AUSTIN — In an effort to keep the "Live Music Capital of the World" healthy and thriving, the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) is preparing for both its annual HAAM Day Music Festival on Tuesday, Sept. 22, and the upcoming open enrollment period for health insurance.
CEO Paul Scott joined Inside Austin and he highlighted the steep financial challenges faced by local working artists in the Austin area. According to Scott, 50% of HAAM's 3,300-plus members earn less than $25,000 per year, and 75% earn less than $35,000 annually. Many combine income from performances with part-time jobs to make ends meet.
"Affordability is such a key issue, and that's one reason why our work is so critically important," Scott said. "We try to help out our musicians as much as possible to make sure they have access to healthcare so they can do that economically, at the same time reserving those precious dollars to be able to provide food on the table, transportation costs, and housing costs."
HAAM provides core services focused on preventative care, wellness, and navigating insurance options for not just musicians but those in the music business including instructors and DJs. With healthcare rates rising following the expiration of enhanced subsidies in 2026, the organization assists members through partnership programs with organizations such as Central Health, Sendero, and Foundation Communities.
For eligible low-income Travis County residents, full premium coverage may be available, while HAAM’s own assistance program pays up to $200 or half the monthly premium cost for other qualifying members.
"Don't self-select out," Scott emphasized, noting that membership is free for working musicians, DJs, and music teachers across Travis and surrounding counties. "We have ways of having some flexibility as to what that means. We want people to have access to these services, and we want to do that in such a way that we're improving their quality of life."
The upcoming HAAM Day Music Festival on Sept. 22 will showcase over 400 local musicians across more than 250 performances at over 100 venues throughout the greater Austin area, ranging from traditional music halls to local grocery stores and the state Capitol steps. The event coincides with Austin's recognition of September as Support Local Music Month.
"We are now celebrating September as Support Local Music Month to really put an eye on what it means to support local musicians," Scott said. He encouraged community members to attend shows, volunteer as "HAAMbassadors," or utilize the organization's web-based app featuring a direct tipping feature for performing artists.
With open enrollment beginning Nov. 1, HAAM encourages area musicians to visit myhaam.org to submit an interest form and begin the enrollment process early.
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