New Guide Helps Performing Arts Professionals Navigate complex Health Insurance Landscape
A new guidebook is available to assist performing arts professionals in securing health insurance, addressing a growing need amplified by recent legislative changes and funding cuts. Developed by United Hospital fund’s Health Insurance Project, the guide provides accessible details on available options and resources.
“Arts professionals, and recent legislative changes and cutbacks have made things even more complicated,” stated peter Newell, director of United hospital Fund’s Health Insurance Project and author of the guidebook.”As New York leaders work to maintain affordable coverage despite recent federal actions-and inaction-we hope this new guide provides vital information on the range of options and resources that are available for people in the performing arts field.”
The guide is specifically designed for those without employer-sponsored or union health plans.It details how to identify and select appropriate health insurance plans and access resources like free, one-on-one counseling from the Entertainment Community Fund (which assisted in the guide’s development) and other experienced “navigators.” It also highlights emergency grants available through the Dramatists Guild Foundation.
Information within the guide covers Affordable care Act (“Obamacare“) plans,public programs including Medicaid,the Essential Plan,and Medicare,and state and federal COBRA rules. It further offers guidance on avoiding insurance scams and “junk insurance,” accessing discounted medical care and prescriptions when uninsured, maximizing benefits with existing coverage, and finding consumer assistance.
Ben Pesner, program director of Venturous Theater Fund, emphasized the importance of accessible healthcare for artists, stating, “Every culture worker deserves affordable health insurance and access to quality healthcare.Given recent federal changes affecting the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, and other programs, it is more important than ever to provide up-to-date, clear, unbiased information for dramatists and others who make their living in the performing arts.”
United Hospital Fund, an independent, nonprofit association, works to build an effective and equitable healthcare system for all New Yorkers.Venturous Theater Fund (VTF) provided support for the project through its donor-advised fund,the Venturous Theater Fund of the Tides Foundation. VTF focuses on funding aspiring and experimental theatrical productions and artist-driven initiatives that empower playwrights.
