Successful Ideas for Contemporary Dance Educators: Are Health Care Costs Worth It to You?
Yes, I can cover your classes tonight, Bobbie, but this is the third time in a month. Is everything okay?" asked Jill.
Bobbie sat in a dark room on the other end of the phone. "It's another migraine. I wouldn't ask you to cover again if I could possibly make it myself. I love the pre-school classes but I can't stand light or noise, my head is pounding from front to back, and I can hardly see straight."
"I'm sorry you feel so bad. I'm glad to help you when I'm free," said Jill. "Have you seen a doctor yet, Bobbie? Three migraines in a month can be something pretty serious. I can cover your classes while you're at the doctor."
Silence.
"Bobbie, are you there?"
"Yes, I'm here," answered Bobbie with a sigh. "I'll be fine in a day or two. I don't need to see a doctor."
"Bobbie, what are you not telling me?"
More silence. Then, "I can't pay for a doctor appointment, Jill. It's just a headache."
"Don't tell me you don't have health insurance, Bobbie! What are you going to do if something really bad happens?" asked Jill, worry tainting her voice.
Bobbie hesitated. "I'll worry about that when it happens. Tell the kids I'll be back next week, and don't forget to lock the back door when you leave the studio tonight, Jill. I really appreciate this. Bye."
Are you a dancing teacher operating her own studio or working part-time for a small school that doesn't offer health insurance? You're not alone but some research, and yes, some expense will help cover you if a serious health problem arises. Paying for health insurance when you feel good doesn't make sense to some people. Perhaps you think that exercise and eating right will help you avoid poor health. On one hand you're right. On the other hand you are going to grow older and with age come health issues.
The cost of health care in America is daunting. How can you be expected to run your own small business, pay taxes, buy advertising, buy groceries AND pay health insurance premiums every month? Some months you barely have the gas money to get to the studio. Besides healthy eating and exercise, preventative care includes regular visits to the doctor or a complimentary health care provider. A check-up at least every other year gives the doctors a starting point if something does happen. Regular check-ups enable the doctor to find problems early so they are manageable. Waiting until the lump in your arm pit is the size of a golf ball and just as hard will limit your options when it comes to getting rid of the problem.
According the National Coalition on Health Care (www.nchc.org) the number of Americans without health coverage is staggering. The facts add up to almost 47 million people without the means to see a doctor or get a prescription. The problem stems from a multiple of reasons such as rising costs and small businesses that do not have the money to offer any health care programs for employees.
The cold, hard truth is that it takes money to get health care. Paying for at least base line coverage will help in the long run. Isn't it time you cut expenses somewhere and devoted that money to health insurance? It might mean one less headache in the future.
Here are some resources to get started. (The following is for informational purposes only and is not intended to promote any one particular group, company, or program.)
General information:
The National Coalition On Health Care
1200 G Street NW Suite 750
Washington, DC
202-638-7151
www.nchc.org
Organizations to join for group rates on health insurance:
Fractured Atlas
Membership fees range $75-150/year
248 W. 35th Street
New York, NY 10001
212-277-8020
www.fracturedatlas.org
International Dance Teachers Association
Membership fees range
$149-199/year
25 South 4th Street
Warrenton, VA 20186
540-351-0800
www.internationaldanceteachersassociation.com
North American Studio Alliance
Membership fees range $95-199/year
2313 Hastings Drive
Belmont, CA 94002-3317
1-877-626-2782
www.namasta.com
National Association
for the Self-Employed
Membership fees range
$120-480/year
P.O. Box 612067
DFW Airport, TX 75261-2067
1-800-551-4446
www.nase.org
Free quotes on health insurance in your state: www.ehealthinsurance.com
No membership required.
Joy Held is a dance and yoga instructor and the author of Writer Wellness, A Writer's Path to Health and Creativity, New Leaf Books, 2003. Contact her at yogajoy@suddenlink.net.