GENERAL QUESTIONS

How do I become a member of Freelancers Union?
How much does membership cost?
What are the requirements of membership?
What are the benefits of being a member?
Where are benefits available?
I don't get any email updates from Freelancers Union. How can I be notified of upcoming events or news items that might interest me?
I get emails from Freelancers Union that I'm not interested in. How can I make them stop?
When will I receive a Freelancers Union membership card?
Whom should I contact if I have questions?
How can I find out about upcoming events?

How do I become a member of Freelancers Union?
Fill out the registration form on the website.

How much does membership cost?
Membership in Freelancers Union is free. The only fees we have are associated with enrollment in group insurance products. This fee covers the cost of administering the group plans.

What are the requirements of membership?
Our membership is open to independent workers—freelancers, consultants, independent contractors, temps, part-timers, contingent employees and the self-employed.

The eligibility requirements we have are only for the insurance products we offer. See the eligibility section of the website for more information.

What are the benefits of being a member?

Where are benefits available?
We offer health insurance in 31 states, dental, life and disability insurance nationwide. Freelancers across the country are welcome to become members of Freelancers Union in order to take advantage these and other benefits, such as discounts. Join now! To learn more about insurance available in your area, go to Insurance.

If something isn't available in your state, tell us! Complete a short survey and help us bring health insurance to your state!

I don't get any email updates from Freelancers Union. How can I be notified of upcoming events or news items that might interest me?
Sign in to the FreelancersUnion.org website and click on My Subscriptions in the My Membership section to check your subscriptions list. Make sure to select "yes" to receive the various email newsletters we offer our members.

Also be sure to add the following email addresses to the safe list in your email program to prevent spam filters from removing incoming emails from your inbox:

• membership@freelancersunion.org

• benefits@freelancersunion.org

• announcements@freelancersunion.org

I get emails from Freelancers Union that I'm not interested in. How can I make them stop?
Sign in to the FreelancersUnion.org website and click on My Subscriptions in the My Membership section to check your subscriptions list. You can change your preferences to limit the number of informational emails you receive from us, and these preferences can be updated at any time.

Please note: we reserve the right to send notification emails relating to your account, as we believe it is important for you to be informed of any changes that may affect your membership, new rules, upcoming deadlines, changes to policy or products etc.

When will I receive a Freelancers Union membership card?
Membership in Freelancers Union offers a number of benefits, including corporate and member-to-member discounts. In order to access these discounts you may be required to show a Proof of Membership letter, which you can print directly from our website by signing in we do not issue Freelancers Union membership cards.

Whom should I contact if I have questions?
Visit our Contact Us page.

How can I find out about upcoming events?
See the events page on the website for regular updates, or contact our events department at events@freelancersunion.org

IMPORTANT: The following FAQs apply to group insurance plans only. Learn more about individual market plans through UnitedHealthcare's Golden Rule Insurance Company and other affiliates.

What do I have to do to get insurance?
How long does it take to process my eligibility application? How soon can I enroll in the benefits?
Can I submit my 1099, W-2, 1040, IT-201 or any other tax form to demonstrate my earnings?
What if I have multiple clients? Do I need to create a Proof of Work form for every single one?
What if I’m eligible in more than one industry – which should I select on the application?
What if I need to use earnings from more than one industry to meet the earnings requirement?
Who signs the Proof of Work form if I'm on assignment through an agency – the agency or the workplace?

What do I have to do to get insurance?
The application for insurance coverage begins online. If you have not already done so, register to become a member of Freelancers Union. After you sign in to our website you can initiate the application process by clicking Add Insurance in the My Membership section. You will need to complete an online registration form and then provide supporting documents to demonstrate that you meet the hours/earnings requirements.

For further explanation and detailed descriptions of the required supporting documents visit the eligibility section of our website.

How long does it take to process my eligibility application? How soon can I enroll in the benefits?
Working Today – Freelancers Union will contact you within no less than 7 business days of receiving your eligibility application. If your application is missing anything, we will contact you by email. If your application is complete, you will receive an approval notification via email that will contain detailed enrollment instructions. Once your application is approved, you will be able to enroll in insurance.

All insurance (health, life, disability, and dental) can begin on the first of any given month. We must receive your complete application by the 10th of the month in order for you to enroll in insurance by the first of the next month. We will review your application and may contact the signer(s) of your Proof of Work Form(s) to verify your application materials.

If we determine that your application is not complete, we will contact you by email no sooner than 7 business days from the date we received your application to request additional documentation.

If you are asked to submit additional documents and we receive them after the 10th of the month (even if we received your initial documents by the 10th) your application was not complete by the 10th and you will be unable to enroll in insurance beginning on the 1st of the next month.

Approval and Enrollment: You will be notified by email when your application is approved, no sooner than 7 business days from the date we received your complete application. Your approval email will contain instructions for insurance enrollment. You must enroll in insurance within 30 days of your eligibility approval. If you do not enroll within 30 days you may have to complete the application process again.

If you're applying for life and/or disability insurance, the same general timeline applies, except that enrollment by the 1st of the following month is pending review and approval of your application by the carrier.

Can I submit my 1099, W-2, 1040, IT-201 or any other tax form to demonstrate my earnings?
No. Our eligibility requirement necessitates that we look at earnings for a specific time frame and unfortunately these documents do not allow for this. We will consider pay stubs, bank deposits, copies of checks, cancelled checks or an official letter written from client/employer as acceptable earnings documents.

What if I have multiple clients? Do I need to create a Proof of Work form for every single one?
No. If you have one client or employer, submit one Proof of Work form. If you have 2 or more clients or employers you will need to submit at most 2 completed Proof of Work forms. If possible, use the clients with whom you have worked the most and or earned the most in the relevant time period. However, you will still need to submit documents demonstrating eligibility from as many clients as necessary to meet the eligibility requirements (even if you’re only submitting 1 or 2 Proof of Work forms).

What if I’m eligible in more than one industry – which should I select on the application?
If you qualify in more than one industry it doesn’t matter which you select on your eligibility application, as the hours and earnings requirements are the same for every industry. If you need to choose two industries because you’re showing documentation from both to meet earning/hours requirements, then you should select both industries on your application.

What if I need to use earnings from more than one industry to meet the earnings requirement?
You should select both industries on your application. We will need Proof of Work forms from the two clients from whom you are showing the most earnings or hours. If it is difficult to decide which clients you should choose to sign your Proof of Work form(s), it is also acceptable to have your two most recent clients sign for you.

Who signs the Proof of Work form if I'm on assignment through an agency – the agency or the workplace?
You should ask the person or organization that is able to verify that you have worked or earned to sign your Proof of Work form. In the event that you’re on assignment through an agency, the company or organization for which you are doing the work can usually verify your hours, while the agency is usually able to verify either your hours or your earnings. Under ‘job description’ on the Proof of Work form, you should enter your job title plus the agency through which you are working. For example, if you are creating a website for a client and are being paid through an agency, you would write “Web Developer on assignment through ABC Staffing”.

GROUP INSURANCE ENROLLMENT FAQs

How will I know if I've been enrolled in an insurance plan? When will I receive my ID card?
You will receive an e-mail confirmation when your enrollment in the insurance plans has been processed. You will receive your health insurance and/or dental insurance ID card(s) and insurance materials approximately 2-3 weeks after you complete the enrollment forms. You will not receive ID cards for life or disability insurance.

Questions about the Guardian MDG Plan:
How do I find a dentist in my area?
Can I visit any general dentist I want under the MDG Plan?
What if I want to change my dental office after I’ve picked one? Is there a limit to how many times I can change?
Does the whole family have to use the same dental office, or can my dependents choose a different one?
What if I need to see a specialist?
I’ve taken my five-year-old to a pediatric dentist. Can I do that with Guardian’s MDG?
What is meant by the term “patient charge”?
When I visit a plan dentist, are there any claim forms to fill out?
What if I have a problem with my plan dentist, or with my coverage?
When will my coverage go into effect?
What is a plan deductible?

How do I find a dentist in my area?
Perform a provider search on Guardian’s website and select the network for the plan you are on:

• For MDG: Select Managed DentalGuard - Florida, New York
  
  

Can I visit any general dentist I want under the MDG Plan?
To have your dental services covered, you must go to the dental office that you choose when you enroll. You can find a conveniently located dentist in the MDG or HMO Directory of Participating General Dentists, or on the Guardian website. All of your dental care will be provided by, or arranged by, your selected dental office. For more information about the services covered in the MDG plan, see the Benefit Summary for your plan.

What if I want to change my dental office after I’ve picked one? Is there a limit to how many times I can change?
You can change dental offices just by calling Guardian. The change will be effective on the first day of the next month, as long as you call before the 20th day of the month.
There’s no limit to the number of times you can change dental offices, but selections are always effective from the first day of a month to the last day of a month. Any services started at one dental office must be completed by that office, and your account with the first office must be paid in full before a transfer can be processed.
To contact Guardian:

• New York: 888.618.2016
• California and Texas: 800.273.3330
• Florida, Illinois, and Michigan:866.494.4542

Does the whole family have to use the same dental office, or can my dependents choose a different one?
Each family member can enroll with a different dental office.

What if I need to see a specialist?
The MDG or HMO network includes oral surgeons, periodontists, endodontists, orthodontists and pediatric dental specialists. If you need dental services that only a specialist can provide, your primary care dental office will request authorization from Guardian for you to see a participating specialist. (Usually your dental office will have the referral authorized within ten days; if it’s an emergency, it is faster.) You will be responsible for the patient charge shown in your booklet for any covered services performed by a specialist dentist.

I’ve taken my five-year-old to a pediatric dentist. Can I do that with Guardian’s MDG or HMO?
Your child must first be seen by a general dentist at your selected dental office. If a child under age six is unmanageable, a referral to a pediatric dental specialist may be made. After the child’s sixth birthday, pediatric specialty services will not be covered.

What is meant by the term “patient charge”?
With the MDG or HMO plan, most diagnostic and preventive services are covered at no cost to you. However, for basic, major and some preventive services, you will pay a certain amount -- which is referred to as a patient charge -- for each covered service you receive. The patient charges for your MDG or HMO plan are listed in your certificate of coverage booklet, so you’ll always know what you’ll have to pay for services you need. With The Guardian MDG or HMO plan, there are no deductibles, annual maximums or co-insurance, plus pre-treatment reviews are not required for services provided by your participating general dentist.

When I visit a plan dentist, are there any claim forms to fill out?
No. Under the plan, any necessary paperwork for services from participating dentists is handled by your selected dental office. You just show your MDG or HMO ID card.

What if I have a problem with my plan dentist, or with my coverage?
Call MDG or HMO Member Services and discuss your problem with the representative. He or she will work with you to help you resolve your problem. If you are still unsatisfied, you can submit a grievance form explaining the matter. Guardian Member Services or your dental office can provide a form for you to use. Guardian keeps track of all grievances and regularly reviews grievance reports to identify potential problem areas.
To contact Guardian:

• New York: 888.618.2016
• California and Texas: 800.273.3330
• Florida, Illinois, and Michigan:866.494.4542

When will my coverage go into effect?
Freelancers Union will notify you by email when your coverage takes effect.

What is a plan deductible?
A deductible is the dollar amount of covered dental expenses you must pay during the year before benefits are paid by Guardian. This is generally based on the calendar year. Deductibles apply to each covered person. The deductible for the Guardian PPO plan is $50.00 per person (3 per family).

Questions about the Guardian PPO Plan:
How do I find a dentist in my area?
Can I visit any dentist or specialist under the PPO Plan?
What is an annual maximum?
What is co-insurance?
What is a negotiated fee-for-service?
What is pre-treatment review?
When I visit a dentist, are there any claim forms to fill out?
Do all my covered family members have to go to the same network or non-network dentists?
What does usual, customary, and reasonable mean?
What if I have a problem with my plan dentist, or with my coverage?
When will my coverage go into effect?

How do I find a dentist in my area?
Perform a provider search on Guardian’s website and select the network for the plan you are on:

• For PPO: Select DentalGuard Preferred
  
  

Can I visit any dentist or specialist under the PPO Plan?
If you visit a Guardian PPO Network Provider, the benefits described in the Benefit Summary will be paid based on a reduced fee schedule (this will mean lower out-of-pocket expenses). The network provider cannot charge in excess of the fee schedule, so you can receive more services with your yearly maximum. If you go to an out-of-network dentist, the benefits will be based on usual, customary and reasonable rates for a given area.

What is an annual maximum?
An annual maximum is the maximum amount your dental plan will pay in benefits during the year. Both are generally based on the calendar year. Deductibles and annual maximums apply to each covered person. The annual maximum for the Guardian PPO plan is $1,000 per person.

What is co-insurance?
For some services, you may share in the cost of your dental expenses. This is represented as a percentage of the usual, customary and reasonable level (if a non-network dentist is used) or a percentage of the negotiated fee for covered services (if a network dentist is used). The percentage of co-insurance usually depends on the type of service received: Preventive, Basic or Major. See the Benefit Summary for the co-insurance amounts for the Guardian PPO plan.

What is a negotiated fee-for-service?
This refers to the set maximum fees for services that have been negotiated with our contracted network dentists and specialists. These average 30% less than the fees they usually charge.

What is pre-treatment review?
For all courses of treatment expected to exceed $300, your dentist should submit a report to Guardian describing the proposed treatment and itemizing expected charges. Guardian will review the report and send the dentist an estimate of benefits they will pay. Emergency treatment, oral examination, cleanings, and x-rays may be performed before the review is prepared.

When I visit a dentist, are there any claim forms to fill out?
Network dentists have contracted with Guardian to submit claim forms and accept benefits directly from Guardian. Some non-network dentists may submit claims directly to Guardian. More often, however, non-network dentists will require that you pay for services at the time they are rendered. Afterwards, complete a claim form and forward it to Guardian along with a copy of your payment receipt.

Do all my covered family members have to go to the same network or non-network dentists?
No. If they wanted to, every family member could go to a different network or non-network dentist or specialist, every time they need care.

What does usual, customary, and reasonable mean?
Usual, customary, and reasonable (UCR) charges for covered services are determined by using the usual level of charges made by the majority of dentists in the same geographic area for the same service. If your dentist’s fee is lower than the UCR charge, the plan will pay benefits based on the actual fee. If the fee is higher, the plan will pay benefits based only on the UCR charge, and you are responsible for any amount above the UCR limit.

What if I have a problem with my plan dentist, or with my coverage?
Call PPO Member Services (1.800.541.7846) and discuss your problem with the representative. He or she will work with you to help you resolve your problem. If you are still unsatisfied, you can submit a grievance form explaining the matter. Guardian Member Services or your dental office can provide a form for you to use. Guardian keeps track of all grievances, and regularly reviews grievance reports to identify potential problem areas.

When will my coverage go into effect?
Freelancers Union will notify you by email when your coverage takes effect.

Why do I need disability and life insurance?
Will my health status be considered in the application?
How much life insurance do I need?
How are life insurance rates determined?
Can I increase my life insurance amount at a later date?
Do premium rates remain level or do they increase as I get older?
Can I increase my life insurance amount at a later date?
How will I know I’m enrolled in the life insurance plan of my choice?

Why do I need disability and life insurance?
People who work independently stand to lose the most in the case of sickness or injury. Protecting yourself with disability insurance to cover unexpected costs and lost wages is a smart move. Investing in good life insurance will give you the peace of mind of knowing that the people who depend on you are taken care of, should anything happen to you. We selected Guardian as our life and disability insurance provider based on their 146-year history. As the fourth-largest mutual life insurance company in the country, Guardian can afford to make a long-term commitment to Freelancers Union and our members.

Will my health status be considered in the application?
Health-related questions are not asked in the eligibility application, nor are they a part of the enrollment for health or dental insurance. If you're applying for life or disability insurance, you will be asked qualifying questions about your health and medical background.

How much life insurance do I need?
Everyone has his or her own life insurance needs and budget, but the rule of thumb is that you should have 3 to 5 times your annual salary in life insurance coverage.

How are life insurance rates determined?
Participant and spouse rates are based on age, gender and tobacco usage.

Can I increase my life insurance amount at a later date?
Yes, but any increase is subject to providing evidence of insurability, and approval is not guaranteed.

Do premium rates remain level or do they increase as I get older?
Rates are grouped in five-year age bands and will change as you move from one age band to the next. Generally, premiums are adjusted on the group policy's anniversary date.

Can I increase my life insurance amount at a later date?
Yes, but any increase is subject to providing evidence of insurability, and approval is not guaranteed.

How will I know I’m enrolled in the life insurance plan of my choice?
There are no ID cards for life insurance, but you will receive an email confirmation once your enrollment is complete. You will receive a copy of the benefit booklet for your life insurance plan in the mail; this can also be downloaded from our website for your records. If there is any discrepancy between the Summary of Benefits on our website and your Guardian benefit booklet, the benefit booklet prevails.

Why do I need disability and life insurance?
What is voluntary long-term disability insurance?
What exactly will my disability plan cover?
What about Worker's Compensation and Social Security?
Will my long-term disability plan cover a work-related injury?
What is not covered?
Will my health status be considered in the application?
If I become disabled, how soon will my benefit begin?
Once I receive long-term disability benefits, will my premiums be waived?
Will my disability benefit check be taxable?
How often will I receive a disability benefit check?
Will payments from other sources affect the amount of disability benefits paid to me?
How will I know I’m enrolled in the disability insurance plan of my choice?
Do premium rates remain level or do they increase as I get older?

Why do I need disability and life insurance?
People who work independently stand to lose the most in the case of sickness or injury. Protecting yourself with disability insurance to cover unexpected costs and lost wages is a smart move. Investing in good life insurance will give you the peace of mind of knowing that the people who depend on you are taken care of, should anything happen to you. We selected Guardian as our life and disability insurance provider based on their 146-year history. As the fourth-largest mutual life insurance company in the country, Guardian can afford to make a long-term commitment to Freelancers Union and our members.

What is voluntary long-term disability insurance?
Voluntary disability is an insurance program that allows you to protect your income at a low group rate.

What exactly will my disability plan cover?
Your plan will cover a portion of your income if you suffer from a disabling accident, illness, or pregnancy or disabling complications of pregnancy.

What about Worker's Compensation and Social Security?
Worker's Compensation covers you only if you are an employee injured on the job, and does not cover an illness unless it is work-related. Social Security disability coverage is not guaranteed and rarely provides enough coverage to maintain your lifestyle.

Will my long-term disability plan cover a work-related injury?
Yes. To the extent that benefits you receive from Worker's Compensation exceed 66-2/3% of your income, it will be deducted from your Guardian benefit check.

What is not covered?
Disability benefits are not payable for any disability caused by 1) war or any act of war (including service in the armed forces); 2) committing a felony or taking part in a riot or civil disorder; and 3) intentionally injuring yourself or attempting suicide while sane or insane. No benefits are payable for any period during which you are confined to a correctional facility, are not under the care of a doctor, or are experiencing a loss of earnings not solely due to disability. This plan may or may not cover a pre-existing condition; check your Summary Plan Description for more information. This plan provides disability income insurance only. It does not provide "Basic Hospital," "Basic Medical," or "Major Medical" insurance as defined by the New York State Insurance Department.

Will my health status be considered in the application?
No health-related questions are asked in the eligibility application, nor are they a part of the enrollment for health or dental insurance. If you're applying for life or disability insurance, you will be asked qualifying questions about your health and medical background.

If I become disabled, how soon will my benefit begin?
There is an initial period of time following the start of a disability, called the elimination period, when benefits are not payable. If you are eligible to receive a disability benefit, the benefit will be paid after this elimination period has elapsed.

Once I receive long-term disability benefits, will my premiums be waived?
Yes, your premium payments will be waived once you satisfy the elimination period and are eligible to receive a benefit.

Will my disability benefit check be taxable?
Depending on how your disability plan is administered, your benefit check could be taxable. If you pay your plan premiums with pre-tax dollars, your benefit checks will be taxable. Any applicable Social Security or FICA taxes are automatically withheld from your checks. If, however, you pay 100% of your premiums with post-tax dollars, your benefit checks may be tax-free.

How often will I receive a disability benefit check?
Long-term disability checks are paid monthly.

Will payments from other sources affect the amount of disability benefits paid to me?
Yes, your disability benefit may be reduced if you receive other sources of income you receive due to your disability, such as Worker's Compensation and Social Security.

How will I know I’m enrolled in the disability insurance plan of my choice?
There are no ID cards for disability insurance, but you will receive an email confirmation once your enrollment is complete. You will receive a copy of the benefit booklet for your disability plan in the mail; this can also be downloaded from our website for your records. If there is any discrepancy between the Summary of Benefits on our website and your Guardian benefit booklet, the benefit booklet prevails.

Do premium rates remain level or do they increase as I get older?
Rates are grouped in five-year age bands and will change as you move from one age band to the next. Generally, premiums are adjusted on the group policy's anniversary date.

What can I do if one of my clients won’t pay me?
Unfortunately we are not in a position to offer legal advice. Please see the New York State Department of Labor’s website for further information and advice from other freelancers visit our forum.

What’s the difference between Working Today and Freelancers Union?
Working Today is a national nonprofit that represents the needs and concerns of the independent workforce through advocacy, information and service. In September 2001, we launched the Portable Benefits Network (PBN), an innovative project to deliver benefits to independent workers in New York City's Silicon Alley. In May 2003, the PBN was renamed Freelancers Union to better reflect the ideas that guide us and all of the services we offer – benefits, resources, and advocacy.

To read more about our organization, our founder, and what we're working on, see the About Us section of the website.

I'd like to stop by your office and talk to someone. Can I do that?
Unfortunately we cannot accommodate walk-ins, but you may drop off your application at the drop-box in the front of the office. Contact Member Services either by phone or by email if you have any questions.

Why is there such a long wait-time to reach a Member Services representative?
Member Services works as quickly as possible within the given time frame to process documents, answer telephone calls and review applications. Occasionally there is a hold time as we may have a high volume of incoming calls and we answer all inquiries as thoroughly as possible. You may leave a voicemail or send an email, and a Member Services associate will respond as quickly as possible.

I have some interesting information I would like to share with other freelancers. Where can I post it?
If you want to start a discussion with other freelancers or pose a question to our members, you can do so in the forum.

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Health Insurance (United Healthcare's Golden Rule Insurance Company and other affiliates)