The Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO), Red Dirt Relief Fund (RDRF) and the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture (Tulsa FMAC) are teaming up to help connect creative industry workers to individual-market insurance starting with a FREE webinar on Monday, December 9, at 11 a.m.
The webinar, presented by members of all three organizations along with Clay Ross of Cardinal Rule Insurance, will provide information on available health care plans, income-based subsidies that make plans more affordable, how to enroll and how to get free individual follow-up navigation services to enroll through January 15.
“Working with Clay and Cardinal Rule Insurance, Red Dirt Relief Fund has connected more than 100 music industry workers to health insurance for themselves and their families,” said Katie Dale, RDRF Executive Director. “Medical emergency is the main reason people seek assistance through our organization, so we know if we can help individuals take care of their health and avoid racking up big medical bills, they will be more successful personally and professionally.”
Tulsa FMAC conducted a Tulsa Music Census collected earlier this year that showed 22% of music industry workers do not have insurance, 41% have vision or dental care needs, 34% struggle with mental health and 27% have physical health concerns. Lack of benefits, such a healthcare and retirement, was reported as a reason not to pursue a music career by 68% of respondents.
“Tulsa’s creative community is one of the true gems of the city, and its members deserve the peace of mind that comes with quality health insurance just like those who work more traditional jobs,” said Meg Gould, Executive Director of the Tulsa FMAC. “This is an invaluable resource for Tulsa’s world-class musicians, artists and creatives to help educate them on the accessibility of quality health insurance and care without having to sacrifice pursuing their passion in the creative industry.”
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 33,125 Oklahomans have enrolled in health care coverage for 2025 through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace since the start of the Marketplace Open Enrollment Period (OEP) on November 1.
OF+MO recently launched the Music Friendly Community Program in November that aims to empower communities to consistently activate music as a viable industry to attract, retain and recruit business development, workforce and economic opportunities. Healthcare initiatives are an important part of ensuring music industry workers in Oklahoma can further their professions in a sustainable way through live music among our statewide communities and abroad.
“We are happy to join our partners at Tulsa FMAC in supporting Red Dirt Relief and Cardinal Rule’s initiative to provide music artists with affordable health care as we recognize the challenges these professionals face with accessibility and options,” said Jeanette Stanton, OF+MO Director. “It is our hope that the Oklahoma music industry can continue to gain support with health and wellness resources through engagements such as these that we hope afford greater opportunities to further their careers with added ease and accessibility.”
The webinar is open to the public and anyone interested can register at https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/7dbe1798-c631-4108-9944-3e911cbc6b93@beec9710-c451-4dd3-afe2-52d9342d2613.
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About the Oklahoma Film + Music Office
Under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) works to promote the state as a viable hub for film, television and music production as well as further develop opportunities for workforce, business and community growth within these sectors. For more information on the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, including the state’s film incentives and additional resources, visit okfilmmusic.org.
