COVID-19 Bluegrass Community Resources

Disclaimer:

This is not a full list of resources nor does it claim to be an authority on COVID-19. This is a living webpage we will continue to update and add to as we (1) become aware of more resources currently available and (2) find resources that are most relevant to our bluegrass community. If you have any questions about or recommendations for the information on this page, please contact the IBMA staff at [email protected].

Event Safety Message

As our music community endeavors to rebuild our creative economy, and navigates planning for in-person recording, touring and events to resume, the IBMA emphasizes the importance of following guidelines established by healthcare and infectious disease specialists and complying with applicable local, state, national and international guidelines and requirements, to promote safety across the industry. As evidenced by our move to hold our IBMA World of Bluegrass conference virtually, IBMA is committed to the safety and well-being of its patrons and members.

READ IBMA’s FULL EVENT SAFETY MESSAGE

Support Your Bluegrass Community

First and foremost, we must band together to help our fellow bluegrass community. There are many ways to support each other in the absence of attending concerts or local jams. We encourage you to buy albums and merchandise, take lessons, and spread the word about your favorite artists and organizations. Stay safe, be vigilant, and keep on pickin’!

Online Concert Calendar

Visit our Online Concert Calendar for a list of online concerts, workshops, and webinars! We are no longer updating this calendar, but you can view hours of bluegrass music under the “Past Events” tab. Keep in mind that artists are providing these online concerts because their live performances (and the income that comes with them) have been cancelled. Please consider a donation to the artists and organizations.

The American Banjo Museum has created an Online Instructor Database. If you are looking to learn a new instrument or sharpen your skills, this is a great resource with an updated list of instructors.

The CARES Act

On March 27, 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, known as the CARES Act, to provide emergency assistance and health care response for individuals, families, and businesses affected by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. This legislation includes economic relief for small business and those within the gig economy. Please take a look at the resources listed below to see how you may receive emergency aid.

COVID-19: What It Is and What It Isn’t

World Health Organization (WHO)
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
A Simple Video Explanation of “Flattening The Curve”

Healthcare Organization Information

An increasing amount of healthcare providers are offering testing, screening, and televisits at a discounted or waived fee. Here are official statements from some of the top healthcare providers in the United States.

  • Aetna will waive co-pays for all diagnostic testing related to COVID-19.
  • Anthem’s affiliated health plans waive member costs for COVID-19 testing, while supporting telehealth and 90-day maintenance medication supply.
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) announced that its network of 36 independent and locally-operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies will waive prior authorizations and increase coverage for COVID-19.
  • Centene intends to cover COVID-19 testing and screening services for Medicaid, Medicare and Marketplace members and is waiving all associated member cost share amounts for COVID-19 testing and screening.
  • Cigna will waive all co-pays and cost-shares for COVID-19 testing as recommended by your healthcare provider.
  • Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) – “Effective immediately, we won’t require prior authorization and won’t apply member co-pays or deductibles for testing to diagnose COVID-19 when medically necessary and consistent with Centers for Disease Control guidance. This applies to all members we insure.”
  • Humana – “Testing for COVID-19 will be fully covered with no out-of-pocket costs for patients who meet CDC guidelines at approved laboratory locations. This applies to members of Humana’s Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and commercial employer-sponsored plans. The CDC continues to offer free testing for coronavirus.”
  • Kaiser Permanente will not charge member cost-sharing (including, but not limited to, copays, deductibles, and coinsurance) for all medically necessary screening and testing for COVID-19.
  • UnitedHealthcare has waived all diagnostic test cost-sharing for insured members.

Resources For Traveling 

Emergency Aid Resources
Whether you are a person in need or looking to donate to a worthy cause, please check the links below to learn more about music-oriented organizations with emergency aid resources.

  • Backline.care – Connect music industry professionals with a trusted network of mental health and wellness providers
  • CERF+ – Provides a safety net to support strong and sustainable careers through education programs, advocacy, network building and emergency relief.
  • Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund – Offers financial assistance to those in the country music industry during their time of need.
  • IBMA Trust Fund – Offers financial assistance to bluegrass music professionals in time of emergency need. The IBMA Trust Fund Board of Trustees has recently set aside up to $150,000 of current assets for COVID-19 crisis assistance and established an account specifically for COVID-19 Relief. Any funds donated to this new account will be added to the existing funds being committed.
  • MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund – Provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need.
  • Music Health Alliance – Provides access to healthcare through services that protect, direct, and connect music professionals with medical and financial solutions.
  • NC Artist Relief Fund – Supports creative individuals who have been financially impacted by gig cancellations due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
  • PEARFund – The Passim Emergency Artist Relief Fund aims to assist musicians in the Boston community who are in dire need of financial aid due to COVID-19.
  • Porter’s Call – Provides a service of counsel support and encouragement exclusively for recording artists and their families.
  • Sound Healthcare & Financial – Provides insurance solutions and advocacy for the creative community

Existing Revenue Streams

It can be daunting to try to start a new business venture while worrying about the risk of your current revenue streams. Before branching out, make sure you are properly set up to collect the money you are already making. Additionally, if you already have an online store on your website, now would be a great time to rejuvenate that inventory with creative merch ideas, unreleased music, or even new music made to order. In lieu of being able to go see live music, we encourage all music lovers to support their favorite artists and organizations through online shopping and donations.

Alternative Revenue Streams

With venues and local governments tightening restrictions on events and travel, it is a good idea to look at alternative revenue streams that do not involve travel. Many artists are using Patreon as a subscription-based revenue model to interact with and provide content to fans. Online concerts and lessons are also great channels to share your talent and skill with fans and students.

* Nate Lee has offered to help people get started with online teaching. Feel free to contact him at 469-383-4840 or [email protected].

** Mike Mitchell has also offered to help people get started with online teaching. Feel free to contact him at 540-267-6069 or [email protected].

*** The Jazz Education Network has created two webinars for getting started with online teaching.

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