For the growing number of music professionals without basic medical coverage—and with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in flux—MusiCares is a much-needed resource, which works closely with a dedicated group of health care professionals through its medical network. Services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical, and personal emergencies. Each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. The network also addresses human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.
Addiction and Recovery Services
The MusiCares MAP Fund provides financial and supportive assistance for music people in need of addiction recovery services. Inpatient treatment is the first step toward long-term sobriety, but the most challenging work comes when clients leave treatment and become entrenched in their daily lives. Now clean and sober, they must manage the triggers, temptations, and lifestyle. They are again faced with bandmates or friends who are still using, schedules that are erratic, and clubs and venues that are redolent of their former lifestyles and almost daily cues to use. To assist clients in recovery, MusiCares offers a variety of free recovery support groups in many states and cities, including Los Angeles, Nashville, Austin, New Orleans, New York City, and Seattle.
Emergency Financial Assistance
At the core of MusiCares is the Emergency Financial Assistance Program, which provides critical funds for music people struggling with financial, medical, or personal crises. This program offers financial assistance for medical expenses, addiction recovery treatment, psychotherapy, and critical illnesses. Support is also available for living expenses.
This program is available to music people who have experienced an unavoidable emergency. Eligibility consists of documented employment in the music industry for at least five years or credited contribution to six commercially released recordings or videos. Documentation can be provided in a variety of ways (liner notes, contracts, check stubs, brochures and flyers, newspaper articles, etc.). Each region has its own toll-free help line: (800)687-4227 (West Coast), (877)626-2748 (Central), and (877)303-6962 (Northeast).
MusiCares also has resources for individuals affected by natural disasters. The website has a list of resources for services, shelter, food, and other assistance. Musicians and other professionals in the music industry can qualify for housing, goods, instruments, equipment, or employment.
For more information and addiction help resources, call (800)687-4227 or visit the website at MusiCares.org.
Petty Honored as 2017 MusiCares Person
of the Year
Earlier this year, Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) member Tom Petty was honored as the 2017 MusiCares Person of the Year. Petty was selected in recognition of his significant creative accomplishments, his career-long interest in defending artists’ rights, and the charitable work he has undertaken throughout his career, which has often focused on the homeless.
The three-time Grammy winner has been inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His approach to the music business and record making has earned him respect among his peers, as well as younger musicians coming up in the industry. He has a reputation as a musician who looks out for other musicians.
“I am so very pleased to be honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year. I have so much respect for this organization, which really does care about the people in our industry,” said Petty. “I myself know many people who MusiCares has aided in desperate situations. Again, let me say this is a true honor.”