For too long, our society has allowed religious groups and Puritanical ideas to adversely effect the serious health issues and well being of a specific class of our society. Artists are an important block of our society and culture. In their interests, and in the interests of our society, it is imperative that the Department of Health and Human Services Mandate that insurance companies provide this marginalized group with the important drugs that they need, and free of charge. Cocaine, marijuana, alcohol, and nicotine are vital to the livelihood of this group. In our economic recession, it is almost impossible for these people to afford the drugs that they so desperately need. Right now, the cost of an eight ball is more than $200 in New York City. A typical, productive artist can go through almost a gram of blow a day. This $800-$1000 is just too much for the average artist to afford. Likewise, the cost of cigarettes has nearly tripled over the last two years. Right now, a pack of cigarettes in Times Square runs almost $15! And don't get me started on the cost of a dime bag, which is often skunk weed, or the fact that even a crappy domestic beer can be over $6 in a Sunset Strip bar or Manhattan club! Moderately successful artists can often incur costs of well over $3000 a month. These costs MUST be paid for by the government and provided FREE to artists. We can not let the Right Wing and religious organizations stand in the way of what is right. This is a health issue that can not be ignored. Please sign the pledge!