We know that your employment in the theatre is at times, by nature episodic, and that you may not always have continuous periods of eligibility. If you fall short of the SDC-League eligibility threshold, you should know that other resources are available.
New York State 50% subsidy for COBRA payments
Created through the lobbying efforts of several entertainment industry unions, including SDC, this excellent program provides a 50% subsidy for qualified participants for COBRA coverage. For more information, go to www.ins.state.ny.us and click on Consumers, and then on Health.
Artists Health Insurance Resource Center
This highly valued wing of the Actors Fund keeps up to date information on alternative sources of health insurance and health care for members of the industry who may not currently be covered by their union plan. Visit them on the web at www.AHIRC.org or call 212-221-7301, ext. 265 for information.
Fractured Atlas
This membership organization provides a variety of support to the artistic community, including low-cost health insurance. For more information visit them on the web at www.fracturedatlas.org or call them at 212-277-8020.
Freelancers Union
The Freelancers Union is a national membership organization aimed at independent workers and is free to join. It offers health insurance and retirement savings to its members. For more information visit www.freelancersunion.org.
Hirschfeld Clinic
The Hirschfeld Clinic, located in the Aurora at West 57th Street and 10th Avenue in New York City provides medical services and specialist consultations. Services are free to members of theatrical unions, as well as non-union members who have earned at least $3000 in the theatrical industry in two of the last five years. For more information call 212-489-1939.
Therapy Safety Net
The mission of Therapy Safety Net is to connect uninsured people with affordable and socially responsible mental health professionals. They have a free referral service and an extensive list of participating therapists. Visit them on the web at www.therapysafetynet.org.
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine Teaching Clinic
The Columbia University Teaching Clinic offers primary and specialty oral health care at reduced costs to patients. All services are delivered by students and residents who work under the close supervision of Columbia University faculty. To register or for more information call 212-305-6726 or visit their web site at www.dental.columbia.edu.
New York University Dental School
Like Columbia uptown, NYU offers comprehensive dental services at reduced fees in the downtown Manhattan area. Again, services are provided by students supervised by faculty. Check out their web site at www.nyu.edu/dental.
University of California Los Angeles Dental School
On the West Coast, the UCLA Dental School has sliding scale fees depending on the patient’s choice of student, resident, or faculty provider. They have locations in Venice and West Los Angeles. For more information visit www.dent.ucla.edu/patientcare.
Tonik Health Insurance
Tonik is billed as “simple, affordable health insurance” aimed at relatively young and healthy people who might be tempted to go without insurance in order to save money. Tonik serves residents of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, New Hampshire and Nevada. Visit them online at www.tonikhealth.com.
Planned Parenthood
This national institution has women’s health clinics all over the country. Financial services include screening patients for Medicaid and other public health insurance eligibility, and sliding scale fees for the uninsured. For more information visit their website: www.plannedparenthood.org.
Callen-Lorde Community Health Center
Callen-Lorde is New York City’s only primary health care center dedicated to meeting the health needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities and people living with HIV/AIDS – regardless of any patient’s ability to pay. To find out more about their onsite financial screening, sliding scale fees and free yoga classes, visit www.callen-lorde.org.