Paul Sanchez
SAG-AFTRA offers its members a range of insurance options, including health, life, and home insurance. The eligibility criteria for these plans vary, with only 12.7% of members qualifying for the union's health plan. The cost of insurance also differs, ranging from $125 to $2501 per month, depending on factors such as occupation and earnings. Those who do not meet the eligibility requirements or find the insurance unaffordable can explore alternative options like Mira, which offers similar coverage at a lower cost of $45 per month. Additionally, members can access state-based insurance programs like Medicaid or Medi-Cal, which provide comprehensive coverage at little to no cost. SAG-AFTRA has also partnered with Marsh U.S. Consumer to create a Health Mart website, offering members access to competitive healthcare options from major insurers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| SAG-AFTRA Health Insurance Eligibility | Earned Eligibility requirements must be met. Eligibility varies depending on occupation and earnings. |
| SAG-AFTRA Health Insurance Coverage | Medical, surgical, mental health, life, AD&D insurance, maternity care, hearing aids, therapy, dental and vision services. |
| SAG-AFTRA Health Insurance Cost | $125-$250 per month, or up to $2501 following unemployment. |
| State Penalties for Being Uninsured | California, New Jersey, and a few other states impose penalties. |
| Alternatives to SAG-AFTRA Health Insurance | Medicaid, Medi-Cal, Mira ($45/month), Rx Outreach (non-profit pharmacy), SEIU Union health insurance. |
| Additional Insurance Offered by SAG-AFTRA Federal Credit Union | Term life insurance, debt protection, mechanical breakdown protection, GAP Advantage (vehicle theft/loss protection). |
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What You'll Learn
SAG-AFTRA Health Insurance eligibility requirements
The SAG-AFTRA Health Plan provides a comprehensive package of healthcare benefits to participants and their eligible dependents. To qualify, participants must meet eligibility requirements and pay the applicable premium.
Earned active eligibility for health coverage under the Plan is established through employment with producers who have signed Collective Bargaining Agreements with SAG-AFTRA. A notice of qualification is sent once eligibility is achieved, and coverage is extended upon receipt of the appropriate premium payment. To maintain coverage, participants must continue to meet the minimum earnings or days worked requirements during their designated base earnings period and keep up with premium payments.
There are specific rules for retirees, including Senior Performers, taking a pension from the SAG-Producers Pension Plan or the AFTRA Retirement Fund. These individuals may qualify for Earned Eligibility under separate rules. Beginning in 2021, retirees are transitioned to a calendar-year Benefit Period to align with Medicare's annual calendar.
The minimum requirements for Earned Eligibility include meeting an Eligibility Threshold in earnings and days worked during a 12-month Base Earnings Period. Currently, the threshold is $26,470 in Covered Earnings and 102 days worked under specified contracts.
There is also an alternate eligibility rule for individuals with insufficient royalty earnings from the current and preceding six-month reporting periods. Under this rule, individuals can enrol in Plan II coverage for one year if they pay the premium and the label makes the required annual special payment.
It is important to note that SAG-AFTRA members have access to additional insurance options beyond the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan. These options include health, life, home, and supplemental insurance products through partnerships with Marsh U.S. Consumer and Aflac. Additionally, performers can explore state-based insurance programs such as Medicaid or Medi-Cal, which offer year-round open enrollment and comprehensive coverage at little to no cost.
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State-based insurance programs
SAG-AFTRA members and franchised agents have access to new options for health, life, and home insurance. This includes a partnership with Marsh U.S. Consumer, which has led to the creation of a "Health Mart" website, where members can access competitive healthcare options. Additionally, SAG-AFTRA's agreement with Marsh provides insurance opportunities in areas such as health, Medicare supplement, dental, home, auto, life, and long-term care.
One state-based insurance program available in multiple states is Medicaid. Medicaid helps save money on health insurance and covers hospitalization, lab work, office visits, medication, surgery, and more, without monthly premiums and deductibles. Co-pays are typically low ($1 to $3) and generally apply only to medications. Eligibility is based on income, with coverage typically lasting for 12 months.
Another state-based program is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which is a national program that provides one-on-one assistance, counseling, and education to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. SHIP helps individuals make informed decisions about their care and benefits and supports those with limited incomes or disabilities.
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Health Mart website
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is a union that represents media professionals, including those working in new media. One of the benefits that SAG-AFTRA offers its members is access to health insurance plans.
When it comes to new media, SAG-AFTRA has specific eligibility requirements for health insurance coverage. According to the union's website, "All members who have worked and earned a certain amount of income under a SAG-AFTRA New Media agreement are eligible for SAG-AFTRA Health Plan coverage." The union also mentions that "Producers of New Media content who sign a SAG-AFTRA New Media agreement are required to make contributions to the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan and Pension Plan on behalf of performers employed in their New Media productions."
This indicates that SAG-AFTRA does check insurance coverage for new media projects and ensures that both producers and performers are meeting their respective requirements. The union likely has mechanisms in place to verify insurance status and facilitate the necessary contributions to health plans.
The SAG-AFTRA Health Mart website is a resource specifically designed to help members navigate their health insurance options and find the best plans for their needs. The website offers a comprehensive overview of the different types of health plans available, including the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan and the AFTRA Retirement Health Plan. It also provides tools and resources to help members understand their eligibility, compare plans, and enroll in the coverage that best suits their individual circumstances.
The Health Mart website is user-friendly and intuitive, with a step-by-step guide to help members through the process. It provides clear instructions on how to enroll, including important dates and deadlines, as well as links to the necessary forms and documentation. The website also features a helpful FAQ section that addresses common questions and concerns that members may have about their health coverage.
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SAG-AFTRA Health Insurance alternatives
SAG-AFTRA Health Insurance is a comprehensive plan that covers medical, surgical, mental health, and dental and vision services. The cost to members is between $125 and $250 per month, or up to $2501 following unemployment. Qualifying for this plan involves meeting certain eligibility criteria, including $26,470 in covered earnings and 102 days of work per calendar year.
Despite the comprehensive coverage, the plan has its drawbacks, including complex eligibility criteria and high costs, which may limit its accessibility. As such, there are several alternatives to the SAG-AFTRA Health Insurance plan. Here are some options to consider:
State-Based Insurance Programs
Depending on your state, you may have access to low-cost or no-cost health insurance programs such as Medicaid or Medi-Cal (in California). These programs provide coverage for hospitalization, lab work, office visits, medication, surgery, and many other benefits without monthly premiums or deductibles. Co-pays are typically low ($1 to $3) and apply mainly to medications. Eligibility is based on family size and income level, and you can receive coverage for 12 months, helping to prevent medical debt.
Via Benefits Medicare Marketplace
If you are under 65, you can explore different health insurance options through the Via Benefits private insurance marketplace. You can connect with a personal Via Benefits advisor to compare the benefits of the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan with other available options.
COBRA
Participants who lose eligibility for their current plan coverage may be interested in COBRA, which offers $0 cost plans starting April 1, 2021.
Mira Health
Mira Health offers an alternative to traditional insurance, with plans starting at $45 per month.
SEIU Union Health Insurance
SEIU Union health insurance costs range from $149 to $254 for an individual and $482 to $650 for a family of three. The plan covers medical, vision, dental, accident, and other services. To become a member of SEIU and access its health plan, you must be employed in a job or industry represented by SEIU in your region.
Rx Outreach
If your co-pays or medications are expensive, Rx Outreach is a non-profit pharmacy that may be able to help. If you meet the income eligibility requirements, you can obtain a 90-day supply of many medications for just $20.
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SAG-AFTRA Federal Credit Union insurance options
The SAG-AFTRA Federal Credit Union (SAFCU) is not an insurance company and does not own or operate any insurance agencies. However, it does provide its members with access to various insurance options through select outside third-party vendors. These insurance products are intended to meet the financial needs of its members.
Health Insurance
SAG-AFTRA members have access to a variety of health insurance options. In partnership with Marsh U.S. Consumer, a user-friendly "Health Mart" website was created, allowing members to explore competitive health care alternatives from top-rated insurance companies.
Medicare Supplement Insurance
Through its agreement with Marsh, SAG-AFTRA offers its members access to Medicare supplement insurance options.
Life Insurance
SAG-AFTRA Federal Credit Union provides Term Life Insurance options. This type of insurance helps protect your family financially in the event of your death, cancelling the remaining loan balance up to a maximum of $75,000.
Home Insurance
SAG-AFTRA members can access home insurance options through the Credit Union's partnership with Marsh U.S. Consumer.
Auto Insurance
While not specifically mentioned as an offering on the SAG-AFTRA Federal Credit Union website, auto insurance is often a standard product offered by financial institutions. The Credit Union does offer low-rate auto loans, indicating a potential connection to auto insurance options as well.
GAP Advantage
This insurance coverage is specifically mentioned in relation to auto loans. In the event of theft or total loss of your vehicle, GAP Advantage provides additional financial protection. It pays the difference between the value of your vehicle and its unpaid loan balance, giving you a financial head start when purchasing or leasing a replacement vehicle.
It's important to note that the SAG-AFTRA Federal Credit Union acts as a facilitator, bringing its members together with insurance providers to meet their specific needs. The Credit Union itself is not responsible for the performance or adequacy of these insurance products.
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Frequently asked questions
SAG-AFTRA Health Insurance is a plan that covers a wide range of services, including medical, surgical, and mental health, life and AD&D insurance, maternity care, hearing aids, therapy, and dental and vision services.
Eligibility varies depending on occupation, with criteria relating to the performance of work under specific contracts or earnings through a contributing employer during a set period.
The cost to the member monthly varies between $125 and $250, or up to $2501 following unemployment.
The federal penalty for not having insurance was discontinued in 2019. However, residents of California, New Jersey, and a few other states are subject to a state penalty for being uninsured.
