'Will Paint a Portrait For Health Care'

N.Y. Program Lets Uninsured Artists Exchange Art for Medical Services

January 24, 2012

A new program lets uninsured New York City artists exchange their art for medical services.

Tony-Award winning actor Lin-Manuel Miranda and rapper and radio personality Roxanne Shante helped launch the “Lincoln Art Exchange” at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx on Monday.

They were joined by hospital officials and arts organizations including the Actors’ Fund and the Bronx Museum.

Organizers said the program addresses the growing number of freelance and independent artists who can’t afford health insurance.

Under the program, artists will earn “health credits” for every creative service they perform. In exchange they’ll be able to obtain doctor’s visits, laboratory tests, hospitalization, emergency care, dental care and prescriptions at Lincoln.

Their services could include performances at special hospital events and painting murals in Lincoln’s clinics.

Artists and arts workers in the New York area who are interested in enrolling in the program can send an email inquiry to [email protected].

via www.insurancejournal.com

I know many readers of this blog are opposed to the federal health care reform law (major portions of which do not take effect for two more years,) but really -- this is what we've come to? Bartering artwork in exchange for health care coverage? I admire the ingenuity of whoever thought this up, but it's not a rational way for a great country to care for the health of its citizens.

My opinion, not IIABNY's.

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