Arts Services Initiative and the Amherst Chamber of Commerce have partnered to bring Western New York’s arts and cultural sector access to group rate health insurance.

Arts organizations are eligible for a Small Group plan by providing a NYS-45 to show that one or more employees work at the business who will register for the insurance (other than the business owner and/or spouse). If you are a small company with only 1099 employees, you may also be eligible for Small Group plans. Individuals who own and operate their own business can also access Individual Market insurance through the Amherst Chamber. Individual artists include musicians, sculptors, tech crew, writers, arts administrators and professionals, and more.

Available plans:

In addition, the following are some of the ways the Amherst Chamber can offer guidance:

  • If you are a sole proprietor or a working individual, they can help you identify the product that aligns with your budget and medical requirements
  • If you have a small company with 1099 employees, they can create a group insurance plan that lowers the individual premium costs
  • If you are a small firm and don’t have the benefit expertise to select plans for your employees, they will meet with you or the individual employees and create a plan
  • If you want to lower premium costs, they can assist you in understanding Health Savings Accounts (HSA’s)and the long and short term value to you and your employees at no additional cost

The Amherst Chamber also offers dental coverage. Most dental insurance policies emphasize prevention and diagnostics, typically covering two annual exams and cleanings, as well as X-rays and fluoride treatments for children, but the real benefit is being covered for bigger ticket procedures such as fillings, root canals, and crowns. Pediatric Dental coverage, an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act for dependents under the age of 19, is embedded in some but not all dental plans and differs in coverage.

To learn more, contact the Amherst Chamber at (716) 632-6905 or email healthinsurance@amherst.org.