Austin Expands Musicians' Mental Wellness Program

AUSTIN, TX — City officials on Wednesday announced the expansion of a program providing access to affordable health care for Austin's low-income, under-insured working musicians — with a focus on prevention and wellness through the Healthcare Access Program.

The city program was expanded by virtue of a partnership with the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, city officials wrote in an advisory.

“The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to limit the earning potential of Austin musicians, resulting in chronic stress that impacts musicians’ mental wellness,” Veronica Briseño, chief economic recovery officer for the City of Austin, said in a prepared statement. “Partnering with HAAM to expand the Healthcare Access Program supports musicians by offering year-long comprehensive coverage that includes access to mental health care.”

En español: Austin Amplía El Programa De Bienestar Mental Para Los Músicos

HAAM’s Healthcare Access Program is currently enrolling musicians in comprehensive insurance coverage until Dec. 15 through the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace. Additional financial support is available to help musicians afford monthly premiums, personalized navigation, and linkage to essential community resources. City officials described HAAM’s Open Enrollment as a one-stop shop for musicians to sign up for HAAM membership and get health coverage for 2021.

Open Enrollment appointments are available until Dec. 15, and offered virtually to accommodate precautions designed to help blunt spread of the coronavirus. Interested musicians should visit www.myhaam.org/become-a-member for instructions on how to access HAAM’s affordable healthcare coverage. "Hay asistencia en español," officials added in Spanish to alert that assistance also is available in Spanish.