\nJust kidding.<\/em><\/h5>\n
Divas, you do not need to find your own J. Howard Marshall<\/a> to ensure that you can get healthcare coverage. It is understandable that some singers do not have health benefits because they simply do not know how or where to look for affordable insurance. However, that does not mean that it is excusable. What’s that?<\/em> You are one of those rare singers who never gets sick? You’re young and healthy and don’t need health insurance now? Think again, sweetheart. What about that freak situation when your sassy audition heel gets stuck in the crosswalk and that distracted cabbie… Hmm – not suitable for young readers. Since many young artists lack long-term job stability they also lack sufficient health coverage. Maintaining vocal health is the foundation of being able to perform on a regular basis. We are trying to make our livelihood by using our voices on a daily basis. Because the United States largely relies on employment-provided healthcare, singers are living in a freelancing situation and can often fall through the cracks. The good news is that there is hope for union and non-union singers out there.<\/p>\n Before we start talking about that, let’s do an overview (with the help of Fractured Atlas<\/a>) of the basic terms that are included in the summary of benefits for any plan.<\/p>\n “Singers who work for AGMA companies can qualify for coverage under AGMA Health Plan A (annual health insurance for choristers and other regularly employed singers) or AGMA Health Plan B (a \u2018health care savings plan\u2019 for solo singers into which all AGMA signatory employers put a percentage of earnings) which can then be spent by the member for any health care cost,” writes AGMA’s Executive Director, Alan Gordon.\u00b9<\/a> If you belong to any type of performing artists union, check with you representatives regarding your health care options right away. They already understand the need for insurance for artists and can often provide great resources in finding the perfect plan for you. For example, the Actors’ Fund Human Services Department<\/a> can offer “both Internet-based and personal health insurance guidance, solutions-based health care counseling, experience-based health referrals and, through our own free clinic, direct medical care for people who are uninsured.”<\/p>\n Health insurance is regulated by state. Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding your right to buy health care, the definition of “pre-existing condition”, and what benefits can be included in an individual plan. However, there are a few organization that can help you purchase health care through a type of umbrella arrangement. For example, Fractured Atlas has partnered with eHealthInsurance<\/a> to provide quotes<\/a> to performing artists. Here is some insight when you are trying to determine which plan is right for you.\u00b2<\/a><\/p>\n Note: An HDHP PPO plan generally features two deductibles, in-network and out-of-network. The out-of-network deductible is usually 2x the amount of in-network! The out-of-network deductible does not count towards the in-network and vice versa.<\/p>\n Take some time today to assess the healthcare coverage you already have through your job and see if it is providing what you need as a professional musician. If you do not already have health insurance, do not wait any longer to take advantage of the myriad of options available to you. Make a list of benefits that are deal-breakers for you. Start searching for providers in your state that can offer you a balanced plan that fits your medical needs as well as your budget. ” The out-of-pocket maximum is the true measure of a plan\u2019s value in light of the monthly cost. Everything else is secondary.”\u00b3<\/a><\/p>\n If you end up with some scary medical debt, do not let it overwhelm you. Healthcare is a business. Providers want to get paid. Just like our discussion of student loan debt<\/a> the other day, start by communicating. Get in touch with the provider and negotiate some sort of payment. Do not just ignore it – be proactive and it will be a much easier to conversation.<\/p>\n Before I leave you to work on today’s challenge, there is one last thing that I want to tack on to this discussion: find a good ENT-otolaryngologist. Part of the reason you want to have good healthcare coverage is so that you can visit an ENT when necessary. “Proper evaluation and treatment can take care of most voice-related problems, and can set you up to succeed at even the most demanding voice-related occupation,” advises the American Academy of Otolaryngology<\/a>.<\/p>\n Check out this list: “There are 987 top ENT-otolaryngologists <\/a>on the list of U.S. News Top Doctors<\/a>. These physicians were selected based on a peer nomination process<\/a>. Within this list of the best ENT-otolaryngologists, 289 have been named to a highly selective list of America’s Top Doctors (ATD) by achieving national recognition for outstanding work.” Use their handy search tool to find one near you.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Also, ask for references. Similarly to voice teachers<\/a>, you must trust your ENT and other singers and voice professionals will be able to tell you who has a good track record and who should be avoided. Especially if you have stumbled into some voice-related problems, try asking about ENT that are familiar with classical voice rehabilitation or that have a good working-relationship with a voice teacher.<\/p>\n What are your main concerns when it comes to health insurance for opera singers? Do you have any tips or stories to share? Please let us know in the comments below. Please feel free to share your referrals in the comments as well. We encourage a supportive dialogue about classical singing issues.<\/p>\n [youtube=http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=q2QX9sMV5xI&feature=player_embedded]<\/p>\n Additional Resources:<\/p>\n The Performing Arts Medicine Association<\/a><\/p>\n Society of Singers<\/a><\/p>\n PERFORMING ARTS MEDICINE CLINICS Sing for Hope<\/a><\/p>\n
\nThus, the day 21 challenge is to assess your health insurance situation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/sybariticsinger.files.wordpress.com\/2012\/02\/4308-voice-doctor-oe.jpg\" "\\"4308-VOICE-DOCTOR-OE\\"")
<\/a>\n
\nin the United States<\/a><\/p>\n