Chappell Roan: An Artist's Fight for Health Coverage

At a pinnacle in her career, Chappell Roan was recently lauded with the best new artist award. Yet just a few years prior, she found herself among the countless Americans without employment and, consequently, health insurance.

Standing before the music industry's elite at the Grammy Awards, Roan made good on a promise to herself: "If I ever had the chance to accept a Grammy, I would highlight how record labels ought to provide fair wages and health benefits, particularly for emerging artists." Her moment arrived in Los Angeles on February 2.

Reflecting on her journey during the pandemic, Roan shared, "After being let go, I lacked any real job experience. Like many others, finding employment was a struggle, and I couldn't afford health insurance."

Roan argued that if record labels showed more commitment to the well-being of artists, they could offer essential health coverage. "Record labels should consider artists as valued team members, providing them with reasonable pay and adequate health protections," she stated.

In 2020, under her real name, Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, Roan parted ways with her record label. That was the year when significant increases in unemployment resulted in millions losing employer-based insurance, a situation documented by figures from the Health and Human Services Department.

The Affordable Care Act served as a critical support for those grappling with such insurance gaps, offering expanded options for them.

This federal initiative notably reduced the expenses for individuals purchasing insurance independently—targeting those without corporate plans, like independent musicians and freelancers.

The Challenge of Irregular Earnings

According to studies from KFF, gains in Medicaid and marketplace insurance have lessened the uninsured population.

Larry Levitt, a leading figure in health policy at KFF, noted, "The ACA introduces a safety net for creatives who lacked options before, ensuring coverage despite pre-existing conditions and subsidizing premiums relative to income."

However, he acknowledged that artists without label-provided insurance still face hurdles.

Inconsistency in income presents a significant barrier, causing premium variances that can be tough to predict, as these subsidies are contingent on actual annual earnings.

Carolyn McClanahan, a financial planner and physician, pointed out the difficulty this poses, saying, "It's exceptionally strenuous for artists who are barely making ends meet."

An Industry-wide Concern

In The Hollywood Reporter, Jeff Rabhan critiqued Roan's appeal for labels to ensure artists' financial and health stability, labeling it as "well-intentioned but misguided."

Rabhan raised a critical question: "Where should the line be drawn between corporate responsibility and personal accountability for artists' welfare?"

Although he agreed artists need improved health choices, Rabhan suggested, "This seems more like a union concern. The absence of coverage isn't isolated to labels; it's a pervasive issue in the music scene."

Carolyn McClanahan explained that many in the industry work as independent contractors, increasingly leading them to opt out of insurance plans.

She underscored the lack of understanding about the Affordable Care Act among freelancers and the self-employed, which hinders their insurance access.

Around 25 million people remain uninsured today, based on KFF's research.

McClanahan emphasized the disconnect between traditional worker-employer dynamics and the reality for artists, who must manage their careers as independent businesses.

"They need the resources to do this effectively," she insisted.

While CNBC couldn't directly reach Roan for her input, she responded to Rabhan through Instagram, revealing a $25,000 donation to aid "artists who have been left without support."