Thank you for expressing interest in our Field-Wide Call on Healthcare Advocacy! Our conversation is an important building block for the Our New York City Dance campaign.
Here’s what to know from our time together:
Healthcare is in crisis for New Yorkers.
76% of New Yorkers report being worried or very worried about affording health care in the future, and 37% of dance workers don’t have healthcare coverage. Changes to the Essential Plan, Medicare, and Medicaid put more at risk.
The New York Health Act would provide cost-effective, comprehensive healthcare for every New Yorker.
The New York Health Act would create single-payer, universal healthcare in New York, saving billions of dollars while ensuring everyone is covered with simpler healthcare access.
The bill was reintroduced in 2025 and is gaining momentum with majority support in both legislative chambers. There are opportunities to support.
Meanwhile, the Freelancers Union is working to introduce city legislation for a “portable benefits” healthcare fund for teaching artists.
Under the bill, the city government and contracted employers would both pay into the Creative Workers Health Fund, which would then be distributed to eligible teaching artists to use on healthcare. It would follow workers from job to job, meaning the benefits would be “portable” across employers.
The Freelancers Union expects more opportunities for cultural workers to advocate for this legislation in the fall. Until then, explore their existing insurance options for freelancers.
