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At the 67th GRAMMY Awards on February 2, 2025, Chappell Roan celebrated a significant achievement, claiming the award for Best New Artist. Once facing unemployment and lacking health insurance, her journey underscores the challenges many artists encounter.
In her acceptance speech, Roan expressed a commitment to addressing issues within the music industry. “I promised myself that if I ever won a Grammy, I would use this platform to advocate for better wages and healthcare for artists,” she declared. This statement not only reflects her personal struggles but also highlights a broader issue affecting many in the industry. She recounted her own difficulties, saying, “When I was dropped from my label, I had no work experience and found it challenging to secure employment during the pandemic, which further limited my access to health insurance.”
Roan emphasized the necessity for record labels to prioritize the health and welfare of their artists. “If labels recognized artists as valuable employees, they could provide them with livable wages and essential benefits like health insurance,” she urged.
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Born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, Roan’s experience of being let go from her recording contract in 2020 coincided with a notable rise in unemployment, which led to millions losing their health coverage. According to the Health and Human Services Department, this period saw an estimated 1.6 to 3.3 million people losing access to employer-sponsored insurance.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) provided essential safety nets during this turbulent time, enabling many to maintain health coverage through expanded eligibility and reduced costs in the ACA marketplace. This was particularly beneficial for those without employer-based plans, including musicians, freelancers, and the unemployed.
Challenges of ‘Volatile’ Income for Artists
Roan’s acceptance of the Best New Artist award at the GRAMMYs marked a pivotal moment in her career, symbolizing how far she has come. Yet, it also brings attention to the healthcare hurdles faced by artists.
According to research from KFF, the nonprofit formerly known as the Kaiser Family Foundation, improvements in both Medicaid and marketplace coverage have led to a notable reduction in the uninsured rate. Larry Levitt, KFF’s executive vice president, commented on the ACA’s role, highlighting its provision of a safety net for artists who previously had none. “The ACA ensures coverage for pre-existing conditions and offers premium subsidies based on income,” he noted.
Nonetheless, Levitt pointed out ongoing challenges, especially for artists whose income varies significantly. “The unpredictability of earnings can lead to fluctuating premium costs,” he explained, stressing that those with sporadic income could struggle to find appropriate healthcare options.
Carolyn McClanahan, a financial planner and physician, noted the difficulty this creates: “This instability makes healthcare accessibility particularly hard for artists living on the margins.” Despite the positive impacts of the ACA, many still lack consistent coverage.
‘A Flaw in the Industry’
Jeff Rabhan, a former music industry educator, critiqued Roan’s points in a guest column for The Hollywood Reporter. He argued that her plea for record labels to assume responsibility for artists’ healthcare and wages was misguided. “If labels become responsible for artists’ wages and well-being, it raises questions about personal accountability,” he wrote.
He acknowledged the need for better health options in the industry but suggested that these responsibilities could be better managed through organizational structures like unions, which are currently lacking for many artists. “Most independent managers also don’t provide insurance; this is a systemic issue within the industry itself,” he remarked.
McClanahan emphasized the risks faced by artists categorized as independent contractors, particularly in terms of securing health coverage. “Many self-employed individuals may not fully understand how to navigate the ACA marketplace,” she added, pointing to a larger concern about education and resources available to artists.
Currently, KFF reports that around 25 million Americans are still uninsured, illustrating the ongoing healthcare crisis. McClanahan reflected on this disparity: “While most industries provide a structured employer-employee relationship with benefits, many artists must navigate their own way through these challenges.” She underscored the importance of providing artists with the necessary tools and resources for health insurance management.
Though Roan was not available for comment on these perspectives, she responded to Rabhan via social media, stating her dedication to supporting fellow artists, including a $25,000 contribution aimed at assisting those who have faced similar challenges.
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