A recent news item from the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner made my week. According to the OIC, come October 1, freelancers, sole proprietors, independent contractors, and other self-employed folks will have an easier time finding and qualifying for affordable health insurance.
Thanks to Senate Bill 6538, rather than being forced to buy health insurance on the individual market — if they can even qualify for it, let alone afford it — one-person businesses will be able to qualify for group health insurance coverage, with no health screening required. Until now, only small businesses of two to 50 employees could qualify for such group plans in Washington state.
In case you’re new to the self-insurance game, allow me explain why this has the potential to rock a lot of freelance worlds: Group plans tend to offer more bang for your insurance buck; coverage tends to be far more comprehensive than the high-deductible, catastrophic plans those of us in the individual insurance market often get stuck with.
Perhaps even more significant, there are no 250-item health questionnaires to fill out and no infinite bans on pre-existing conditions, which is of course great news for self-employed people with chronic conditions or a less-than-perfect medical history.
[Read the rest of this post on NWjobs.com]
September 17th, 2010
To the Seattle-area freelance writers who keep up with this site: In case you haven’t heard, there’s a fabulous low-cost conference for current and hopeful freelance journalists happening in Seattle next Tuesday, 9/21, followed by the next mediabistro cocktail party for Seattle-area media types. The details on both follow. Feel free to attend one or both — and to spread the word to friends.
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Get Your All Access Pass Today!
All Access Pass: Freelancer’s Survival Guide
Planning finances, understanding contracts, caring for and feeding your editors. Being a successful freelance writer takes a few unique skills.
Northwest journalists can get the inside scoop on the industry at “All Access Pass: The Freelancing Survival Guide” Tuesday, Sept. 21 at the REI flagship store, 222 Yale Ave. N. in Seattle.
The cost is $40; SPJ members receive a $10 discount. Get your ticket at Brown Paper Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/123411
For more information, read more or please contact SPJ board member David Volk at david at davidvolk.com or 206.696.5426.
KUOW commentator and travel writer Crai Bower will lead a session titled “From Proposal to Paycheck,” following a story idea through the process from pitch letter to publication while Patricia Vaccarino, author of “PR for People: Be famous for who you are and what you do” will head up a panel on “Branding for Writers.”
Speakers include Paul Frichtl, editor of Alaska Airlines Magazine; Nicole Meoli, editor of AAA Journey Magazine; James Ross Gardner, senior editor of Seattle Met Magazine; Katherine S. McKelvey, publisher of Kenmore Air in-flight publication, Harbors Magazine; Julie Case, managing editor of Columns Magazine; Financial advisor Steve Juetten; Robert Cumbow, attorney with Graham and Dunn who specializes in intellectual property rights; Alex Johnson, MSNBC.com senior writer/producer; and Diane Mettler, trade publication writer and editor of Timberwest Magazine.
The event is sponsored by the Western Washington Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. It will open in REI’s upstairs meeting room with a panel discussion, followed by a selection of concurrent sessions that participants can tailor to their interests.
Topics include hidden freelance markets, diversifying income sources, the basics of running a business, financial planning for freelancers, research tips, contracts for freelancers, breaking into new markets and useful technology for journalists.
For more information, contact Western Washington Society of Professional
Journalists: www.spjwash.org
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It’s mediabistro cocktail party time again! The next mediabistro-sponsored party for Seattle-area media professionals is Tues, 9/21, from 5 to 7 pm at the Victory Lounge on Eastlake. Local writers Crai Bower and Michelle Goodman are co-hosting. Admission free; drinks are on you. RSVP here: http://www.mediabistro.com/events/view_event.asp?id=15571
The party begins after SPJ’s All-Access Pass Conference for freelance journalists (http://www.spjwash.org/) has wrapped up. Get your education on during the day with the SPJ and then continue schmoozing into the evening with your friendly mediabistro revelers. Or just come on down for the conference (or the party!). Hope to see some of you there.
September 16th, 2010
