Project Title
Independent Workers Employment Benefits System
Grant Amount
$500,000
Priority Area
Expanding Health Care Coverage
Date Awarded
July 19, 2007
Region
NYC
Status
Closed
Website
http://www.freelancersunion.org/
SEE GRANT OUTCOMESThese workers do not receive the work benefits customarily offered by employers, including health insurance.
Most earn too much to qualify for public programs, but cannot afford the expensive premiums charged in individually purchased plans. With NYHealth’s support, Freelancers Union launched the Freelancers Insurance Company to make affordable health insurance available to New York City’s independent workers and also created a discount network with mental health providers, Freelancers Union Health Partners, in New York City. This initiative has shown that with collaboration, it’s possible for a nonprofit organization to launch an insurance company.