Challenges to Affordable Care Act of 2010 Could Jeopardize Potential Benefits for Artists

NEW YORK, Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study commissioned by Leveraging Investments in Creativity (LINC) highlights the promise of the Affordable Care Act of 2010 which could be stymied by looming State and Congressional challenges.  

Health Insurance for Artists: Before and After the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, by Helicon Collaborative with Princeton Survey Research Associates International (PSRAI) and the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, builds upon LINC's 2009 survey of 5,380 artists.  

Whereas only 16% of artists are completely uninsured according to 2009 Current Population Survey (CPS) data -- compared to 15.4% of the general population -- nearly 40% of the artists in the Helicon study did not have adequate insurance.  Tellingly, 50% of those with insurance were concerned about losing it.  

"Artistic practice should not be a high risk occupation because artists still don't have access to adequate insurance coverage. The new Act expands coverage and regulates the individual health insurance market, benefitting artists who are often self-employed or in small businesses," said Judilee Reed, executive director of Leveraging Investments in Creativity.

The new survey shares the tale of Grisha Coleman whose medical bills exceeded $100,000 while her insurance benefit capped at $25,000.  The Affordable Care Act of 2010 would help because it phases out and then prohibits health plans from putting a "lifetime" dollar limit on most benefits.  

The law also allows uninsured adults with preexisting conditions to buy into a high-risk pool with premiums subsidized by the federal government, an interim measure until new "exchanges" are ready.  

Other benefits for artists include:

• CPS data show 27% of artists between the ages of 18 and 24 are uninsured.  Under the new law those 19-26 can remain on their parents' policies -- gaining time to build their careers.  

• By 2014 State-based "exchanges" will allow individuals and small businesses to purchase lower cost group coverage.

• Medicaid changes will help many lower income artists gain coverage.

• Tax credits will help small businesses (including many creative non-profits) pay for coverage for their employees.

LINC is a ten-year national initiative to improve the conditions for artists working in all disciplines (http://www.lincnet.net).

SOURCE Leveraging Investments in Creativity