As Songwriters of North America (SONA) marks its 10th anniversary, the organization is introducing a new healthcare benefit for its members. In collaboration with Amazon Music and Amazon One Medical, SONA is offering a one-year subscription to One Medical for eligible members, a step aimed at improving healthcare access for professional songwriters, many of whom work as freelancers without employer-provided benefits.
The new benefit comes as part of a larger effort by SONA to address longstanding industry gaps affecting songwriters. Alongside the One Medical subscription, Amazon Music and the SONA Foundation will also offer a limited number of grants to help cover out-of-pocket medical costs for qualifying SONA members. Applications for the grants are available through the organization’s website.
“From the start, SONA has been committed to addressing the systemic gaps that leave Songwriters without access to basic healthcare,” says SONA CEO Michelle Lewis. “This work with Amazon Music and Amazon One Medical represents a meaningful step forward in that mission. We deeply appreciate their support and shared commitment to long-term solutions that prioritize the health and dignity of music creators. Together, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable future for Songwriters.”
Tom Winkler, Head of Publisher, Songwriter, and Society Relations at Amazon Music, added, “Songwriters are the heartbeat of the music industry. They shape the soundtrack of our lives and give voice to culture, yet too many lack access to affordable healthcare.
“In collaboration with Amazon One Medical and Songwriters of North America, we are committed to changing that. By making it easier for songwriters to connect with trusted healthcare providers, we are supporting their health and safeguarding their ability to create, inspire, and thrive.”
The rollout of the healthcare initiative follows a series of events hosted earlier this year by SONA and Amazon Music. These included a songwriting camp in New York City led by Alissia and co-hosted with She Is the Music, the Muni Long Songwriters Forum held at Amazon’s Los Angeles campus, and a live taping of the podcast And the Writer Is… featuring Ross Golan, who recently joined SONA’s board.
Reflecting on the organization’s milestone, SONA’s executive director stated, “SONA’s 10th Anniversary isn’t just about looking back, it’s about growing forward. Every event, board member, partnership and step of progress reinforces SONA’s belief in the
