SONA to Offer Healthcare Subsciptions to Songwriters in Partnership With Amazon Music, Amazon One Medical
The Songwriters of North America has unveiled a new partnership with Amazon Music and Amazon One Medical to bring Amazon One Medical’s benefits to its members, the organization announced on Thursday.
The new partnership will bring one-year Amazon One Medical subscriptions to SONA members, a notable step in the songwriter community’s long-running efforts to bring healthcare to the songwriter class. That’s been a historic issue given that songwriters are, for the most part, freelancers who don’t get workplace benefits such as healthcare.
SONA and Amazon One Medical are offering 300 subscriptions overall, the organization told The Hollywood Reporter, and per SONA, the subscriptions include in-person or remote appointments with a provider and free virtual care among other offerings. SONA members can apply here.
“From the start, SONA has been committed to addressing the systemic gaps that leave Songwriters without access to basic healthcare,” SONA CEO Michelle Lewis said in a statement. “This work with Amazon Music and Amazon One Medical represents a meaningful step forward in that mission. We deeply appreciate their support and shared commitment to long-term solutions that prioritize the health and dignity of music creators. Together, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable future for Songwriters.”
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In a statement, Tom Winkler, head of publisher, songwriter, and society relations for Amazon Music, called songwriters ” the heartbeat of the music industry” but added that “too many lack access to affordable healthcare.”
“In collaboration with Amazon One Medical and Songwriters of North America, we are committed to changing that,” Winkler said. “By making it easier for songwriters to connect with trusted healthcare providers, we are supporting their health and safeguarding their ability to create, inspire, and thrive.”
The announcement comes as Amazon and SONA had also hosted several events in recent months including songwriting camps in both New York and Los Angeles. SONA is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year and will culminate the 10-year with its fifth annual SONA Warrior Awards this fall, where Chappell Roan and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis will be among the honorees.
“Every event, Board Member, partnership, and piece of progress reinforces SONA’s belief in the collective power of Songwriters to create change,” SONA’s executive director Erin McAnall said in a statement. “With passion, drive, and an unwavering focus on advocacy, SONA continues to prove what’s possible when Songwriters unite.”
