In an action that speaks directly to the topic of last month’s issue of CS, the New York City Opera was named in an age discrimination suit on September 3, 1998. Six chorus members, also members of AGMA, filed a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights, citing the sudden exclusion of the choristers’ roles in an upcoming production of Paul Bunyan, and the accompanying loss of overtime compensation, among other damages.
AGMA has cited a “substantive and probable pattern” of age discrimination by City Opera, dating as far back as a 1997 run of Le Nozze di Figaro. The Division of Human Rights will investigate the allegations, with the power to impose penalties if warranted.
AGMA Health Insurance again available for New Jersey members!
AGMA announced last year that the union’s health plan would no longer cover the state of New Jersey. However, CIGNA has now agreed to cover New Jersey with the same plan available in New York. There are two plans:
CIGNA HMO: This is primarily for musicians who stay in one place, such as professional choristers. However, if you go out-of-network, it is at your own expense. Here is a brief breakdown of fees:
Individual: $217.91 per month
Member/spouse: $460.64 per month
Member/child $409.54 per month
Member/spouse/children: $672.36 per month
CIGNA Health Access Plan: This is a good plan for singers who travel often. You can get care in and out of network, but the fees vary, as follows:
Member only: $238.36 per month
Member spouse: $504.38 per month
Member/child: $448.38 per month
Family: $736.43 per month
Fees for care in or out-of-network: $5 for office visit/prescription. Hospitalizations are free. Out-of-network, also add: $300 deductible, after which the plan pays 70 percent of the first $10,000 of out of network expense; then 100 percent of out of network expenses for the balance of the contract year. If hospitalized out-of-network, $250 for the hospital stay, with the rest paid at 70 percent under $10,000. Over that, hospital is paid for 100 percent up to $100,000.
