Why This Site
Most working artists have no practical way of accessing quality health care that is also affordable. As a group, we tend toward non-traditional patterns of employment: We are largely self-employed, working as independent contractors. We may also hold part-time jobs with smaller organizations that do not offer health insurance. We perform work independently for a variety of commercial and nonprofit entities, in a variety of positions, and we tend to move easily from job to job which leaves us with erratic coverage at best. For some performing artists, unions have been a way to get health insurance. But even among this group only a small percentage are eligible for their unions' health benefits; most performing artists face the same barriers to quality, affordable care that visual and conceptual artists experience.
Therefore, as the California Legislature considers the various competing health care reform proposals, it is imperative that independent artists become engaged and unified around a set of health care principles and, with one voice, make their concerns known to policymakers. The time is now!
This website will provide artists of all disciplines with objective, up-to-date information about the ongoing debate over California's health care system. It will also provide a place for you to tell your story about your challenge in obtaining affordable health insurance and getting quality health care. We will also provide tips and tools for you to use so you can weigh-in with your policymakers on the debate over healthcare reform. Finally, we will provide resources and information on how you can access health services in your community.