Dear Friends,

Some of you may be wondering if it makes sense to have health insurance, especially if money is tight. You are healthy and never go to the doctor.  Once in a while you go to an urgent care center and pay out of pocket for your visit and prescription. Why should you spend hundreds of dollars per month for something you won’t use?

Well, let’s look at the statistics.
CNBC sites a new study from researchers that found that 66.5 percent of all bankruptcies were tied to medical issues —either because of high costs for care or time off work. An estimated 530,000 families turn to bankruptcy each year because of medical bills. In addition, just 40 percent of Americans are able to cover a $1000 emergency expense with their savings, according to a survey from personal finance website Bankrate.

And medical debt can affect your credit score, which in turn can affect your ability to buy a car or rent an apartment.

But I’m healthy!

Well, you are until you aren’t. It isn’t always the “hit by a bus” scenarios that can overwhelm you financially. There is a lot of grey area between walking around perfectly healthy and catastrophic occurrences. According to a 2016 survey of the American Hospital Association, one day in the hospital, depending on your state, can cost you anywhere from $1191 to $4570.  Remember that under the Affordable Care Act, there is an out of pocket maximum on all insurance plans that limits how much you will spend in a given year for medical expenses. Think of it as a “stop loss” that prevents you from endlessly hemorrhaging money should something serious or chronic happen to you.

Still not convinced that health insurance is right for you?

Think about the cost of not getting your preventive screenings, not taking your prescribed medications, and not getting needed treatment because you don’t have insurance. The Henry J Kaiser Family Foundation reported, “because of the cost of care, many uninsured people do not obtain the treatments their health care providers recommend for them. In 2017, uninsured non-elderly adults were more than three times as likely as adults with private coverage to say that they postponed or did not get a needed prescription drug due to cost. Uninsured people are more likely to be hospitalized for avoidable health problems and to experience declines in their overall health. When they are hospitalized, uninsured people receive fewer diagnostic and therapeutic services and also have higher mortality rates than those with insurance.”

We get it. Health insurance can be very expensive. The Artists Health Insurance Resource Center can help you shop around for a plan that may not have all that you would like, but one that has all you need. And that may come down to covering you in case of a catastrophic event.

But what if I absolutely cannot afford it?

First, check to see if you’re eligible for your state’s insurance program for those with lower incomes, such as Medicaid, Medi-Cal, and in New York, the Essential Plan. These programs have year-round open enrollment and will cover you at no—or very low—cost.

If you’re not eligible for one of these programs, Needy Meds has a national, comprehensive list of community health centers that will charge you sliding scale fees based on your income. They are a great place to get your preventive screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies.

NeedyMeds is also a great resource for finding out if you’re eligible for a pharmaceutical assistance program, which will cover the cost of your medication. If you want to compare costs at different pharmacies to find the best deal, head to GoodRx.com.

Next, find out where your nearest public hospital is. Public hospitals are mandated to help the uninsured and offer discounted rates based on your income. They are your best option for containing inpatient medical costs. Note: Before you head to the emergency room, make sure it’s an actual emergency and not one that can be treated at an urgent care center for a lot less money. Many urgent care centers can handle stitches, uncomplicated fractures, etc.

Finally, if you live in the New York City area and are an uninsured or underinsured entertainment industry professional, you may qualify for a subsidized primary care visit at the Samuel J Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts. The visit costs $40 and includes any necessary lab work. To find out if you qualify, contact us at 917.281.5975 or visit our website.  

I hope this information helps put your decision in perspective.

Yours in good health,

Janet Pearl
Health Services Manager, Health Insurance Resource Center

Do you work in performing arts and entertainment and have questions about health insurance? The Actors Fund provides assistance nationally. Contact our regional office closest to you to speak to a counselor.

New York City
917.281.5975

Los Angeles
855.491.3357

Don’t forget to use the resources section of our website. It contains tools to help you make decisions about your health insurance, including new online tutorials on how to choose providers and how to read an Explanation of Benefits. In addition, you’ll find an updated Stage Managers National Health Directory, our national online directory of health care providers recommended by industry professionals that can be used by theaters and touring companies. For these resources and more, visit actorsfund.org/HealthServices. You can also find out more about enrollment assistance and upcoming health insurance seminars near you!