Member Benefits – Insurance

We’ll help you find affordable insurance.

United States Federation of Small Businesses

Through a partnership with the United States Federation of Small Business (USFSB), the Guild has arranged for easier access to insurance for members. However, because plans vary state-to-state and person-to-person, we really can’t answer any insurance questions except to direct you to the USFSB. So – please – deal with them directly.

And every state has its own rules. So here’s some info that will get you started:

The following states consider one person (freelancer/you) a group, which means you can get a group rate:

In some states, USFSB can sell individual plans. These aren’t group rates for individuals, but are still very good plans with well-known and well-respected insurance carriers.

Some states make you partner up. In these states USFSB can sell Health Insurance to a business with two or more people (including the owner). This allows a small business to get group rates. They are:

Since nothing comes easily, and almost nothing worthwhile (these days) comes without paperwork, some states and plans make you fill out an application with age, gender and location so that the USFSB can find a quote. No matter how you contact them (phone, e-mail or snail mail application) they should get back to you in 1-3 days.

But, don’t go skydiving yet. Health insurance coverage isn’t effective until the appropriate Carrier has verified coverage. They’ll tell you what day it starts and give you a Group Number. Then – you can go skydiving.

Please note: Health Insurance Carriers have the right to change the rules, regulations, terms of coverage, availability and underwriting guidelines that are placed on the application, policies and enrollment, at any time. Rates for health insurance change periodically (usually quarterly or annually) depending upon the Carrier, the open enrollment for the Plan, and the type of available health insurance products. Carriers can change the rates for Individual Health Insurance Plans at any time.

USFSB offices are open from 9 am -– 5 pm, eastern standard time, Monday – Friday, except holidays.

Anyone interested in USFSB Health Insurance products can either search online www.usfsb.com, or call their main office at (800) 637-3331.

Additional benefits (besides health insurance) are also available to Guild Members thru the USFSB. Please see their website at www.usfsb.com.

New York, New York – So good we named it twice.

For you lucky New Yorkers, there’s a comprehensive benefits package accessible to Guild members who live in the five boroughs.

Your friends at USFSB have a distinct plan for New York members. Sole proprietor health insurance plans from Atlantis Health Care are available to those Guild members who live in the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, or Richmond or Kings County. (We’re working on coverage for the bridge and tunnel members in Long Island, Westchester, Connecticut and New Jersey.)

Atlantis is New York-based with a network of local doctors. Check the rates: they’re good. Call USFSB at: (800) 637-3331

The Graphic Artists Guild, in association with Working Today's Freelancers Union, offers a group-rate benefits package to members in the New York City area. The plan is available to independent workers and keeps your benefits secure as you move from job to job or project to project.

The Working Today's Freelancers Union provides health insurance – a comprehensive HMO plan featuring coverage for doctor and specialist visits, prescription drugs, hospitalization, emergency room services and vision and dental coverage – through HIP of New York; life and disability insurance; and financial services through Solomon Smith Barney and Citibank. The plan costs up to 30% less than individual policies with the same provider, including most COBRA plans. Eligible Guild members are refunded the $25 set-up fee. For more information on eligibility requirements (you must be a member for at least three months, for example), or the paperwork required, visit Working Today's Freelancers Union’s website at www.freelancersunion.org.

If you’d prefer an insurance agent…

For a long time, the Guild has worked with Ray Taylor, who loves to work with creatives. The Taylor & Taylor Group offers life, disability (Unum Life Insurance Company of America), residence, and business insurance in various states. Guild membership is required for disability insurance, but not for other services.
Call Taylor & Taylor for more information.

Taylor & Taylor, Ltd.
800-922-1184
212-490-8511 – East Coast (Contact Paula Kolsky)
310-826-7200 – West Coast (Contact Richard Eleuterio)

But wait! There’s more.

The Entertainment Industry Group Insurance Trust (TEIGIT) offers a range of insurance options.

They’ve administered insurance plans for members of participating artists’ associations throughout the country. Their website tells all, but some highlights appear right here:

• In California, Connecticut, New Jersey, Illinois/Indiana (greater Chicago area), and parts of Central and South Florida, health insurance is underwritten by CIGNA and includes a PPO in Florida, and a choice of HMO or POS in all other states.
• In New York, health insurance is underwritten by GHI and OXFORD.
• GHI offers its Small Business Advantage Plan PPO for sole-proprietors and small groups throughout New York State.
• OXFORD offers three Point-of-Service Plans for self-employed individuals in the NY metropolitan area. Through OXFORD, special rates may be available for small businesses and corporations comprised of 2-50 individuals.
• In Arizona, Texas and Virginia: insurance is available – contact TEIGIT directly for specifics.
• CIGNA DentalCare, an HMO, is available in most states.

Members should visit the TEIGIT website (www.teigit.com) for eligibility requirements, a complete list of rates, and a summary of benefits for each plan offered. You may also phone them at 800-886-7504, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m EST, or email them.

Artists Health Insurance Resource Center

When your head starts spinning and threatens to fly off (and you’re not covered for that), visit the Artists Health Insurance Resource Center (AHIRC) for information.

The Actors Fund of America and the National Endowment for the Arts established the Artists Health Resource Center (AHIRC) to help the arts community find information about various insurance options through a Web site and a toll-free hotline. The information on the Web site is organized state-by-state (because laws and coverage vary by state). Call 800-798-8447.

Disclaimer: All items are subject to change without notice. The Guild and all parties mentioned here cannot be held responsible for any changes occurring after publication.