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Sex workers embrace Obamacare
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) A burlesque dancer dressed as a nurse taunts her co-performer with a toy syringe, dangling the medicine seductively in an act that's meant to reflect the cat-and-mouse game of U.S. healthcare. They shimmy and eventually end up topless.
The risqué performance was part of an Obamacare registration drive last week in San Francisco, dubbed the "Healthy Ho's Party."
Organized by "Siouxsie Q," a Bay Area sex worker, the event was meant to encourage other sex workers to enroll in the new insurance exchanges. It was a rousing success: Nearly 40 men and women attended and almost all of them filed enrollment paperwork.
In the all-cash, off-the-books sex industry, workers can be particularly high risk and insurance is often out of reach.
Many sex workers -- a broad term that can refer to a number of services, including sexual massage, prostitution, and escort and dominatrix work -- consider themselves self-employed entrepreneurs who can't afford to purchase healthcare. But that could all change with the Affordable Care Act.
Siouxsie, 28, has shopped for plans countless times since 2008, coming up empty each time. She and her partner recently reviewed their healthcare options and found that a joint plan would have cost between $400 and $500 a month -- an unaffordably large chunk of their incomes.
"We just couldn't swing [insurance] in the Bay Area -- we're lower middle class, recent college graduates, in Startup Land trying to make our way," she said.
But come January 1, when the new law goes into effect, she and her partner will be looking at a monthly bill of between $175 and $200. They're deciding between two plans on the California exchange and will receive a tax credit of about $275 a month (without the credit it would have cost nearly $500).
California's exchange site was down the first few times Siouxsie tried to navigate it, but she was able to successfully browse policies several times. (She nevertheless arrived at the party with stacks of paper applications so the night could continue even if the website was disrupted.)
Volunteers from Siouxsie's weekly podcast, The WhoreCast, staffed the event. "Jolene," another sex worker who had already enrolled through the California exchange, was also on hand to talk users through the process. A key detail for the crowd: Enrollment doesn't require users to report their employment.
"I am here mostly to put my skill at filling out bureaucratic forms to use," Jolene joked.
Through the California exchange, Jolene will receive a $211 monthly tax credit, which will bring her payments to just $36 a month.
Individuals making less than $46,000 are eligible for a tax credit to offset their monthly costs. Many of the sex workers at the event file W-2s for their legal work, whether it be a part-time job or sex work that falls within the law.
Sex workers interviewed by CNNMoney estimated this income to be less than $45,000 a year.
The Affordable Care Act will cover contraception, screening for sexually transmitted infections, and violence counseling at no additional charge, which the sex workers said would make a big difference in their community. The legislation will also make it more difficult for insurance companies to deny coverage based on gender identity and HIV status.
For Jolene and others in her line of work, it's cause for celebration.
"I really do think access to healthcare should be a human right, and I've been so brainwashed to think it's such a privilege," a sex worker and activist known as "Maxine Holloway" said.
Holloway played the nurse in the evening's performance. She's also working on a master's degree in public health.
"Through my studies, I have looked at a lot of different countries and how they take care of their people," Holloway said. "We are one of the only countries that does not take care of our citizens in that way."
The women at the party recognize that taxpayers might not be enthusiastic about their dollars subsidizing healthcare for sex workers.
"Their tax dollars are going into other programs that deal with the aftermath of not having healthcare," Holloway said. "We're paying for it anyways, and we're paying for it in a way that people still get sick and still die."
SOURCE: http://money.cnn.com/2013/11/01/smallbusiness/sex-workers-obamacare/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
The risqué performance was part of an Obamacare registration drive last week in San Francisco, dubbed the "Healthy Ho's Party."
Organized by "Siouxsie Q," a Bay Area sex worker, the event was meant to encourage other sex workers to enroll in the new insurance exchanges. It was a rousing success: Nearly 40 men and women attended and almost all of them filed enrollment paperwork.
In the all-cash, off-the-books sex industry, workers can be particularly high risk and insurance is often out of reach.
Many sex workers -- a broad term that can refer to a number of services, including sexual massage, prostitution, and escort and dominatrix work -- consider themselves self-employed entrepreneurs who can't afford to purchase healthcare. But that could all change with the Affordable Care Act.
Siouxsie, 28, has shopped for plans countless times since 2008, coming up empty each time. She and her partner recently reviewed their healthcare options and found that a joint plan would have cost between $400 and $500 a month -- an unaffordably large chunk of their incomes.
"We just couldn't swing [insurance] in the Bay Area -- we're lower middle class, recent college graduates, in Startup Land trying to make our way," she said.
But come January 1, when the new law goes into effect, she and her partner will be looking at a monthly bill of between $175 and $200. They're deciding between two plans on the California exchange and will receive a tax credit of about $275 a month (without the credit it would have cost nearly $500).
California's exchange site was down the first few times Siouxsie tried to navigate it, but she was able to successfully browse policies several times. (She nevertheless arrived at the party with stacks of paper applications so the night could continue even if the website was disrupted.)
Volunteers from Siouxsie's weekly podcast, The WhoreCast, staffed the event. "Jolene," another sex worker who had already enrolled through the California exchange, was also on hand to talk users through the process. A key detail for the crowd: Enrollment doesn't require users to report their employment.
"I am here mostly to put my skill at filling out bureaucratic forms to use," Jolene joked.
Through the California exchange, Jolene will receive a $211 monthly tax credit, which will bring her payments to just $36 a month.
Individuals making less than $46,000 are eligible for a tax credit to offset their monthly costs. Many of the sex workers at the event file W-2s for their legal work, whether it be a part-time job or sex work that falls within the law.
Sex workers interviewed by CNNMoney estimated this income to be less than $45,000 a year.
The Affordable Care Act will cover contraception, screening for sexually transmitted infections, and violence counseling at no additional charge, which the sex workers said would make a big difference in their community. The legislation will also make it more difficult for insurance companies to deny coverage based on gender identity and HIV status.
For Jolene and others in her line of work, it's cause for celebration.
"I really do think access to healthcare should be a human right, and I've been so brainwashed to think it's such a privilege," a sex worker and activist known as "Maxine Holloway" said.
Holloway played the nurse in the evening's performance. She's also working on a master's degree in public health.
"Through my studies, I have looked at a lot of different countries and how they take care of their people," Holloway said. "We are one of the only countries that does not take care of our citizens in that way."
The women at the party recognize that taxpayers might not be enthusiastic about their dollars subsidizing healthcare for sex workers.
"Their tax dollars are going into other programs that deal with the aftermath of not having healthcare," Holloway said. "We're paying for it anyways, and we're paying for it in a way that people still get sick and still die."
SOURCE: http://money.cnn.com/2013/11/01/smallbusiness/sex-workers-obamacare/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
I'm not trying to say Obamacare is the answer. Frankly, I find the Obamacare system super confusing - it doesn't look a thing like what we have, not even close. I have no idea if it's good for you all or not. I was more talking about the fact that I believe everyone should have access to healthcare, and prostitutes should not be ignored because of what they do. It is a sad and complex issue. ANd yes, I fully agree our focus should be assisting them to exit that lifestyle - lots of us are trying to do that for sure, but more can really be done.
Tips are taxable income.... I hated that. Being honest cost me a lot of money back in my bartending days.... a lot of it.
Proactive, most prostitutes are in the profession to earn 'quick' money for their drug habit. It's really very sad. The majority would still be below the poverty line.
yes, the system of tipping works on the premise of honesty when declaring earnings. Few probably are honest which is unfortunate, but I do think that those tips are supposed to be declared as income. (been a long time since I earned a tip . . .I forget how taxes work on that.)
yes, the system of tipping works on the premise of honesty when declaring earnings. Few probably are honest which is unfortunate, but I do think that those tips are supposed to be declared as income. (been a long time since I earned a tip . . .I forget how taxes work on that.)
I believe many overlook unreported income, such as cash tips received by waitstaff, etc. (of which I was one for years in my youth, it does come back to bite you in the *** when it's time to collect SS though.)
I'm still confused about the whole thing. I keep reading things about how this is going to be a great thing for everyone in the long run, but I am not feeling it.
I don't qualify for any subsidies. If I were to lose my employer paid insurance, the $900 + bucks it would cost to insure my family would send us financially over the edge. I simply could not afford it. I'm still trying to find a benefit in that for me....
Somehow, some way I will find some understanding I am sure.
I don't qualify for any subsidies. If I were to lose my employer paid insurance, the $900 + bucks it would cost to insure my family would send us financially over the edge. I simply could not afford it. I'm still trying to find a benefit in that for me....
Somehow, some way I will find some understanding I am sure.
"Those living as prostitutes (minus these upscale escorts that glass speaks of) most likely do fall into the area of poverty."
I guess that would depend on if they report their illegal income?
I guess that would depend on if they report their illegal income?
here is the thing. Everyone here has access but those that are above the poverty line have to pay for it. We do take care of our country's poor. It's those on the bubble that lack the ability to get medical care due to expense and the other issues that did need changing such as preexisting conditions.
Those living as prostitutes (minus these upscale escorts that glass speaks of) most likely do fall into the area of poverty. They can go to clinics NOW, they qualify for services now. however, their lifestyle prevents them from leading a normal life and doing things like going to the doctor. How would obamacare change that?
Those living as prostitutes (minus these upscale escorts that glass speaks of) most likely do fall into the area of poverty. They can go to clinics NOW, they qualify for services now. however, their lifestyle prevents them from leading a normal life and doing things like going to the doctor. How would obamacare change that?
Most of the Prostitutes I know "Escorts" are not Victims and all of the Exoctic Dancers I know are not Victims. They do it by choice and make a good Tax Free Income. I don't look down my nose at them, I really don't care. But I don't feel I should have to pay for their Health Insurance. As far as the ones that are victims, we should concentrate getting them out of that life style. By giving them (almost free) health insurance, we become part of the problem.
I lvoe it that we can disagree respectfully - a good thing no?
I cannot put drug dealers and prostitutes in the same catagory. Dealers victimize - they profit from others misery and do it intentionally, preying on those that are sick and weak. They belong in prison - and that is your tax payer dollars at work too.
Prostituation is so sad and the ultimate victim is the prostitute herself.
Teko, I agree and I think that is a big part of the overall theme of the medical debate happening in your country. To me, it is a basic human right. It just is. And I too believe everyone deserves access.
I cannot put drug dealers and prostitutes in the same catagory. Dealers victimize - they profit from others misery and do it intentionally, preying on those that are sick and weak. They belong in prison - and that is your tax payer dollars at work too.
Prostituation is so sad and the ultimate victim is the prostitute herself.
Teko, I agree and I think that is a big part of the overall theme of the medical debate happening in your country. To me, it is a basic human right. It just is. And I too believe everyone deserves access.
Insurance and tax dollars have always gone to programs that help druggies and alcoholics. Adgal I agree with you. There are many things that people do that I may or may not personally agree with. Healthcare is something that should be available to everyone, regardless imo. We live in a time where it seems we have those who are better and more proper looking down their noses at those who they feel are not as good or deserving as the rest of us. Age old problem? Yes, and still just as wrong when it comes to medical issues. My guess is they will be rated right up there with smokers and drinkers when it comes to risk factor.
Love you to but, this is how I see it.
“You never know what or where someone has been.”
True, thanks for posting. Now I won’t feel bad when my Tax Dollars go to provide coverage for Drug Dealers, Thieves, & Thugs. After all, “They are people, and “if they are cut they bleed the same as you and I”. Except for the fact, I go to work. I’m all for helping people when they are down TEMPORARY. I’ve been knocked down more times than I care to remember and I understand doing what you have to do to survive. But when one stays down it changes from Survival to Life Style and I shouldn’t have to support that Life Style.
I don’t live in a sheltered world and I know some Prostitutes, Drug Dealers, Thieves, & Thugs. I’ve noticed about the only time they talk about changing their Life Style is shortly after being arrested.
“You never know what or where someone has been.”
True, thanks for posting. Now I won’t feel bad when my Tax Dollars go to provide coverage for Drug Dealers, Thieves, & Thugs. After all, “They are people, and “if they are cut they bleed the same as you and I”. Except for the fact, I go to work. I’m all for helping people when they are down TEMPORARY. I’ve been knocked down more times than I care to remember and I understand doing what you have to do to survive. But when one stays down it changes from Survival to Life Style and I shouldn’t have to support that Life Style.
I don’t live in a sheltered world and I know some Prostitutes, Drug Dealers, Thieves, & Thugs. I’ve noticed about the only time they talk about changing their Life Style is shortly after being arrested.
http://www.medhelp.org/user_photos/show/456427?personal_page_id=3673
Uploaded this pic as a reminder. You never know what or where someone has been.
((hugs))
Uploaded this pic as a reminder. You never know what or where someone has been.
((hugs))
You know, I've read this probably 20 times now, and keep telling myself not to comment. And I did really good, you have to admit I have. However, I can't refrain anymore.
El, R and Brice, you know I adore you right? You all have good hearts. So please take this as coming from a good place, cause here I go.
Do you think that women who get so low in their lives as to feel the need to prostitute themselves are somehow less deserving of equal rights then anyone else? I have had women that do this literally cry in my arms because they know no other way. They are often supporting children through this degrading act as they feel they have no other choices or options. They are people, and if they are cut they bleed the same as you and I. I am asking you to please put aside any preconceived notions you may have as to why women might stoop to this level and to see them as the human beings they are. This is a disgusting business, and trust me, not a single one is happy to be in this position. These women are often "recruited" young and find themselves trapped. So yes, they do deserve medical care the same as the rest of us. Reach out and help, don't judge.
Ok, getting off my soapbox now, but like I said, I know so many women that do this on a personal level. I know their stories and I can say that for the most part it's not what you think. Empathy please, not judgement.
Ok, thanks for listening. Appreciate it!!
El, R and Brice, you know I adore you right? You all have good hearts. So please take this as coming from a good place, cause here I go.
Do you think that women who get so low in their lives as to feel the need to prostitute themselves are somehow less deserving of equal rights then anyone else? I have had women that do this literally cry in my arms because they know no other way. They are often supporting children through this degrading act as they feel they have no other choices or options. They are people, and if they are cut they bleed the same as you and I. I am asking you to please put aside any preconceived notions you may have as to why women might stoop to this level and to see them as the human beings they are. This is a disgusting business, and trust me, not a single one is happy to be in this position. These women are often "recruited" young and find themselves trapped. So yes, they do deserve medical care the same as the rest of us. Reach out and help, don't judge.
Ok, getting off my soapbox now, but like I said, I know so many women that do this on a personal level. I know their stories and I can say that for the most part it's not what you think. Empathy please, not judgement.
Ok, thanks for listening. Appreciate it!!
You're supposed to be happy. It is that helping hand feeling.... get you some!
If you think that one p!sses you off, brace yourself for this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd-iM9Wmdgo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd-iM9Wmdgo
So let me get this straight...
The prostitutes will be given tax credits for Obamacare/ACA mainly because they aren't reporting their illegal income.
So I'm going to be paying for their healthcare.
So happy that I'm having to pay for hooker healthcare.
The prostitutes will be given tax credits for Obamacare/ACA mainly because they aren't reporting their illegal income.
So I'm going to be paying for their healthcare.
So happy that I'm having to pay for hooker healthcare.
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