HEALTH ALLIANCE FOR AUSTIN MUSICIANS
February 08, 2010
Word on the Street

I just wanted to let you know how important the Health Alliance has been for me perrsonally. I signed up originally because it seemed like a great idea and I believed it was a way for the music artist to become involved in and contribute to our community by "helping others to help ourselves." I took these steps: I went to my initial appointment to essentially be entered into the system. I joined. The doctors discovered cancer. The health alliance has enable me to seek treatment. I shudder to think how I could have faced this medical condition alone. My situation as an uninsured person with cancer was daunting. Add that to the low income I and many artists have and one can easily understand the bleak future one must face. However, I did not have to face it alone. With you and the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians and the Seton Hospital and clinic system, I have had the opportunity to get help and friendship from a wonderfully diverse and compassionate group of individuals. - Wash Hamilton

SERVICES

Basic dental care, mental health counseling, and primary medical care (family practice physicians, care management/social services, lab services, nutritional counseling, health education, referrals to specialty care). For more information, check out the Frequently Asked Questions page or call 512-322-5177.


HAAM Services Include:


  • Mental Health counseling provided by SIMS Foundation.
  • Primary Health Care provided by Seton Family of Hospitals.
  • Dental Care services provided by St. David's Community Health Foundation Leadership.
  • Audiology services provided by Estes Audiology Hearing Centers

About the Service Providers:

 

The Seton Family of Hospitals and St. David's Community Health Foundation are the leading providers of healthcare services in Central Texas. Both networks are actively involved in reaching out to meet the healthcare needs of the uninsured in Central Texas and collaborating to strengthen the safety net for healthcare. Seton is a member of Ascension Health, the largest not-for-profit health network in the United States. St. David's Community Health Foundation, a partner in St. David's HealthCare, is a not-for-profit community asset belonging to all of the citizens of Central Texas. St. David's Community Health Foundation Leadership Dental Program removes barriers to oral health care by taking free care directly to those who are in need.


The SIMS Foundation was founded in 1995 after the suicide of Austin musician Sims Ellison, who suffered from depression. SIMS provides low-cost counseling and therapy to Austin musicians and their immediate families in order to prevent further tragedies. The organization serves an average of 100 clients per month through a network of over 50 therapists who have agreed to a reduced rate for their services.

The goal of Estes Audiology Hearing Centers is to provide adults and children in Central Texas communities with superior and comprehensive hearing healthcare services. It believes better hearing is a necessity in life and that the process involves knowledge, commitment and time.

 

 


Click here to see a list of other services provided at a discount to HAAM members.

COSTS


Sliding scale fees and minimal co-pays and charges are applicable to all HAAM services.


ELIGIBILITY


Currently, resources are limited, so we are serving eligible, working musicians. Each service has its own eligibility requirements. (see below)


PRIMARY CARE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS (SETON):


  • Must reside in Travis County
  • Must provide 3 references who will be contacted to corroborate that applicant is a working musician (examples: club owners, booking agents, record labels, etc.)
  • Must currently be employed or have been employed in the last 12 months as a musician, and have the ability to document that employment.
  • Must be living at 250% of the Federal Poverty Level or below
  • Must NOT currently have health insurance and NOT have access to health insurance at less than 10% of gross income
  • Must NOT have had health insurance in effect for the 3-month period preceding this application, unless there is an IRS qualifying event
  • A working musician's spouse, partner, and children may not be included to receive primary care services, however efforts will be made to locate services for them.

DENTAL CARE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS (ST. DAVID'S):

  • Must reside in Austin or surrounding areas (50 mile radius)
  • Must provide 3 references who will be contacted to corroborate that applicant is a working musician (examples: club owners, booking agents, record labels, etc.)
  • Must currently be employed or have been employed in the last 12 months as a musician, and have the ability to document that employment
  • Must be living at 250% of the Federal Poverty Level or below
  • Must NOT currently have dental insurance
  • A working musician's spouse, partner, and children may be included

MENTAL HEALTH CARE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS (SIMS):

  • Must reside in Austin or surrounding areas (50 mile radius)
  • A working musician's spouse, partner, and children may be included
  • Please call the SIMS confidential client line at (512) 494-1007 to apply

AUDIOLOGY ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS (HEAR PROJECT):

  • Must be a current HAAM member
  • Only one visit to the HEAR Project clinic is allowed
  • You will receive an email letting you know when you may call and schedule an appointment 

 

For more information, check out the Frequently Asked Questions page or call 512-322-5177.