Yes, you need health insurance.

While some dancers forgo health insurance to save money, we don't have to tell you how dangerous that is. Luckily, artist care services and insurance companies are getting creative and offering more affordable options.

The Freelancers Union: New York-based freelancers in various fields, including the arts, can purchase insurance at group rates through this organization. There's no cost to join, but you must provide proof that you worked 20 hours per week for the last eight weeks, or earned at least $10,000 in the last six months. A forum feature on their website (see www.freelancersunion.org) allows you to get recommendations from other freelancers for doctors specific to the plan you choose.

Fractured Atlas: This national arts service organization provides specialized health care plans (as of last December, Dance Theatre Workshop suggests this organization as air alternative to the health care services they provide, whose enrollment has closed). Their Quick Start Guide to Healthcare is a database of programs that provide discounted health insurance for artists and is organized by state. The user-friendly guide breaks down each program, providing the cost per month, a short summary, and further resources. Joining FA does mean paying a fee (about 20 cents per day), so factor the cost of membership into the health care plan you are considering (see www.fracturedatlas.org).

America's Health Insurance Resource Center: This Actors' Fund service operates similarly. Go to www.ahirc.org and click on your home state. The relevant organizations that provide discounted health insurance for artists are summarized and linked directly.