Healthcare For Songwriters
SONA (Songwriters of North America) just announced a new resource: Healthcare for Songwriters. What? It’s right there on a Billboard in Times Square!
For the longest time there’s been no such thing. Screenwriters are unionized and therefore can get insurance (at least those who can still get work!) Live musicians as well. Jingle singers (are they even called that any more?) get SAG health benefits. The best! Almost no questions asked.
But songwriters can not unionize. We’ve been considered “independent contractors” rather than employees ever since the suggestion of such during hearings regarding copyright law in the 1970’s. The idea stuck and it couldn’t be undone. Gum on a shoe.
So we’ve had to SIGH and work-around it.
In a partnership with Amazon Music and One Medical SONA Members can now sign up to receive a free one year subscription to One Medical — a primary care practice whose priority is to make quality health care affordable and accessible for us. Members can get care at local offices as well as 24/7 virtually.
Many of us default to urgent care facilities. Some are good. Some are not. It’s hard to know what you’re going to get. One Medical has consistency and reliability. I have spoken to friends who are members and love it.
SONA worked tirelessly to make healthcare a reality. I was on the board of this amazing grassroots organization for a number of years. I stepped down recently to make room for new blood so I can’t take credit for this heavy lifting but I’m still proud to have been a founding member and very proud of SONA for this GET!
With then Congresswoman Karen Bass, Michelle Lewis, Kay Hanley, Pam Sheyne, Jack Kugell, Adam Gorgoni, Adam Dorn; Washington DC 2018
We are the closest thing to a union that songwriters have. Plus, we’re fun, informative, entertaining. For those of you who’ve never heard of us…
SONA works to ensure fair pay, safety, and equity for songwriters. We provide resources, legal expertise, and a space to connect and mobilize. We offer educational resources and workshops to help songwriters understand their rights and navigate the complexities of the music business.
Let’s face it — this industry can be scary. Though we keep brave faces and try to appear confidant and on-the-rise amidst an overwhelming talent pool, underneath we may still wonder if we will ever break through…where do we start? How do we proceed once we’ve started? How do we survive when there are so many bills to pay and we’re making pennies? Once we’ve broken-through how do we help? Community is key. SONA is community.
If you’re not a SONA member yet, it’s time.*
Juss Sayin’
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*Songwriters who are or become One Medical subscribers can apply to receive a $250.00 direct grant from The SONA Foundation. That application is here: TSF One Medical Grant Application.
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