Life is Art and the Arts & Business Council to Host THE ARTS & THE AFFORABLE CARE ACT Forum, 11/18

The Arts & The Affordable Care Act A forum presented by Life is Art and the Arts & Business Council to outline the possibilities and penalties, opportunities and threats faced by artists and arts groups about the new health care law on Monday, November 18, 2013, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. at HistoryMiami, 101 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130 Admission: Tickets are $10.00. Register online at www.lifeisartfest.org.

Many artists and nonprofit arts groups in Miami-Dade County are woefully unaware of the details concerning the Affordable Care Act. The new law brings big changes and opportunities for independent artists and organizations, but with it also comes potential dangers and penalties. The act is confusing and for both individuals and groups. This forum will provide all the information at one time and in one place; everything that artists need to know about the new law but perhaps were afraid to ask.

Panelists:
Louis Balbirer - Kaufman Rossin & Co.
Maura Shiffman - MPH, Community Health Specialist, Health Council of South Florida
Sandra Garcia - Marketplace Certified Agent, Creative Healthcare Marketing
Sean Dugan - Senior Vice-President, Hayes Company

Topics covered in program:

For Artists and Contract Employees:
1. Many artists and nonprofit employees are currently uninsured or under-insured. This is a great opportunity for everyone to get health insurance and have a medical safety net.
2. Are artists and individuals required to have insurance? Find out the facts to avoid penalties and fines.
3. What is the deadline that everyone must be insured?
4. What are the options for health insurance and coverage? Learn the details about the types of coverage available and how artists and arts employees can find affordable care.
5. What resources are available to help navigate the new health plans and to find the ones that are right for you.
6. Do you qualify for a subsidy or tax credit? Many people are eligible for a subsidy in the cost of coverage depending on your income level and other factors.

For Arts Groups and Employers:
1. What does health care reform mean for nonprofit groups?
2. Is your group eligible to get money back? If your organization pays the health premiums for your employees you might be eligible for a credit or subsidy based on the size of your staff, salary levels and insurance costs. Learn how to qualify for money back.
3. What facts should groups provide employees? As a nonprofit your arts group is responsible for letting your employees know what your business offers them in terms of health insurance and what their options are. We will provide sample notices and provide you with the tools to explore your options.
4. Is my group required to provide health insurance coverage?

This forum will cover all the aspects of the new insurance options and help you understand what your options are. This is crucial information for artists and art organizations. Participants will also receive a checklist and a tool box of resources to help them navigate the brave new world of affordable options. Following the seminar, there will be a social hour with sponsored refreshments and time for personal questions to the presenters.

Schedule:
3:00 - 3:30 p.m. - Arrival and registration
3:30 - 5:00 p.m. - Seminar
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Socializing with in-kind sponsored drinks and bites provided by: Elwoods GastroPub, KIND Healthy Snacks, Marley Coffee, Scratch Bakery, Mad Chillers & VitaCoco

Parking: Free garage parking on NW 2nd Avenue provided by Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs Department

About Life Is Art: Life Is Art, Inc. is a 501©3 non-profit organization promoting and supporting the arts and the community in south Florida through events and education. Culture builds community. www.lifeisart.org

About The Arts & Business Council of Miami: A 501©3 non-profit organization making a positive and significant difference in South Florida assisting more than 500 arts groups and thousands of individual artists through volunteer programs, educational outreach, leadership training, collaborations and networking events. www.artsbizmiami.org