Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: A stand-up comedian, an improviser, and a sketch performer walk into a doctor’s office for a regularly-scheduled check-up covered by insurance with a reasonable co-pay. No? You haven’t heard that one?
The cost of health insurance is going up, with individuals who purchase theirs on the Illinois ACA exchange paying 26% more than last year. Meanwhile, Congress opted not to expand federal subsidies to help make health insurance affordable, a deliberate tactic to try to kill the Affordable Care Act. Contract employees are getting squeezed out of coverage entirely. This includes many artists whose talents help make Chicago Chicago. Including comedians.
Chicago is a comedy city. Tourists and locals alike reliably find great performances on any given day, from immersive improv at the iO Theater, world-class sketch at Second City, or some of the city’s best standups at the Lincoln Lodge. Aspiring comics move to Chicago to take classes and hone their skills at open mics across the city. Today’s stars – Josh Johnson, John Mulaney, Amy Poehler, Kumail Nanjiani, Stephen Colbert, Sarah Sherman – started right here in the Windy City.
Comedians play an essential role in a healthy democracy. Free speech includes indecent speech, a specialty of many comics (perhaps most famously and litigiously, Lenny Bruce and George Carlin). Comedians poke fun at people in power, a hallmark of democracy. When the FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatens to cancel ABC’s license over a joke, it’s more than Jimmy Kimmel’s voice at risk of being silenced. This was and remains an alarming attempt to silence all dissent. Freedom of speech needs to be protected for comics if it’s going to be protected for anyone.
In Chicago, many talented and hilarious comics can’t afford to leave day jobs that provide health insurance, so they are never able to tour and advance their careers. The ones who are able are more likely to be independently wealthy. In a survey we conducted of comics working in Chicago, nearly one-third are simply going without health insurance entirely. If they get sick or injured, they have no resources, except starting a Go Fund Me campaign to cover their expenses. This is not sustainable, nor is it the only option.
Nick Mayer hosting HACC’s sold-out launch event on May 17th at the Lincoln Lodge. Image Credit: Nkechi Chibueze
Elizabeth Grossman making a fundraising pitch at the HACC’s May 17th sold-out launch event at the Lincoln Lodge. Image Credit: Nkechi Chibueze
Say More with Mary Dixon & Patrick Smith
How Chicago is turning to collective action
The world’s problems can sometimes feel too big, so “Say More” talks with Chicagoans and listeners who are joining together to solve them.
Jun 3, 2026
The costs of healthcare, food and housing are the biggest drivers of financial anxiety in America, but many people are working together on solutions.
The new group Health Alliance for Chicago Comedians is helping people in the local comedy scene buy insurance. Meanwhile, VOLTS Chicago is one of many examples of housing co-ops in the Chicago area. VOLTS helps formerly incarcerated women become business owners.
Say More talks with people using the power of community to address big problems head on.
GUESTS: Nick Mayer, co-founder of Health Alliance for Chicago Comedians; standup comedian
LaCreshia Birts, member services, VOLTS Chicago
HAcc on fox32
Comedian Victoria Vincent performs May 17 during the Health Alliance for Chicago Comedians launch event at the Lincoln Lodge.
Barry Brecheisen/For the Sun-Times
Deanna Ortiz, a stand-up comic, needs an inhaler for her asthma, but finding affordable healthcare is a struggle.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Chicago comedians could get help buying health insurance from new fundraising alliance
May 27, 2026
By Elvia Malagon, Chicago Sun-Times
Comedy is often an overlooked art form, though Chicago is known for producing national talent. Many local comedians are struggling to afford healthcare. The newly formed Health Alliance for Chicago Comedians is trying to change that.
Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez
May 25, 2026
Patti Vasquez and guest co-host Dan Schaefer are joined in studio by Elizabeth Grossman and Nick Mayer, co-founders of Health Alliance of Chicago Comedians.
Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).
HACC Co-founder Nick Mayer talks with Guerrilla Press about bringing health insurance to comedians.
May 15, 2026
Full interview here
New Organization to Support Chicago Comedians Launches
HACC Launches as a project of Comedy Gives Back