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WGA members who lose their health coverage on Oct. 1 will be given expanded coverage through the end of the year, according to the union’s tentative agreement. The extension also applies to writers who will exhaust their eligibility for COBRA benefits. WGA members will soon vote to ratify the new deal.
Union health plans have been taking a beating since the Writers Guild went on strike on May 2, followed by SAG-AFTRA on July 14, over a lack of employer contributions. The Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plans (MPIPHP), which covers West Coast locals for IATSE, Teamsters Local 399 and several other industry unions, is said to have had $150 million less in employer contributions during the strikes.
Several other health plans, including those covering DGA, SAG-AFTRA, and IATSE members, have made it easier to obtain health coverage during strikes.
Last month, the SAG-AFTRA health plan trustees unanimously agreed to extend health coverage by a calendar quarter for certain eligible participants who may lose coverage on October 1.
DGA Pension & Health Plans trustees approved a free major medical plan last month for participants who lost coverage because of the strikes. MPIPHP has also relaxed the requirements its members need to qualify for health coverage in order to assist participants and dependents affected by the strikes.
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