Animation Guild | We are 839 Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1203639
T H E L O C A L The Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plans are trust funds established by collective bargaining agreements between employers and unions in the motion picture industry. The MPI Health Plan is governed by a board of directors and offers a comprehensive suite of services including active health, dental, vision, behavioral health coverage and prescription drug benefits. Animation Guild members working at signatory studios earn hours to establish and maintain eligibility for MPI Health Plans. 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR MPI HEALTH PLAN 1 New Guild members become eligible for the MPI Health Plans once they complete 600 hours in a Qualifying Period at signatory studios. Once you have qualified for benefits, there is a two-month processing period while MPI audits your hours to confirm eligibility. For example, if you work 40 hours per week, it will take approximately 15 weeks (or roughly four months) to qualify, then an additional two months to confirm eligibility before you can expect to receive health care benefits under the plans. 2 When members become eligible for their MPI plans they can choose between three different plan options— a Preferred Plan Organization (or PPO) administered through Anthem Blue Cross and two Health Maintenance Organization (or HMO) Plans provided by Health Net and Kaiser Permanente. 16 KEYFRAME 3 If you aren't happy with the health plan you chose, you have two options. Those enrolled in an HMO can switch to the Anthem Blue Cross PPO at any time during the year. However, switching to an HMO from the PPO or between the two HMO options can only occur during the yearly three- week enrollment period, starting July 1. 4 If you are enrolled in the Anthem Blue Cross PPO plan, you MUST get your annual physical completed at an UCLA-MPTF Health Center. If you get your annual physical done by a general physician, who does not practice at one of the Health Centers, you risk having to pay out of pocket. 5 Prescription drug benefits for the Participants and their eligible Dependents are administered by Express Scripts. You have an option of filling prescriptions for maintenance drugs at participating Walgreens, Duane Reade, and Happy Harry's retail stores. This option is offered as an alternative to the standard Express Scripts mail order option. For more information about your health plan benefits and options visit mpiphp.org or call 855-275-4674.