FAQs for the Un- and Underinsured at The Samuel J. Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts
- What if I do not have insurance?
If you are in the entertainment industry and meet certain guidelines, you may be eligible for a subsidized visit at The Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts.
If you do not work in the entertainment industry, you will be charged the full cost of the visit.
- How much does a doctor’s visit cost?
If you are uninsured or underinsured (meaning you have at least a $1,000 deductible for primary care), you may be eligible for a subsidy that will allow you to be seen for a $40 copay.
Only those who can provide documented proof of earnings in the entertainment industry and meet certain income guidelines are eligible for the subsidy (see below for more info).
If you have health insurance, check your insurance card or summary of your benefits. Every plan is a bit different, but It should tell you what a primary care or specialist visit will cost.
If you have insurance through the Equity-League Health Plan or the IATSE Local One Health Fund, you will not have a copay for your visit.
- Are the services at The Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts included in my union dues?
No. The services provided at The Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts are separate from any benefits you receive as a union member.
- What are the eligibility criteria for the subsidy?
If you are uninsured or have a plan with a deductible of at least $1,000 for primary care (i.e. underinsured), and you work in the entertainment industry, you may be eligible for an Entertainment Community Fund subsidy for up to three primary care visits per year.
In order to qualify for this subsidy, you must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Work in the entertainment industry, with documented proof of entertainment industry earnings of:
• $3,000 a year for three out of the last five years or
• $5,000 a year for 10 out of the last 20 years
2. Have documented annual income between $39,000–$63,000 (between $52,000–$85,000 for a family of two).
Please note: If your income is below $39,000 and you live in New York, you are eligible for comprehensive coverage through Medicaid or the Essential Plan. If you live outside of New York, please contact us.
If your income is above $63,000, you will be charged the full cost of the visit.
If you require more than three visits per calendar year, additional medical and financial need requirements will apply.
- I make under $39,000, but I am not eligible for Medicaid or the Essential Plan. What should I do?
Make an appointment with one of the Entertainment Community Fund’s health insurance counselors, who will review your situation.
Health Insurance Counseling appointments are available via the Entertainment Community Fund’s Portal. For help creating a Portal account, please refer to our Step-by-Step Guide.
- I’d like to apply for a subsidy. Do I have to be screened beforehand?
Yes. Make an appointment with one of the Entertainment Community Fund’s health insurance counselors and someone will review your situation in advance of your appointment.
Health Insurance Counseling appointments are available via the Entertainment Community Fund’s Portal. For help creating a Portal account, please refer to our Step-by-Step Guide.
The eligibility screening should take 20-30 minutes. You must provide the necessary documents (see below). Subsidy eligibility lasts for 12 months from the date of your first appointment. After that, you can re-apply.
- What documents do I need to prove I’m eligible for the subsidy?
There are two types of documents needed to prove eligibility for a subsidy: general income documents and entertainment industry income documents.
General income documents:
- Most recent income tax return
- Most recent bank statements
If those documents aren’t available, you may substitute for the previous year’s:
- W2 forms
- 1099 forms
- Contracts
- Pay stubs
- Union earnings statements
- Letters from employers on company letterhead showing what you were paid
Remember that “Income” refers to any taxable income on your 1040 tax return, and includes:
- Employment and self-employment
- Unemployment
- Residuals
- Trusts
- Pensions
- Social Security benefits
- Interest
- Dividends
- Capital gains
- Alimony
- Rental income
Entertainment industry income documents:
- W2 forms
- 1099 forms
- Contracts
- Pay stubs
- Union printouts
- Letters from employer on company letterhead showing what you were paid
- What is The Feldshuh Fund for Women’s Health? Am I eligible?
If you are uninsured and a woman in need of gynecological care, The Feldshuh Fund for Women’s Health may be able to pay for your visit. The subsidy will cover up to three office visits, as well as lab work.
In order to qualify for this subsidy, you must work in the entertainment industry, and have documented proof of entertainment industry earnings of:
- $3,000 a year for three out of the last five years or
- $5,000 a year for 10 out of the last 20 years
- What if I don’t qualify for a subsidy?
Make an appointment with one of the Entertainment Community Fund’s health insurance counselors and we will be able to help you.
Health Insurance Counseling appointments are available via the Entertainment Community Fund’s Portal. For help creating a Portal account, please refer to our Step-by-Step Guide.
- What if I have Medicaid?
Unless you are an established patient at The Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts, we do not accept Medicaid or Medicaid Managed Care plans. Our health insurance counselors can help you find providers in your Medicaid insurance network.
Health Insurance Counseling appointments are available via the Entertainment Community Fund’s Portal. For help creating a Portal account, please refer to our Step-by-Step Guide.
- That’s a lot to process. I’m still confused. Help!
You can always talk to one of our counselors. Request a one-on-one appointment today via the Entertainment Community Fund’s Portal. For help creating a Portal account, please refer to our Step-by-Step Guide.