Important News About Access to Health Insurance

The Guild has affiliated with the United States Federation of Small Business (USFSB) which means that Guild members now have access to health insurance plans through USFSB and we wanted to clear-up some of the confusion about what's available to members. Each state has its own insurance regulations and USFSB must follow these regulations in order to do business in each respective state.

Some states and plans require that a census be filled out with age, gender and location so that the USFSB can find a quote. After initial contact with USFSB, either by phone call, or by submitting a census or an email, a Guild member should receive a response within 1-3 business days. Upon enrolling, health insurance coverage is not effective until the appropriate Carrier has sent a verification of coverage stating the effective date and Group Number.

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.

Both the USFSB National Headquarters and the USFSB NYC office 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; New York Chapter members can call their New York office at (718) 701-0087.

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

Benefits Plan Available in New York City Area
The Graphic Artists Guild, in association with Working Today's Freelancers Union, is now offering a group-rate benefits package to members in the New York City area. The plan is available to independent workers and designed so that your benefits will remain 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 through Guardian Life, and financial services through Solomon Smith Barney and Citibank. The cost of the plan is up to 25% off the cost of individual policies with the same provider, including most COBRA plans  Comparisons show savings averaging 81% over most major providers. Guild members who meet the eligibility requirements are refunded the $25 set up fee. For more information on the eligibility requirements or the supporting documentation required, visit Working Today's Freelancers Union’s website at www.workingtoday.org.


Independent Contractor Occupational Accident Insurance Provided by AIG
Occupational accident insurance, which can be purchased by independent contractors who are not covered by workers compensation laws, provides medical benefits and disability income benefits to covered individuals who have been injured in a work-related accident subject to the policy limits.
This coverage is not workers’ compensation or sickness coverage and it does not provide coverage authorized or required under the Workers’ Compensation Act. This is not a substitute for workers’ compensation coverage.

Members of the Graphic Artists Guild can purchase this coverage at a cost of $15 per person per month! That is a savings of over 75%. For more details about the program, please download the following .pdf file


Taylor & Taylor, Ltd.
800.922.1184.
212.490.8511. (East Coast)
310.826.7200. (West Coast)

The Guild maintains a long and productive relationship with Ray Taylor, who serves many photographers, artists, and other creatives. Taylor & Taylor Group insurance offerings include health, life, disability (Unum Life Insurance Company of America), residence, and business and are available in various states. Guild membership is only required for disability insurance but not for other services. Call Taylor & Taylor for more information. (Members on the West Coast should contact Richard Eleuterio.)


The Entertainment Industry Group Insurance Trust (TEIGIT)

Since 1965, The Entertainment Industry Group Insurance Trust (TEIGIT) has administered health insurance plans for members of participating associations in the arts and entertainment industry throughout the country.

In California, Connecticut, New Jersey, Illinois/Indiana (greater Chicago area), and parts of Central and South Florida, health insurance programs offered are underwritten by CIGNA, and include 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 all of 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 us 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 email us at teigit@teigit.com, or phone us at (800)886-7504, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m EST.


Artists Health Insurance Resource Center (AHIRC)
800.798.8447
The Actors Fund of America and the National Endowment for the Arts have established the Artists Health Resource Center (AHIRC) to assist the arts community nationwide in accessing information about various health insurance options through a Web site and a toll-free hotline. The information on the Web site is organized on a state-by-state basis (because laws and health insurance coverage vary by state).


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.

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