Health Insurance!

[Roy Tamboli]

As you guys know, health insurance for individuals keeps rising. I'm about at the highest deductable allowed with Fortis Co. Does anyone know of a group plan for sculptors in the US?

[RustyBlade1964]

I don't know if this would be applicable to your situation, but perhaps someone reading this.

I have Healthcare For Workers With Disabilities. I am located in Tacoma WA USA. This is one of the few healthcare changes President Clinton managed to sqweeze in. It is supposed to be rolled out to all the states by now, but I know they were dragging their feet as the states have to pick up part of the premium. DSHS handles the billing so a person should be able to get info there. My premium is $65.00 a month and almost everything is covered, including medications.

Good Luck.

[RuBert]

I recently changed from Fortis to Blue Cross and am happy so far. I believe ISC should delve into this issue deeper as there is also a huge need for some type of sculptors liability insurance also.

[Suzanne]

I would like to inquire about Health Insurance for sculptors. Is ISC sponsoring a plan? If not, I would appreciate any discussion on this topic. I remember a few years ago, one health insurer for sculptors declared bankruptcy, but have not heard about a replacement health insurer for sculptors and other Art types, a group plan that will keep premiums down for all members.

Thank you,
Suzanne Idziak

[ironman]

Hi, While I personally don't need it, I think it would be nice if the ISC could offer health ins. coverage of some sort to it's members at a reduced, group rate.
I'd also like to point out that what Russ said about a sculptors liability ins. policy is also very important. We need that too!
Have a nice day,
Jeff

[bluedogshuz]

I have been involved in this business for many years and in fact never got out because I have old clients like me! Health insurance varies by state because it is regulated on the state level. Therefore there is no blanket answer for each state. I used to have a large "affinity group" and was never successful inobtaining affordable health insurance. Liability insurance is entirely different and the ISC could certainly get a break on that. A large brokerage like MARSH MACK or ACCORDIA. I can say particularily for older members Health Savings Account Insurance Plans will survive. They are tax advantaged for those of us that have an income. Some states like mine (Florida) do not require insurability if ytou can prove you are a small business of one. Health insurance for self employed is avery sucky issue, however if any of you need advice I will be happy to help. PS I'm only licenced in Florida!
PSS Hillary Clinton did the most to reduce cost of anyone by scaring the insurance companies. Those days are gone and quite frankly IC's don't give a cr..p and are generally unfriendly. Get a good health insurance broker and stick with them, they are worth it!

[iowasculptor]

I have insurance thsough my professor job but before we had insurance thsough our Farm Bureau. It is a blue cross plan but the price is pretty good (for insurance) When I was teaching HS it was actually cheeper to put her on the farm bureau insurance than using the schools insurance. I was paying $500/ mo at the school, only $200 at farm bureau for the same stuff. With farm bureau you also get a discount on new dodge chrysler vehicles another incentive. Now through the University I have myself and my wife covered with vision, dental, health with a $20 co-pay for 135/mo which I think is pretty reasonable. I am not affiliated with farm bureau just wanted to share my experiences.
matt

[Judy Robins]

You might want to contact the Chicago Artists' Coalition, www.chicagoartistcoalition.org and ask them how they have insurance for their artists. They offer several types of policies through a broker (which took many years to organize) the rates aren't that much cheaper but alittle. Brokers can sometimes "gang" run you on another group policy, which drops the rates. As they said above, every state is different. Judy Robins, Chicago, IL

[Julianna]

ISC doesn't currently offer insurance (see this (http://www.sculpture.net/community/showthread.php?t=1715&highlight=insurance) thread). If you are looking for group rates for health insurance, your best bet is probably to look at more locally-based artists groups.

[Roy Tamboli]

I believe local artist groups don't have enough members to qualify for a group discount. It's very strange that ISC can't offer this, if only for the US members.
Anyone know the reason or the remedy?
Roy

[bluedogshuz]

I thought of one thing. There is a group policy through screen actors that we might be able to tag on to. The group has to be extremely large to offer good coverage that is why. Generally an insurance company has to go state by state etc. Ergo you have to find areally big group.

[bostonblizz21]

As you guys know, health insurance for individuals keeps rising. I'm about at the highest deductable allowed with Fortis Co. Does anyone know of a group plan for sculptors in the US?
mine's at http://www.oneshopinsurance.com they also offer for business!

[oddist]

I recently came across the "Artist Trust" (http://www.artisttrust.org/4artists/information/resources/default.html) that has a list of resources, including health and liability insurance, for artists.

May be of help to some.

[GaryR52]

Doesn't the Graphic Artists Guild have a group policy of some sort? Of course, they're devoted to graphic designers, but I think there might be some sculptors who are members, via work done in advertising, etc.

Gary

[m3rryjane]

shopping around is better to find the best deals.

[bluedogshuz]

Check with your states insurance department for admitted health carriers. Also if you are considered a small business most states have guarantee issue insurance for independent business owners. Also www. goldenrule.com. in most states. They are part of United Health Care and are solid. Use caution when "applying on line". Also use caution when giving out health information it can go into the MIB and I DONT MEAN MEN IN BLACK. This is a nasty little agency set up to compile info. I'm not talking conspiracy here but if you get "turned down" there is literally no place to go. I know. Believe it or not antidepressent use is almost always an automatic decline! Talk about a nasty little system!!!