A coalition of 23 arts groups has weighed in on the health-care debate, calling on Congress to pass legislation that creates a public insurance plan and ensures that people can get affordable health coverage without being denied because of pre-existing conditions.

“Many in the cultural workforce work independently or operate in nontraditional employment relationships, leaving them locked out of group health-care coverage options,” the groups said in a statement.

They said measures were also needed to reduce “the skyrocketing health-insurance costs” that are eating up the budgets of nonprofit arts organizations.

“Millions of cultural workers stand ready to assist our leaders with solutions that protect all Americans and its creative sector with guaranteed universal insurance coverage deserving of the wealthiest nation in the world,” they said.

The statement was signed by groups including Americans for the Arts, Grantmakers in the Arts, the National Dance Association, and the Theatre Communications Group.