SAG-AFTRA

Spring 2019

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For Members 22 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2019 | sagaftra.org PATRON OF THE ARTISTS AWARDS HONOR LUMINARIES T he SAG-AFTRA Foundation's third annual Patron of the Artists Awards took place at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills on Nov. 8. The event is a major fundraiser benefitting the foundation's numerous professional and financial assistance programs for union members as well as its signature children's literacy program, Storyline Online. Actor Rachel Bloom hosted the event along with presenters Alison Brie, Tony Hale, Geoffrey Owens, Reid Scott, Henry Winkler, Michelle Yeoh, SAG-AFTRA Foundation President JoBeth Williams and Board member Jason George. Adam Lambert, Kristin Chenoweth, Arlissa and Ledisi performed throughout the ceremony. The Patron of the Artists Awards recognize industry leaders who support and nurture the careers of actors, broadcasters and recording artists. This year's award recipients were studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg and member Spike Lee, director of BlacKkKlansman. Members Harrison Ford and Lady Gaga also received the Artists Inspiration Awards, an honor given to performers who use their platforms to champion charitable causes. Ford, an advocate of wildlife preservation, was honored for his work with global nonprofit Conservation International. Lady Gaga was recognized for the work of her charity, the Born This Way Foundation, in its continued focus on the mental health and empowerment of young people. From left, honorees Jeffrey Katzenberg, Harrison Ford, Spike Lee and Lady Gaga. SAG-AFTRA FOUNDATION/MAARTEN DE BOER LIFE AFTER COBRA T he SAG-AFTRA Health Plan is one of the best health plans available, but participants must qualify and may sometimes lose eligibility. COBRA coverage may be an option for those who lose eligibility, but COBRA may not be affordable to everyone, and it will only provide coverage to participants for up to 18 months (in some cases up to 36 months). Options outside of COBRA include: Health Insurance Marketplace Under the Affordable Care Act, you have the opportunity to purchase coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov. The Marketplace allows you to shop and compare coverage, provider networks, premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs before you make a decision to enroll. In the Marketplace, you may be eligible for a tax credit that lowers your monthly premiums; eligibility depends on household income. The Marketplace can also determine if you are eligible for Medicaid or the Essential Plan. Medicaid and the Essential Plan are insurance programs that protect and assist low-income individuals and families in need. Being eligible for the plan's COBRA program does not limit your eligibility for coverage with a tax credit through the Marketplace. As with the plan's COBRA program, you have 60 days from the last day of your SAG-AFTRA Health Plan coverage to enroll for coverage in the Marketplace. SAG-AFTRA Foundation The SAG-AFTRA Foundation offers financial grants to participants or qualified legal dependents of participants who have a catastrophic illness or injury and who, due to financial need, cannot afford the Plan's COBRA program. Contact SAG-AFTRA Foundation at (323) 549-6773 for more details. The Actors Fund Certified application counselors at The Actors Fund's Artists Health Insurance Resource Center (AHIRC) can identify coverage options both on and off the Marketplace and help members enroll in them. AHIRC offers weekly seminars on Affordable Care Act plans, Medicaid and Medicare. AHIRC's website includes educational materials and an extensive database of health care and insurance resources. For information and questions about health care options, call (888) 825- 0911 west of the Mississippi or (917) 281- 5975 if you are east of the Mississippi. Other Group Health Coverage You may qualify for a special enrollment opportunity for another group health plan for which you are eligible, such as a spouse's plan, even if the plan generally does not accept late enrollees. You must request enrollment within 30 days after your Earned Eligibility coverage with the plan ends. The best way to find information about what to do when you lose eligibility with the plan is to call (800) 777-4013 or go to sagaftraplans.org/health.

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