Demand Studios Offers Affordable HealthCare to its Creators
October 21, 2009 by Deb
Filed under Freelance Writing
Affordable healthcare continues to be an issue for freelance writers. To be honest, I always thought it was a concern for other freelance writers. However, Mr. Ng was laid off over the summer and though we have COBRA, what will happen if that runs out before he finds new work? I’m not the only freelance writer who is worried either. A lot of the healthcare opportunities available to freelance writers aren’t very affordable. What if a spouse is out of work? What if the freelancer is a single parent? Every penny counts.
When I learned Demand Studios wanted to offer affordable healthcare to its writers it was all I could do not to run to my blog or tweet it to the masses. You don’t know how hard it is to sit on information like this, folks. Thankfully, I got the green light today and I’m happy to share the news.
Once again:
Demand Studios is offering affordable healthcare for its writers, copy editors and film makers.
Who is eligible?
Writers, Filmmakers, and Copy Editors will have to receive limited medical coverage. Creators who meet eligibility criteria based on tenure and activity levels qualify for the plan. The plan is less expensive then many other options offered to freelancers. It’s not available to everyone though, you have to be an active writer. Those who sign up and sit dorman aren’t eligble. Also, you have to work for Demand Studios for three months before becoming eligible. Here’s the breakdown:
- Writers: 3 months tenure averaging 30 articles a month
- ·Filmmakers: 3 months tenure averaging 30 videos a month
- Copy Editors: 3 months tenure averaging 200 articles reviewed
Demand Studios will detailed information regarding the cost in another week or so.
Demand Studios is offering these healthcare plans because they understand freelancers don’t have many affordable options. They don’t have access to the same discounted rates major employers are able to provide. Demand Studios is also a major employer and wants to ensure their writers are able to get the help they need, when they need it.
- Demand Studios Announces Health Care Options for its Freelancers
- A Few More Words About this Whole Demand Studios Insurance Thing
- Greetings from the Demand Studios Creator Conference
- Behind the Scenes of the Demand Health Care Announcement
- Postcards from LAX: More Notes from the Demand Studios Creator Conference
Best news I’ve heard all day. I wish Demand had announced it, though – I’m dying for info on the plan! I’ve been writing for Demand since May and this is fantastic – not only do I make my salary doing something I love, now I can have health coverage too.
Hi Gwen,
When I was given the go-ahead to post this, I was told they were announcing it to their writers.
There’s nothing about it yet; hopefully it will be posted soon. I’m very excited about this and tired of paying for a private plan!
All I can say is WOW. Still waiting for the announcement from DS. This is only part of what makes Demand Studios such a great place to write for.
Agreed, Ken. And this why I’m happy to be the scapegoat in the whole Demand Studios controversy. Instead of sitting around whining, they’re actually doing something.
YAY!! I really need this right now! Our COBRA just expired.
This is great, and yet another reason why I love writing for DS. I haven’t had insurance in years…can’t wait to sign up!
Wow. What a great announcement, Deb. Thanks so much. I’ve been writing for them for the past month. What an encouraging post! I can’t even begin to say how thankful I am for Demand Studios seeking to care for its writers in this way.
Deb, this is great news! It’s not live on the site yet but I’m sure will be today. In the meantime, thanks for announcing it here.
DS is one of the best places I’ve ever worked for. While I’m not making my living working for DS (I am supplementing my Social Security Disability) many people who write for DS are either supporting themselves completely or working to replace the lost income of a spouse or partner who has been laid off. The availability of affordable health insurance is going to be a wonderful addition to what is already a terrific gig.
Cheers!
Nancy
This is great! I applaud DS efforts. I was wondering if they might consider changing their payment method to direct deposit, though. I have heard some horror stories about Paypal.
Quick question since I’ve never done anything with Demand, but now may consider it, could you provide the prices of family plans (I have two kids, plus my wife).
This is a huge issue for me. One daughter had back surgery this year and I’ve had a lot of surgeries as a kid that keeps me out of many health plans now.
Thanks in advance
This is just about the most wonderful news I’ve ever gotten. I’ve written for DS for four months and produce over 70 articles per month on average. I have a whole list of pre-existing conditions that keep me from getting a private plan. Our state’s Medicaid plan is only for people who make less than $903/month, so I can’t get on that either. I haven’t been getting the care I need because of my lack of insurance. At least a basic plan for emergencies would be a great help.
this is great! Makes me a little less scared to make the full leap…
I’ve been writing for DS for about 18 months and although I don’t qualify for their healthcare plans, I appreciate what they’re doing for their freelance creators. They sure know how to reward and retain their best and most prolific contributors and that’s the mark of a great company. All the discussion here about working for DS and other content creation sites, spurred me to write this post – http://rupawrites.com/site/a-writer%E2%80%99s-experience-with-demand-studios/, on my otherwise seldom updated blog. So, for new writers considering DS or for those who, like me, aren’t too prolific, taking another look at the pros and cons of writing for DS may be worth your while.