208% net of the Federal Poverty Level.
You do not need to be a union member to apply for these funds. However, the COBRA plan must be offered by an employer whose main enterprise is entertainment or the performing arts.
What other resources are there for musicians who continue to be uninsured or underinsured?
Start by contacting FMC’s Health Insurance Navigation Tool, or HINT. This is a free website and telephone-based service in which insurance experts who are also musicians review your personal situation and offer advice about what’s out there and possible courses of action to pursue. HINT can also help you get a handle on the many acronyms and associated jargon (PPOs, POSs, HMOs, deductibles, indemnities, etc.) that get tossed around in the descriptions of health insurance options. HINT offers a glossary of such terms at www.futureofmusic.org/hint/glossary.cfm
There are also a few programs you should know about. They include (but are not limited to):
the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic in Manhattan, which was established by the Actors’ Fund, but supplies primary, specialty, and preventative care to all entertainment professionals;
Artist Access at Brooklyn’s Woodhull Medical Center, which allows artists to exchange performances or interactive patient programs in exchange for health care credits; and
the Dizzy Gillespie Cancer Institute, which provides oncology services to jazz musicians. For these types of services, expect to provide proof of your line of work and your income.
For more information about these programs, check out the Artists Health Insurance Resource Center www.ahirc.org.
COBRA Health Insurance
Amending the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) was signed into law in 1985, extending for a limited period the health care coverage of employees under a "qualifying event" such as involuntary job loss, reduction in hours worked, transition between jobs, death and divorce.
In 2004, Governor George Pataki signed into law the COBRA Subsidy Bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Richard Brodsky and State Senator Kemp Hannon. It was initiated by the four largest performers unions--AEA, SAG, AFTRA, and AFM Local 802, and coordinated by The Actor's Fund of America, which also coordinates the Entertainment Industry Health Insurance Coalition, formed in 1999 and sponsored by Actor's Equity.
The state's subsidy bill is intended to assist eligible entertainment employees with maintaining their health insurance due to the sporadic nature of employment in the industry. Applicants who are accepted into this program receive assistance equal to 50 percent of their COBRA/continuation payments for up to 12 months.
This fact sheet was supported by The New York State Music Fund, established
by the New York State Attorney General at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.
Musicians Get the Hint About Health Insurance
Two Raleigh concerts in memory of musician Drew Glackin; proceeds go to Glackin’s family and Future of Music Coalition’s Health Insurance Navigation Tool
April 10, 2008 Press release FMC's HINT program
New York State Music Education Events Examine Crucial Issues Facing Artists Forums in Rochester (April 28), Syracuse (April 29) and Albany (April 30) to focus on music, media, technology and policy issues for songwriters, composers and performers from all genres.
March 25, 2008 Event details | RSVP
Pop Rockers OK Go "Tour" Congress in Support of Net Neutrality
Damian Kulash and Andy Ross discuss the importance of open Internet structures to musicians; Kulash testifies before House Judiciary Committee.
March 13, 2008 Press release
Spoken testimony
Written testimony
Rock the Net
New York State Music Education Events Examine Crucial Issues Facing Artists Kick-off forum in Buffalo on April 2 to focus on music, media, technology and policy issues for songwriters, composers and performers from all genres. March 7, 2008 | Event details
Philly Bands Rocking for Net Neutrality February 23 Sugar Town show at Tritone in Philadelphia will showcase lady rockers and DJs, as well as musicians' support for net neutrality. February 15, 2008
OK Go and Bonerama Rocked DC for New Orleans Musicians Bands also champion FMC's "Rock the Net" campaign for net neutrality February 2 benefit show at DC's 9:30 Club raised over $8,000 for New Orleans musicians. Bands played cuts off their new benefit EP, You're Not Alone, available on iTunes on February 5. February 4, 2008
Upcoming Washington, DC show and benefit EP from OK Go & Bonerama
On February 2, OK Go and Bonerama will play a benefit at D.C.'s 9:30 Club in support of You're Not Alone - an EP to support Sweet Home New Orleans and Al "Carnival Time" Johnson. January 21, 2008
Successful New Orleans Concerts Aid Big Easy Musicians
Last week, two benefit concerts raised over $6,000 for Sweet Home New Orleans - a coalition of non-profit organizations that helps find affordable housing and provides rental assistance for the city's musicians - and Big Easy music legend Al "Carnival Time" Johnson.
January 15, 2008 Press release | Event details
Ann Chaitovitz Appointed
FMC's New Executive Director A proven leader in musician and public policy issues, Chaitovitz replaces founding Executive Director Jenny Toomey January 3, 2008
Concerts for New Orleans Musicians Bring Artists Together Two New Orleans shows and upcoming benefit CD from OK Go and Bonerama January 2, 2008
FMC's Jenny Toomey Appointed Program Officer for Ford Foundation
Kristin Thomson to Serve as FMC’s Interim Executive Director Michael Bracy to Chair FMC Board of Directors November 26, 2007
Seattle "Rocked the Net" Rep. Jay Inslee advocated network neutrality;
joined by rocker Matt Nathanson, Reclaim the Media, FMC and local music business representatives October 31, 2007
Rock the Net: Campaign for Net Neutrality Rocks Seattle
Teleconference with Rep Jay Inslee on Tuesday, Oct 30. Matt Nathanson performs at Seattle’s Crocodile Café on Tuesday, Oct. 30 October 26, 2007
Future of Music Policy Summit to Tackle Critical Issues at the Intersection of Music, Law, Technology and Policy Sen. Byron Dorgan and Sen. Ron Wyden to Deliver Keynote Addresses
Mac McCaughan, Bob Mould, Marybeth Peters of the U.S. Copyright Office and More Than 90 Other Panelists Confirmed. September 10, 2007 Summit home page Press Credentialing
AT&T's muting of bands points toward a pattern of silencing political speech Content monitor did not edit out 20 instances of curse words during Pearl Jam webcast, despite AT&T claim it hires monitors to block "excessive profanity". August 13, 2007
Top musicians, lawyers, technologists confirmed for FMC's 7th annual Policy Summit August 13, 2007 Press Release Summit home page Press Credentialing
FMC Statement on AT&T Silencing Pearl Jam's lyrics during Lollapalooza webcast August 9, 2007
FMC Statement on Federal Trade Commission Report on Net Neutrality June 29, 2007
FMC files testimony with House Small Business Committee on CRB Webcasting Rates June 27, 2007 Press Release | Testimony
Clear Channel strips local, independent artists of digital performance royalties
FMC has discovered that Clear Channel's online application for local and independent artists to submit their music for airplay on each of its stations requires the artist to approve a licensing agreement that does away with their digital performance right. June 22, 2007
Low Power Radio Gets New Push in Congress
Congress introduces bills to create hundreds of new low power FM radio stations to cities and suburbs across the country. June 22, 2007
FMC Announces Dates for 7th annual Policy Summit
September 17-18, 2007
GWU Betts Theatre, Washington, DC June 11, 2007
FMC Organizes "Musicians Bringing Musicians Home II"
A Benefit Concert on May 27 at New Orleans' Tipitina's for Sweet Home New Orleans featuring: Indigo Girls, Damian Kulash of OK Go, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Matt Nathanson, Pamela Z...and special guests
May 23, 2007 Press Release | Details
Congressman Mike Doyle to address conference on music, law and technology
May 2 event will bring together leading experts from worlds of music, law, technology and policy. April 25, 2007
A2IM Endorses Rock the Net Campaign
American Association of Independent Music urges its label members to join the campaign for network neutrality. April 17, 2007
Music Mashes with Policy at upcoming Technology and IP Policy Day
May 2 event will bring together leading experts from worlds of music, law, technology and policy. April 16, 2007
FMC Applauds FCC's Payola Settlement
Payola agreement by FCC and big broadcast chains represents a major - but tentative - step toward once again opening the nation's airwaves to local music and voices. April 13, 2007
Rep. Edward Markey, Ted Leo kick off "Rock the Net"
Nearly 150 artists and labels have already signed onto campaign for net neutrality
March 27, 2007 Press Release | Rock the Net
Major Artists To Join Launch of Rock the Net Campaign for Net Neutrality March 23, 2007
FMC Statement on FCC's "Rules of Engagement" On Payola March 5, 2007
FMC Files Reply Comments in FCC Media Ownership Proceeding January 16, 2007
FMC Statement on FCC Payola Settlement
FMC's statement on FCC's reported consent decree with the broadcast industry in regards to payola. January 16, 2007
Radio Station Ownership Consolidation Shown to Harm Musicians and the Public
FMC study shows that the rapid consolidation of the commercial radio industry that followed the Telecommunications Act of 1996 has led to a loss of localism, less competition, fewer viewpoints and less diversity in radio programming in media markets across the country.
December 13, 2006 Press release Report details
FMC Organizes Musicians Bringing Musicians Home Benefit concert at New Orleans' Tipitina's on November 6th featuring Steve Earle, Mike Mills, Allison Moorer, Tom Morello, Boots Riley, Corin Tucker and special guests.
October 23, 2006 Read press release Read press coverage
Job
Losses Associated with Radio Consolidation Undermine Localism and Diversity FMC, Newspaper Guild and Consumers Union urge FCC to take employment effects
of their policies into account during upcoming review of media ownership rules August 9, 2006
FMC Releases Research on Employment and Wage Effects of Radio Consolidaton August 9, 2006
FMC on Preserving the Dynamism of the Internet Opinion Piece on ABC News June 29, 2006
FMC Statement on Senate Commerce Committee Vote in Support of LPFM June 28, 2006
FMC Statement on FCC Media Ownership Proceeding June 21, 2006
Indie-rock revolution, fueled by net neutrality Op-ed by FMC's Jenny Toomey and Michael Bracy June 13, 2006
Pearl Jam Donation To Help Musicians Help Themselves Proceeds From Washington, DC Appearance to be Donated to FMC Artist Research
Council May 25, 2006 Press Release
FMC signs on letter to preserve net neutrality May 17, 2006
FMC Announces Dates for Sixth Annual Future of Music Policy Summit
October 5-7, 2006 Media Advisory May 15, 2006
FMC Statement on Release of Feingold's Radio and Concert Disclosure
and Competition Act of 2005 November 18, 2005
FMC Sends Letter to Senate Commerce Committee in Support of a
Public Performance Right for Sound Recordings October 19, 2005
Top Names in Music, Law, Technology and Policy Return to Debate Critical
Issues at Fifth Annual Future of Music Policy Summit
September 6, 2005 Media Advisory | Policy
Summit home page
FMC Announces Health Insurance Navigation Tool
August 9, 2005 HINT Home Page
FMC Press Release: Music Mashes with Policy at DC Policy Day April 8, 2005
FMC's Michael Bracy Testifies in front
of House Judiciary Committee on "Digital Music Interoperability" April 6, 2005
FMC files comments at US Copyright Office on "Orphan
Works"
Comments also ask Copyright
Office to consider status of out-of-print recordings March 25, 2005
FMC Sends Letter to Senate Stating Concerns about S 193, Broadcast Decency Enforcement
Act March
10, 2005
FMC and artist groups file joint reply comments at FCC on localism in broadcasting,
MB Docket 04-233
January
3, 2005 PDF of document
