Health Resources

Created through the lobbying efforts of several entertainment industry unions, including SDC, the New York State COBRA Subsidy provides valuable assistance for entertainment workers who lose their union health insurance. Eligible entertainment professionals based in New York may receive a 75% discount off their COBRA rates. For more information go to Health Insurance – COBRA Premium Assistance for Entertainment Industry Employees.

This highly valued wing of the Entertainment Community 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. AHIRC also provides assistance for those wishing to purchase insurance through the Affordable Care Act Marketplaces. Visit AHIRC for more information.

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.

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

Conveniently located at the Entertainment Community Fund’s main offices in Times Square, The Friedman Health Center offers primary and specialty care and accepts most insurance plans, including commercial insurances, most Marketplace/Exchange plans, Medicare and Workers’ Compensation. Free and unbiased health insurance enrollment and counseling are available on site. For more information go to entertainmentcommunity.org/services-and-programs/friedman-health-center-performing-arts.

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

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

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

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 http://www.dentistry.ucla.edu/patient-care

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 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