Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.
As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.
The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.
Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.
April 24, 2021
IM -The American Rescue Plan includes a provision that grants a 100% subsidy for six months of health care premiums for
COBRA-eligible people who lose their jobs or eligibility for employer coverage for the period from April 1 to September 30, 2021. Under the law, those employees will not have to pay any premiums for six months. The employer or health plan can claim a refundable tax credit against their Medicare payroll tax liability for the cost of the premiums.
Employees who were laid off or lost insurance coverage as far back as March 1, 2020, are eligible to elect COBRA retroactively, but the free coverage is applicable only from April 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021. Employees who did not elect COBRA are not required to pay for retroactive coverage for the time since they lost coverage.
To be eligible for COBRA coverage, employees must have worked for an employer with more than 20 employees and been enrolled in their employer’s health plan during their employment. The health plan must continue to be in effect for active employees.
The AFL-CIO’s, “20 Ways the American Rescue Plan Helps Working People” outlines other provisions of the law that benefit workers.