Events: Feb. 4 Workshop – “Every Artist Insured: Navigating Health Care Reform”

Every Artist Insured: Navigating Health Care Reform

Date: Tuesday, February 4, 6–8 p.m.
Location: NYFA’s offices, 20 Jay Street, Suite 740, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (map)
Cost: Free; RSVP required (link).

Presented by Renata Marinaro, Director of Eastern Region Health Services at The Actors Fund, this free workshop will help you understand the Affordable Care Act and provide you with clear guidance on what your options are.  An excellent opportunity for unbiased counseling on an important topic, the workshop is designed for those who work in the arts, and includes a Q&A session.

Questions answered will include: 

• What are the new options?
• What are the penalties if you don’t have insurance?
• I’m a freelancer without insurance  – how will this affect me?
• How will people afford insurance in the new system?
• Who is eligible for Medicaid?
• What is the small business tax credit?
• What is the New York Health Plan Marketplace?
• How do I apply?

Some Important Facts about the Affordable Care Act:

• People who make up to $15,800/year will get free insurance, and people who make less than $46,000/year will get subsidies from the government to buy insurance.
• In New York, insurance plans will include reimbursement for gym memberships.
• Small businesses aren’t required to provide insurance, but can get tax credits of up to 50% (35% for non-profits) for insuring them.
• Everyone must have insurance by March 31, 2014 or pay a penalty (1% of their income).

This program is supported by the Community Service Society of New York (CSS).