Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/831681
Spring 2017 The Costume Designer 11 Dear Members, Healthcare is one of the hot points in government today as our President tries to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. It is a sad day when the old and poor are the ones who are suffering the greatest from the proposed changes. Fortunately for qualifying members of the Guild, we have one of the best healthcare programs around. Although we have had to endure some cuts and an increase in qualifying hours in the recent past years, we still are able to enjoy excellent care at minimal cost. The main issue for many members is getting the qualifying hours. This is why it is so important for you to report nonunion work. The IA has a very high rate of turning nonunion projects to a union contract that guarantees health and pension hours. In order to effectively unionize projects, we need to know about them as early in the game as possible. Send your crew list or call sheet to the office early in the process. When union reps show up at your location, it is your obligation to support their efforts to unionize. Not every project will be able to be turned, but it is always worth the effort. Commercials, music videos, game shows, and reality shows are all in our scope. No project is too small to consider. Here are a few helpful hints about utilizing the MPI health plans. 1. Start the process at one of the many UCLA clinics (formerly MPTF clinics). 2. Get a referral before visiting a specialist. Any doctor at the clinic can help you with this. 3. Keep track of your hours and save your pay stubs as proof of work. 4. Apply for authorization for any procedures or hospitalization. 5. Sign up for the myuclahealth.org portal to keep track of your records, appointments, referrals, payments, and to contact your doctor with questions. I hope all of you will enjoy perfect health but when you don't, rest assured that you have a plan in place. In solidarity, Rachael Stanley rstanley@cdgia.com EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UNION LABEL May 29 CDG Office closed for Memorial Day June 5 Executive Board Meeting June 6 Locals 892/705 Mixer at CDG Building June 24 General Membership Meeting July 4 CDG Office closed for Independence Day July 8 Movie Night at the CDG: An American in Paris July 16 District 2 Convention July 17-21 IATSE Quadrennial Convention July 30 Blood Drive at Local 80 August 7 Executive Board Meeting CALENDAR