Former Skid Row Singer Johnny Solinger Dead at 55

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Johnny Solinger, the former Skid Row singer who served 15 years as the vocalist for the metal act, has died at the age of 55.

In May, Solinger revealed he had spent the past month in a hospital due to liver failure. “It is with a heavy heart I must let everyone know what’s going on with me and my health. I have been hospitalised for over the last month,” he wrote on Facebook May 8th.

“I have been diagnosed with liver failure. And prognosis is not so good. As with most musicians I do not have health insurance and it’s very difficult to get proper care without it.”

On Saturday, his former band mates announced that Solinger had died. “We are saddened to hear the news of our brother Johnny Solinger,” the band wrote on social media. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans. Godspeed Singo. Say hello to Scrappy for us.” (Scrappy was the nickname of Solinger’s grandfather, with the singer naming his 2014 country debut Scrappy Smith as tribute.)

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/former-skid-row-singer-johnny-153622874.html

[Demovictory9]

1. sad that even well known musicians go without health insurance

[ProfessorGAC]

3. I Would Think He Could Get A Personal Policy

After my COBRA ran out, I have one until I hit Medicare. That & COBRA would be solo health coverage, completely disconnected from any current employment. And, since I'm older than him, his premiums would be somewhat lower.
With his statement, I'm thinking he didn't consider his options all that well.
Sad that he's gone, but he could have had coverage.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

4. I wonder how much he actually made in the band

He was a hired replacement. Probably was paid a salary in the band, and certainly wouldn't make anything off their hits from the 80s. It looks like he only had one songwriting credit with them.

[ProfessorGAC]

7. That Could Be A Problem

But, I'm 64 and paying around $16k per year.
Yeah, that's a lot but if one's income is much lower, they'd qualify under ACA for something much cheaper.
I'm agreeing with you on income, but I'd be shocked his income couldn't afford something beneficial.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

8. Depends what he spent it on

Sadly a lot of older musicians don't necessarily have a lot of money, after spending on their lifestyle. Nice things, but no cash on hand. And with a year of not being able to tour, no way to make money.

[ProfessorGAC]

9. Well, There Is That

Live fast, die young...

[Lithos]

2. There are groups trying to help

https://www.myhaam.org/

Not sure about other cities, but this can't be the only one.

Note: Actors and other "gig" workers also have the same issue.

[USALiberal]

6. Is it Obamacare open for everyone? Nt

[Lithos]

10. Yes

However, if you make a certain amount of money - you still have to pay for the plan. Also, not all Plans provide full coverage of benefits. HAAM is more of a free broker of information to help musicians get connected to an ACA plan, help find other medical services such as Dental, Vision, and Mental Health which also are not typically covered. And they also have some small financial assistance they can give to musicians who just need a hand.

The ACA only goes so far which is why it needs to be expanded.

L-

[USALiberal]

11. Thanks! Nt

[USALiberal]

5. Couldn't he have got Obamacare? Nt