The trial program, which began last November, is for members who are either without health insurance or are underinsured and in financial need. As an added member benefit, the local also reimbursed up to $75 in additional medical expenses and treatment if the examination revealed a need for further medical care.

"Professional musicians are reportedly one of the least insured occupational categories in the United States," wrote Local 30-73 President Brad Eggen in a column for the Twin Cities Musicians Union newsletter, Duet. "Particularly, freelance artists and casual musicians, who serve as the mainstay of the live music industry, have no consistent single employer and therefore no access to common group health insurance plans."

The Twin Cities Musicians Union Access to Healthcare Program is a supplemental benefit financed by Local 30-73 for its members. To qualify, Local 30-73 members had to provide proof of membership, a lack of health insurance, and financial need. To maintain confidentiality, the local never received anyone's private medical records or information on the outcome of the exams.

"We believe the Twin Cities Musicians Union Access to Healthcare Program is an unprecedented initiative in the music labor business," says Eggen. "We want our members to be the healthiest musicians in one of the healthiest states in the country."

For almost two decades the Local 30-73 executive board has been meeting with health insurance agents trying to find a solution for affordable health insurance for its freelance musician members, whose employers vary from week to week. "The possibilities always fell flat," says Eggen. "There was always a large number of members who didn't qualify, or the benefits were too costly."

When a freelance musician inquires about joining Local 30-73, inevitably he or she will ask about health insurance options. Although Local 30-73 can't provide health insurance for freelance musicians, it can tell prospective members that it will provide this initial free medical exam and pay for subsequent care pertaining to the initial visit.

"Many folks avoid medical insurance because they are hesitant to incur the expense," says Eggen. "If they know the first visit is free, hopefully it will get them in the door for further medical care. We will work with members to make sure they qualify."

So far, only a handful of Local 30-73 members have taken advantage of the free medical exam voucher. Eggen believes once the word is out, more can use this benefit. "Health care reform has been an issue for a year or so, waiting in the wings, " says Eggen. "Some will think this is an insoluble problem or that our national politicians will take care of it. I'm not confident they will get to it in the near future. The urgency still remains, and this is a good first step."