Help with Medical Expenses
Support, tips, and resources for artists navigating healthcare costs.
When health issues affect those of us in the creative space, it can upend everything—our routines, careers, finances, and emotional well-being. Even with insurance the deductibles, uncovered treatments, dental work, and prescription costs can stack up fast. And if you’ve ever tried to get a proper diagnosis, you know how expensive that road can be—often stretching out over months or even years.
This is exactly what happened to us.
We didn’t start with this information—we found it the hard way, after the bills were already on our credit cards.
That’s why I’m sharing this post: so your journey can be easier than ours.
Yes, you can still apply for help after you’ve already paid out of pocket, but it’s going to take organization, persistence, and patience. Fortunately, the people at these organizations understand what you’re going through, and they’re here to help.
🗂 What You’ll Need to Apply
Almost every fund asks for similar information. Once you gather it the first time, future applications get easier.
🎶 Artist Documents
💾 Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive are free tools that make organizing all this so much easier. Use folders to keep everything safe and in one place.
🎵 Music-Focused Support Organizations
🎧 MusiCares Run by the Recording Academy (yes, The Grammys), MusiCares covers a broad range of needs: medical, dental, mental health, housing, and more.
Pro tip: Hold off on using MusiCares first—they’re amazing, but more generalized. Use other more specialized funds first, then apply here to fill the gaps. Do touch base as they can help you navigate this space as this is where we started.
🩺 Music Health Alliance Two incredible funds:
🎷 Jazz Foundation of America Don’t let the name fool you—this group also supports blues and soul musicians. Up to $1,000 available. Compassionate, responsive folks.
🌈 Sweet Relief Musicians Fund Fast process, supportive team, and an easy application. Highly recommended.
🧾 Musicians Foundation Usually covers one large bill. Choose wisely and send them a big one.
🎸 HART Fund – The Blues Foundation For older blues musicians—if that’s you or someone you know, this is worth exploring.
🛟 The Haven Foundation This fund serves artists in many disciplines—not just musicians—and is the largest I’ve found. Started by Stephen King after an accident that sidelined him.
Important notes:
🧭 Other Places to Explore
💬 Final Thoughts
This process is overwhelming. It’s emotional. It’s frustrating.
But you don’t have to go through it alone. These organizations are used to working together to help one artist across multiple needs—and they’re patient, kind, and human. Each step you take gets you closer to relief.
And remember: You’re worth helping.
If you're an Arkansas-based artist and need help navigating this process, feel free to reach out to us directly at [email protected]. We’ll do our best to answers the questions you have.
When health issues affect those of us in the creative space, it can upend everything—our routines, careers, finances, and emotional well-being. Even with insurance the deductibles, uncovered treatments, dental work, and prescription costs can stack up fast. And if you’ve ever tried to get a proper diagnosis, you know how expensive that road can be—often stretching out over months or even years.
This is exactly what happened to us.
We didn’t start with this information—we found it the hard way, after the bills were already on our credit cards.
That’s why I’m sharing this post: so your journey can be easier than ours.
Yes, you can still apply for help after you’ve already paid out of pocket, but it’s going to take organization, persistence, and patience. Fortunately, the people at these organizations understand what you’re going through, and they’re here to help.
🗂 What You’ll Need to Apply
Almost every fund asks for similar information. Once you gather it the first time, future applications get easier.
🎶 Artist Documents
- Resume or CV
- Bio
- Discography or portfolio
- Press clips or website
- Past 2–3 years of tax returns
- Monthly bills & expenses
- Personal budget/spending summary
- A list of past appointments, treatments, and upcoming care
- Medical bills (itemized if possible)
- Payment receipts (including copays—some programs reimburse other expenses to help offset what you've already paid)
💾 Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive are free tools that make organizing all this so much easier. Use folders to keep everything safe and in one place.
🎵 Music-Focused Support Organizations
🎧 MusiCares Run by the Recording Academy (yes, The Grammys), MusiCares covers a broad range of needs: medical, dental, mental health, housing, and more.
Pro tip: Hold off on using MusiCares first—they’re amazing, but more generalized. Use other more specialized funds first, then apply here to fill the gaps. Do touch base as they can help you navigate this space as this is where we started.
🩺 Music Health Alliance Two incredible funds:
- Ben Eyestone Fund – Covers diagnostics: labs, scans, exploratory surgeries, diagnostic specialist visits.
- Dental Fund – Offers up to $500. It may sound small, but that can go a long way.
🎷 Jazz Foundation of America Don’t let the name fool you—this group also supports blues and soul musicians. Up to $1,000 available. Compassionate, responsive folks.
🌈 Sweet Relief Musicians Fund Fast process, supportive team, and an easy application. Highly recommended.
🧾 Musicians Foundation Usually covers one large bill. Choose wisely and send them a big one.
🎸 HART Fund – The Blues Foundation For older blues musicians—if that’s you or someone you know, this is worth exploring.
🛟 The Haven Foundation This fund serves artists in many disciplines—not just musicians—and is the largest I’ve found. Started by Stephen King after an accident that sidelined him.
Important notes:
- The application is detailed and review takes time.
- Funds are paid directly to you.
- Ask for what you need to stabilize—not just a small token.
Be honest about rent, car payments, or critical costs that aren’t covered elsewhere. I suggest giving a range (ex: I asked for $500 and they responded that they didn't cut checks that small).
🧭 Other Places to Explore
- Entertainment Community Fund
- Backline – Focused on mental health support for music industry professionals.
- Verywell Health: Charity Care Guide
- FindHelp.org – Local aid for food, health, housing, etc.
- CareCredit – Medical credit card with delayed interest (use with caution).
💬 Final Thoughts
This process is overwhelming. It’s emotional. It’s frustrating.
But you don’t have to go through it alone. These organizations are used to working together to help one artist across multiple needs—and they’re patient, kind, and human. Each step you take gets you closer to relief.
And remember: You’re worth helping.
If you're an Arkansas-based artist and need help navigating this process, feel free to reach out to us directly at [email protected]. We’ll do our best to answers the questions you have.
