Programs & Services
Health Insurance and Healthcare Resources
DISCLAIMER: While the health insurance plans and healthcare services listed below have been primarily brought to CERF’s attention by artists and artist organizations, CERF does not endorse these or any other insurance plans or services. If, as a craft artist, you have had good experience with a particular health insurance or healthcare service provider, please let us know.
Health Insurance Options in your State
Most health insurance regulation is on the state level, therefore even those insurance companies that do business in many states have different policies available in each state. Here are some resources that will help you learn about the policies available and regulations and restrictions governing health insurance in your state.
Consumer Guides for Getting and Keeping Health Insurance
Overviews of the health insurance related consumer protections for each state, produced and maintained by the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute.
The Health Insurance Resource Center
Provides a comprehensive source of health insurance and health access information developed and maintained by The Actors’ Fund.
State Insurance Department Websites
Your state insurance regulators may publish comparisons of the various types of plans available, giving you an idea of their relative quality. Use the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ website to link to the website of your state’s insurance commissioner to review the reports they make available.
Finding the Health Insurance Plan that Best Meets your Needs
There are a number of government agencies and non-government organizations that provide helpful information for those seeking to make the most of their healthcare dollar. Some of the organizations tailor their information to artists. Once you have a better understanding of the health insurance plans available in your state, these websites may offer insights that lead to the best plan for you.
Health insurance tutorials and healthcare system navigations tools
National Association of Independent Artists
The NAIA Membership Committee and its Benefits Subcommittee have, over the years, made affordable health insurance for NAIA members a top priority.
Artist Trust’s Washington Artists Health Insurance Project
Serves as a model for development of state-based health insurance expansion that benefits artists working in all disciplines.
Managing Medical Bills: Strategies for Navigating the Health Care System
Three free guides to assist consumers in finding and keeping health insurance coverage from the National Endowment for Financial Education and Georgetown University’s Health Policy Institute
Fractured Atlas
A non-profit artist service organization that works to provide its members with access to affordable, appropriate healthcare options.
Future of Music’s Health Insurance Navigation Tool
Provides informed, musician-friendly support and advice to musicians who need information about health insurance. Although this site is for musicians, it is a good resource for all independent artists.
eHealthInsuance
Licensed to sell health insurance throughout the U.S. and presents health insurance information in a format that allows research, analysis, comparison and purchase of health insurance products that best meet consumers’ needs.
All about Health Savings Accounts
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) work in conjunction with high-deductible health insurance plan and are designed to help individuals save for future qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis.
U.S. Treasury Department
Provides extensive information about HSAs.
HSA Insider
Part of Canopy Financial and through their site consumers can find and purchase high-deductible health plans and Health Savings Accounts. HSA Insider also provides guidance on the evolving laws and best practices concerning HSAs.
Possible Sources of a Group Health Insurance Plan
Self-employed artists can take advantage of the lower premiums normally found through group health insurance plans just as employees of larger companies do. A group plan may be offered through a group you are currently associated with or one you can easily join. Check these websites as a starting place.
American Craft Council (ACC)
Provides access to individual and group health insurance plans—subject to state laws—to its professional members.
Freelancers Union
A nonprofit that represents the needs and concerns of America’s independent workforce through advocacy, information and service. Members can take advantage of group and individual market insurance plans.
State small business associations
Alumni associations
Contact your school’s alumni association.
Checking on Eligibility for Special Plans
You may be eligible for a portion or your entire healthcare through a special program in your state. Here are some websites that have tools to help you check your eligibility.
Foundation for Health Coverage Education
A non-profit that develops educational tools for healthcare consumers to better understand affordability and eligibility options for public and private health coverage.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
Helps qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need through public or private programs.
National Council on Aging’s Benefits Check Up
A comprehensive online service that allows seniors with limited income and resources to screen for benefits programs, including prescription drug and healthcare programs.
Disability Benefits 101
An online tool that helps determine changes in disability benefits as recipients move through life’s changes (school, work, retirement, etc).
Evaluating Cost and Quality
Whether your insurance is covering the cost and you are looking for a hospital in your area that has the best record of treating your condition, or you are paying for the care and want to keep costs low while maintaining quality care, these resources will help you make informed decisions.
US Department of Health and Human Services’ Hospital Compare
Reduced cost healthcare options
Advocates for Healthcare System Changes
While both the work of helping those who are eligible for healthcare programs take advantage of them and expanding the current healthcare system to include all who need care are worthwhile causes, there are those who believe the system needs to be overhauled. Here are some organizations working for a new healthcare system in the United States.
Universal Health Care Action Network
Works for universal health care coverage. Their site has links to state and local organizations committed to a similar approach.
Physicians for a National Health Program
Advocates a national single-payer health plan.
California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee’s Guaranteed Healthcare Project (CNA/NNOC)
A national advocate for universal healthcare reform, through a single-payer style system based on an improved and expanded Medicare for all.
Families USA
Advocates for health care reform with an emphasis on childrens’ and family health care.
Healthcare-NOW
A national campaign for a quality guaranteed non-profit single payer healthcare system in the United States.
Healthcare Policy
HealthCentral
Graphs presidential candidates’ positions on health care issues, and has links to campaign position papers.
The Institute of Medicine
Published Insuring America’s Health: Principles and Recommendations. It can be read online or ordered.
State-specific information on healthcare for artists
Artists Foundation - Boston
Has information on health care choices for artists living in Boston and Massachusetts
Artists United for Healthcare
Advocates for affordable health care for artists in California.
Health Care for All California
Dedicated to ensuring that all Californians have comprehensive, reliable, and affordable health insurance.