The issue of availability of affordable health-care for the creative community, many of whom are self-employed or own small businesses, is an important one to Triangle ArtWorks. If you have ideas, resources, or want to help work on this issue, contact us at our email.
In the meantime, here are National Resources that can help:
Actors Fund/AHIRC – Another national organization that is working hard on this issue is the Actor’s Fund. As stated on its website, the Actor’s Fund is a “a nonprofit, nationwide human services organization providing programs that support the unique, essential needs of all who work in entertainment and the performing arts” Through its program, the Artists’ Health Insurance Resource Center (AHIRC), the Actor’s Fund provides ”an up-to-date, comprehensive and unbiased database of health care resources for artists, performers, freelancers and the self-employed.”Artist Health Insurance Resource Center: ”AHIRC.org is an up-to-date, comprehensive and unbiased database of health care resources for artists, performers, freelancers and the self-employed”. Website
The Actor’s Fund takes the position that “[t]he health care reform legislation passed by Congress will finally make health insurance available and affordable for the American artist. As the changes begin, AHIRC is here to guide you through the legislation and how it will affect the visual and performing arts and entertainment communities. Our mission is insure every artist in the United States by 2014.” Recently, AHIRC published a simple Question and Answer style guide regarding the recent national health care reform and how it affects your ability to get and keep health insurance. We found this guide easy to understand and very helpful. See a copy here. Also on AHIRC’s site, you can see what other health care resources are available in North Carolina at this time here.
Fractured Atlas: A national arts service organization that provides access to fiscal sponsorship, liability insurance, professional development, and one on one guidance towards getting health insurance. Recommended health insurance options and eligibility differs by state. Additional details can be found online here: Website. They also have a good discussion of the application of the Affordable Care Act to small business here.
Healthcare.gov – New online portal by the Federal Government, with tons of information about health care, including the new health care bill. The site has a great tool for looking for health care options by state. Website
HINT – Health Insurance Navigation Tool – This resource, from the The Future of Music Coalition, provides online information, as well as the opportunity to talk to a health insurance expert by phone FREE of charge to get personal advice on the best health care options for you. Website.