Austin's live music scene contributes $2 billion annually to the city's economy, yet many of the performers in the "Live Music Capital of the World" are unable to afford health insurance.
In fact, most make too little money to qualify for the Affordable Care Act, said Reenie Collins, executive director of the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians. Collins came out of retirement in December to take over HAAM, for which she consulted in 2005 when the organization first started, to help low-income and uninsured musicians with basic wellness and prevention health care.
"We're not an insurance or health care provider ourselves," Collins said. "We come together with donors and concerned people who live music to provide access to these services."
Seton Healthcare Family, St. David's Foundation and the SIMS Foundation collectively provide medical care, dental services and mental health services to HAAM members, Collins said. In addition, Estes Audiology provides quarterly hearing clinics and special ear protection, Prevent Blindness Texas provides vision testing and Whole Foods Market provides nutritional and dietary support.
"We really couldn't do it without all of them," Collins said.
To qualify for HAAM services, musicians must make less than $29,175 annually, meaning about 1,200 of Austin's approximately 9,000 working musicians qualify as members, she said. Collins, an Austin native, said she was shocked to learn her favorite area musicians are sometimes among those in need.
"They really don't make the kind of money you think they do," she said. "It's really the few and far between who make it big financially."
Affiliates
- Seton Healthcare Family—medical care
- St. David's Foundation—dental services through the Capital Area Dental Foundation
- SIMS Foundation—mental health services
- Estes Audiology—hearing services
- Prevent Blindness Texas—vision services
- Whole Foods Market—nutritional/dietary services
Events
- HAAM Benefit Day—The ninth annual event will take place from 6 a.m.–2 a.m. Sept. 23. Five percent of all proceeds raised at more than 300 concert venues will go to HAAM to support musicians' health needs. Most performances will take place by HAAM members at retail stores, outdoor stages and other venues. There will also be a kickoff party Sept. 22.
- Corporate Battle of the Bands—The seventh annual event took place May 9 and featured nine bands made of employees from some of Austin's highest-profile companies. A panel of celebrity judges awarded the Best Cover Band, Best Original Band and a Grand Prize Winner. All money raised—more than $100,000 this year—goes toward HAAM efforts.
Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, 1206 W. 38th St, Suite 4101, 512-322-5177, www.myhaam.org
