The Health Alliance for Chicago Comedians released its first report on health coverage among local performers, showing that nearly 16 percent of the 110 comedians surveyed do not have health insurance. The data, gathered during the first half of 2026, also indicated that 24 percent of respondents purchase insurance on their own.
The survey was conducted by the newly formed Health Alliance for Chicago Comedians, an organization created to examine and address healthcare access challenges faced by entertainers in the city. Elizabeth Grossman, a representative of the alliance, noted that the findings highlight a gap in coverage for a segment of the comedy community.
Among the respondents, the majority reported either having employer-sponsored plans or relying on other forms of coverage, while the uninsured portion represents a notable minority. The 24 percent who buy insurance independently do so despite the irregular income typical of freelance performance work.
The alliance plans to use the report as a baseline for future initiatives aimed at improving insurance enrollment and affordability for comedians. By documenting the current state of coverage, the group hopes to inform policymakers, insurers, and the entertainment industry about the specific needs of Chicago's comedy scene.