Recipient Outcomes:
Musician Health & Services Program
Seann McKeel
Seann is a long-time Portland artist and event coordinator who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. After determining that no other resources were available to assist Seann with her out-of-pocket expenses, the JWF worked with Seann’s family and friends to initiate an Artist Relief Campaign (ARC). We raised more than $24,000 in ARC funds to help Seann with her insurance deductible, premiums, living expenses, and other out-of-pocket expenses while she continued to undergo treatment.
Count Kellam
Count had a condition that initially stumped his doctors, but it was once again the music community that helped out. A friend’s bandmate had experienced similar symptoms and had been diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica, a relatively rare inflammatory disorder. Count received financial assistance from the Musician Health & Services Program during his two-month ordeal. It paid Count’s rent so he could remain in his home, and it paid for out-of-pocket care that speeded his healing. Count is eager to remind other musicians about the JWF’s service – and to remind music fans of how much their contributions mean to the entire community.
“[The JWF] came to me and reminded me they were there to help. Anybody involved in music entertainment has access to this.” - Count Kellam
Examples of JWF Musician Health & Services Program assistance:
Applicant #1* is a renowned Portland-area musician who was unable to perform due to extensive dental issues. JWF provided a substantial grant to assist with the cost of multiple expensive dental surgeries. Our trained Navigator offered to help them reapply for Medicaid and also guided them to additional food assistance.
Applicant #2 is a Portland-based musician whose young child has a serious medical condition which has caused the Applicant and their spouse to stop working to care for the child through treatments and surgeries. The family was behind on rent, and a substantial grant from JWF got them caught up and also covered some future rent. Our Navigator also guided them to food and utility assistance.
Applicant #3 approached JWF for assistance with a large health care bill. The provider had assured them upfront that they were in-network with the applicant's insurance, which they learned was wrong upon receiving the large out-of-network bill. A JWF Navigator provided guidance and resources on how to challenge this, resulting in the provider ultimately waiving the bill.
Applicant #4 approached us for assistance after an emergency surgery left him with a $20,000 hospital bill. Our volunteer navigator helped to identify medical coverage through Medicaid, which covered the entire hospital bill.
Applicant #5 experienced severe back issues caused by his job, which left him unable to work and without health insurance. Our navigator guided him to apply for Medicaid and food assistance, both of which were approved. We also suggested that he look into worker’s compensation; his claim was approved and covered $1,800 in out-of-pocket medical bills.
Applicant #6 approached the JWF in advance of a scheduled surgery for help with the out-of-pocket costs. Our navigator guided her to the hospital’s financial assistance program, which covered the entire $3,900 bill. The JWF also provided her with a grant to cover additional care related to her surgery for which there were no other available resources.
Application #7 came to the JWF for guidance after he lost his Medicaid coverage due to an increase in his income. Our navigator determined he was likely eligible for a Marketplace plan with tax credit assistance. We referred him to a local insurance agent who guided him through the enrollment process to successfully obtain new insurance, and also referred him to a local nonprofit program for potential assistance with his remaining monthly insurance premium.
*Applicant names are withheld to ensure privacy. Count Kellam and Seann McKeel gave us permission to disclose certain details of their health-related circumstances.