As musicians we know that one of the key reasons artists stop working as artists is because they get to a time in their life where they admit to themselves that they need health insurance. Because they think they can’t afford it themselves, or because they have a pre-existing condition that makes them uninsurable, many a talented songwriter has been dragged off the stage and into the cubicle of a corporation that offers group benefits to employees.

There are, however, some artists that keep one foot on the road and one foot in retail. As part of the HINT project, we are collecting information about companies that offer what we consider to be laudable health insurance services for their employees as well as the flexibility to give musicians the time they need to record, perform and tour.

Starbucks offers health insurance coverage to its “baristas” and other employees if they work as few as 20 hours per week. In a September 15, 2005 article, Starbucks chairman Howard Schultz stated that Starbucks spent more than $200 million to provide health insurance to its 100,000 employees – more than it spends on coffee itself.

Grocer Whole Foods offers health insurance to its fulltime workers after completing 400 hours of work, as well as an $1,800 allowance for personal wellness, dental and vision.

Costco, the members-only discount retailer, not only offers a decent plan to its employees (unlike its larger competitors Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club), it also offers small business insurance to its “Executive” members in Washington, Nevada, California, Oregon, Hawaii. In August 2005, Costco began offering individual health insurance policies via a pilot program launched in California. It targets mom-and-pop business owners, and those without a job or without job-provided health insurance.

What other companies offer artists the flexibility to continue with their work as well as heath benefits? Let us know hint [at] futureofmusic [dot] org

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Disclaimer: Future of Music Coalition provides basic health insurance information to answer your basic health insurance option questions. Insurance is regulated on a federal basis and by each state, and each insurance carrier rules and policy terms may differ from state to state and between individuals. Therefore, you acknowledge and agree that any insurance-related information provided by or through the Website is general information only, and may not apply to your particular situation. FMC does not endorse any insurance carrier, product, or policy and is not responsible or liable for any information provided on the website, by a HINT representative or other resource. FMC shall not be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage which occurs as a result of any statements, advice or information provided in or through the HINT program, or for the reliability or accuracy of same. In addition, any user of the HINT program who chooses to make any personally identifiable information or other information publicly available to a HINT representative or otherwise does so at his or her own risk.  Such disclosures are expressly excluded from the terms of our Privacy Policy. For more information see our terms of service