Allegro

Are you teaching online during the coronavirus crisis?

You can use LS-1 contracts to get onto the union’s health plan!

Volume 120, No. 4April, 2020

(Also see: “Making Videos Under Quarantine: How to protect yourself and your fellow musicians” AND “Working at home — while still collecting union benefits”)

Are you teaching online during the coronavirus crisis, using Skype, Zoom or another platform? Do you need to contribute a little more to get Local 802 health benefits? LS-1 contracts offer the opportunity to take advantage of Local 802’s health plan. You can use these contracts to maintain or supplement your current benefits.

THERE IS A NEED FOR ONLINE MUSIC LESSONS!

Kids who are motivated musicians really want to continue their lessons during this crisis. Parents who are working from home need something for their kids to to do. And musicians need to replace their lost income. Teaching online is a win-win for everyone.

WHAT DOES THE LOCAL 802 HEALTH PLAN COVER?

See www.local802afm.org/local-802-healthcare for a complete summary of coverage. Coverage is available for single people, married people and families.

WHY DO I NEED TO GET MY PRIVATE STUDENTS INVOLVED? WHY CAN’T I JUST BUY HEALTH CARE DIRECTLY FROM THE UNION?

The Local 802 health benefits fund is a federally regulated fund that is required by law to have a collective bargaining agreement with an employer in order to accept benefit contributions. LS-1 contracts serve as mini contracts that allow your private students to act as your employer (which, of course, they are) in order to make health contributions on your behalf.

WHAT CAN BE FILED

You can file regular private lessons as well as institutional teaching, master classes and clinics.

CAN I PAY INTO MY PENSION ALSO?

The pension fund does not accept LS-1’s for private teaching engagements, with two exceptions. Private teaching contributions for pension will be accepted for pension if you are incorporated (i.e. an LLC or “S”-corporation or something similar) and if the teaching income runs through your corporation. Private teaching contributions for pension will also be accepted if you are hired by a school or instituation and they agree to sign the LS-1 contract as your employer.

WHAT DO MY STUDENTS NEED TO DO?

Each student or school needs to sign a separate LS-1 contract. We’ll give you all the info. See below.

WHAT DO I NEED IN ORDER TO SUBMIT AN LS-1 CONTRACT?

Below is where you can find the info, but please contact Local 802 before you do anything. Contact info is at the end of the article.

  • Blank LS-1 contracts are available at www.Local802afm.org. Select ABOUT LOCAL 802 from the top menu, then CONTRACTS, then scroll down to find “Solo Performance and Private Teaching (LS-1 contract).” Print it out and contact us.
  • You must be an active member of Local 802 to use an LS-1 contract, and all work dues must be paid in full. You can verify your union status at: https://info.local802afm.org.
  • Health contributions must be 15 percent of the gross wages reported. We’ll explain this when you contact us.
  • If you’re eligible to do pension, then pension contributions must be an amount between 4.80 percent to 17.99 percent of the gross wages reported. We’ll explain this when you contact us.
  • Work dues are 2 percent of gross wages (for teaching engagements), or 3.5 percent of gross wages (for performances). We’ll explain this when you contact us.
  • Proof of engagement includes paperwork like canceled checks, contracts, invoices, schedules of lessons, etc. We’ll explain this when you contact us.

WHEN DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT THE CHECKS TO THE PENSION AND HEALTH FUNDS?

Health Fund: Submit by Jan. 15 of each year for any engagements between July 1 and Dec. 31. Submit by July 15 of each year for any engagements between Jan. 1 and June 30.

Pension: All pension payments must be submitted no later than 30 days after the engagement date.

FINAL REMINDER

Nothing can be processed until all signed and completed paperwork is received by us, along with all checks.

CONTACT US FIRST!

If you have any questions about LS-1 contracts, please e-mail Bettina Covo at Bcovo@Local802afm.org

PLUS! Here are three other ways to maintain your health coverage during the coronavirus crisis…

1. Local 802 has negotiated a health benefits shortfall fund in several of our orchestra contracts to help freelance orchestra musicians maintain their health insurance. The musicians on the primary hiring lists of certain orchestras may apply for contributions from the funds as long as they have at least some contributions in the plan for the covered period. For more information, send an e-mail to Karen Fisher at Kfisher@Local802afm.org. (NOTE: the earliest date to begin requests is July 1.)

2. The COBRA law allows workers to continue their health plan for a certain amount of time (at their own expense) if they lose it. Contact the Local 802 health fund at (212) 245-4802 at ext. 171, 172, 173 or 178 (leave a voicemail and we’ll get back to you promptly).

3. If you’ve lost your health coverage unexpectedly, you may be able to buy ACA (Obamacare) coverage now. Start at www.healthcare.gov for more information. Losing your health care is considered a “qualifying event.”

(Also see: “Making Videos Under Quarantine: How to protect yourself and your fellow musicians” AND “Working at home — while still collecting union benefits”)