Fund Launches For Uninsured Musicians To Get Medical Tests

The death of a 28-year-old drummer from East Nashville has inspired a fund meant to pay for primary care and diagnostic testing for musicians. Ben Eyestone, who played for Margo Price and Nikki Lane, died from colon cancer last year just days after being diagnosed. He was uninsured but had tried to get a colonoscopy months before.

Music Health Alliance CEO Tatum Allsep says the Ben Eyestone Fund is meant to keep uninsured musicians from facing the same fate.

“If Ben had had access to a colonoscopy in April when he requested it, I don’t know, but he may not have died in July,” she said. “At least he would have had a chance.”

The new fund is starting at $50,000 from the Saint Thomas Foundation and Eyestone’s family. Barring more donations, the money is projected to help 100 musicians. (
contact the Music Health Alliance for details).

The fund is intended to cover any “obvious” diagnostic needs. Nashville-area musicians making under 300 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible. As part of a joint venture, Saint Thomas Health has committed to assist patients who end up needing treatment.

“The Ben Eyestone fund has the potential to save lives by eliminating access barriers in the communities we serve,” chief experience officer Dawn Rudolph said in a statement.

The Music Health Alliance helps musicians sign up for individual — often subsidized — coverage from the federal marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. The organization also stitches together grants and other funds to help those in severe cases.

Eyestone had tried to get an individual policy but a snafu with his income made the projected premiums unaffordable. While critical of the red tape, Allsep is quick to point out that Obamacare has “opened doors for the music industry they never had before.”

“He had what I believe to be the greatest pre-existing condition in Nashville,” Allsep said. “He was a poor, uninsured musician.”