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Rising Costs
Artists in Exile
As the Executive Director for Links Hall, a non-profit performing arts organization that promotes artistic development and presentation, CJ Mitchell knows too well how the health care crisis has affected the artistic community. This community is one that is often ignored by headlines marking the increasing populations of the uninsured in America. However, artists are often self-employed and are unable to afford the cost of individual insurance. CJ knows first hand that finding insurance on the private market is a daunting task where coverage costs are high, options are often complicated and choices are often limited.
Links Hall has been in existence for almost 30 years and for most of its history it has been run by artists who were minimally compensated. However, in the last 3-4 years the organization has transitioned from this model to creating full time staff positions and a more cohesive infrastructure. With this organizational growth, CJ says, they have finally been able to discuss salary levels and health care options in a way that before was impossible. However, in weighing the different health care options for the organization, CJ has found it next to impossible finding a plan that would meet every employee’s needs. CJ soon realized that finding group coverage for his employees (2 full time, 4 part time) would not be feasible, in that the costs of a plan would far exceed their budget.
In order to combat the lack of health care options available, Links Hall has tried to increase salary levels and make healthcare contributions to staff wages so that employees can independently obtain individual coverage. Although they have implemented this policy for over a year, they know that the amount of these contributions will not cover all of an employee’s health care costs (and such contributions are taxable as part of the employee’s salary). CJ admits that in the past, not being able to offer health care has affected keeping as well as attracting new employees. However, CJ has found no other affordable way to obtain health care for the employees of Links Hall.
The artistic community in general, CJ says, has been affected by lack of access to health care. He has often heard artists say that without health care, the sustainability of an artistic career is always in question. For many, this sustainability is only possible if the artist has a part time job to supplement their income, or has healthcare coverage through a partner. Without health care, precariousness is a state of being for many.
CJ does not understand why the government does not view universal health care as a moral obligation. Although artists have traditionally inhabited a profession without “traditional” benefits that other professions offer, he would like to see an environment where art can be created without the confines of having to worry about health care costs. Indeed, it is necessary to reflect upon why so many in our population are without the peace of mind that quality, affordable and accessible health care can provide.
www.linkshall.org
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