Nashville, TN – January 8, 2019 – Nashville-based non-profit Music Health Alliance (MHA) wrapped 2018 on a high note with over 9,700 music industry clients across the U.S. receiving free healthcare advocacy and support in its first six years, with healthcare cost savings totaling over $40 Million. This includes access to chemotherapy for a producer denied treatment by her health insurance, allowing her to spend more time with her daughter, the ability to receive a kidney transplant for a musician who had previously been unable to qualify, and multiple families saved from bankruptcy due to medical bills.
In 2018 alone, MHA saw a 40% increase in clients served during insurance and Medicare open enrollment, totaling 3,100 members of the music community and more than $7.6 Million in insurance premiums and out-of-pocket cost savings. In addition to the priceless advocacy work undertaken by the 8-person team, last year MHA underwrote six Dental Days and provided $75,000 in dental care for uninsured clients, including dentures, root canals, x-rays, and cleanings. Additional Dental Days are planned for 2019 to meet overwhelming demand from the industry. Breast Fest, held during the week of 2018’s Heal The Music Day, provided free screenings to women without insurance in the St. Thomas Health’s Mobile Mammogram Unit. The JackPot, named for Cowboy Jack Clement, paid out grants including treatment for more than 50 persons seeking mental health support. And the Ben Eyestone Fund, founded in partnership with the late drummer’s family and St. Thomas Health, has saved 18 lives in 2018 by providing access to diagnostic testing and follow-up treatment. Another 13 clients with non-life-threatening medical needs have received exams, diagnoses and treatment, all covered by the Ben Eyestone Fund resulting in $0 in medical debt.
Generous donations from the music community allow MHA to continue its advocacy and free services. Music Health Alliance fights so those in our industry never have to feel alone in a health crisis and remove obstacles so patients can receive lifesaving care. MHA continues to advocate on behalf of songwriters, producers, audio engineers, musicians, recording artists, publishers and more across the country. Thanks to the direct efforts of MHA, members of the music community across the country have gained access to lifesaving transplants, medicine, mental health resources, end of life care and many other necessary services. Its services are free to any person who has worked in the music industry for three or more years or who has credited contributions to 4 commercially released recordings or videos. Spouses, partners, and children of qualifying individuals may also receive access to the non-profit’s services from birth to end of life.
The non-profit’s FREE services, advocacy, education, and preventative care initiatives are provided thanks to generous individual and corporate donors. Donations can be made at musichealthalliance.com. Members of the music community can contact Music Health Alliance at 615-200-6896 orinfo@musichealthalliance.com to learn more about their free services.