Agencies band together to help musicians get health insurance

OKLAHOMA CITY — Many Tulsans who make their living making music don't have health insurance.

Results of a Tulsa Music Census conducted recently by the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture, orTulsa FMAC, showed that more than 1 in 5 involved in the local music scene wouldn't have insurance to rely on if they were to get sick. More than two-thirds who took part in the census cited not having benefits as a reason to avoid careers in music.

The Tulsa FMAC, the Red Dirt Relief Fund and the Oklahoma Film + Music Office have banded together to make a difference. On Monday, they'll host a free webinar to connect creative industry workers with individual-market insurers.

"This is an invaluable resource for Tulsa's world-class musicians, artists and creatives to help educate them on the accessibility of quality health insurance and care without having to sacrifice pursuing their passion in the creative industry," Tulsa FMAC Executive Director Meg Gould said in a press release.

Census results indicated that there should be plenty of interest. Some 27% of respondents said they have physical health concerns that currently aren't covered by insurance; 41% said they have uninsured vision or dental needs; and 34% said they have uninsured mental health care needs.

"Tulsa's creative community is one of the true gems of the city, and its members deserve the peace of mind that comes with quality health insurance, just like those who work more traditional jobs," Gould said.

The webinar, scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., will be presented by members of the three organizations along with Clay Ross of Cardinal Rule Insurance. Its purpose will be to provide information on available health care plans, income-based subsidies that can make plans more affordable, how to enroll and how to get free individual follow-up navigation services to enroll through Jan. 15.

Red Dirt Relief Fund Executive Director Katie Dale said her organization, working in partnership with Cardinal Rule Insurance, has connected more than 100 music industry workers with health insurance.

"Medical emergency is the main reason people seek assistance through our organization," she said. "So we know if we can help individuals take care of their health and avoid racking up big medical bills, they will be more successful personally and professionally."

The Oklahoma Film + Music Office launched the Music Friendly Community Program in November to help communities better leverage the music industry for economic development. Health care initiatives are an important element.

"We are happy to join our partners at Tulsa FMAC in supporting Red Dirt Relief and Cardinal Rule's initiative to provide music artists with affordable health care as we recognize the challenges these professionals face with accessibility and options," Oklahoma Film + Music Office Director Jeanette Stanton said.

The webinar is open to the public, and anyone interested can register at tinyurl.com/28rzmpaz.

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