COBRA Gets More Affordable for Eligible SAG-AFTRA New York Members

In April, SAG-AFTRA, along with the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund) and a number of entertainment industry unions and health plans, fought for and won an important victory for SAG-AFTRA members. 

Because of our joint advocacy and the support of our membership, the New York State Legislature significantly improved and expanded the COBRA subsidy available to entertainment professionals who no longer qualify for health insurance from a union health plan. 

SAG-AFTRA members who no longer have earned coverage under the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan are offered COBRA. COBRA allows Health Plan participants to continue the same coverage, usually at a higher cost. The updated N.Y. COBRA subsidy reduces the cost of COBRA by 75%. For example, the current SAG-AFTRA Health Plan COBRA premium for individuals is $985 per month. For those who are eligible, the revised COBRA subsidy would reduce that to $246.25 per month.  

To be eligible, you must: 

1. Be a resident of New York state.
2. Meet the monthly income requirements (see below).
3. Not have other employer coverage or Medicare.

Those eligible for a 75% discount on their COBRA rate:

• An individual with a monthly income below $4,530.
• A family of two with a monthly income below $6,103.
• A family of three with a monthly income below $7,677.
• A family of four with a monthly income below $9,250.

To apply, click here.

For more detailed information, and an FAQ about the subsidy, click here.

Need help sorting this out? 

If you ever need help with your health insurance, the Entertainment Community Fund provides FREE weekly health insurance webinars, as well as FREE one-on-one counseling sessions with a health benefits specialist.

Join the webinar here. 

To schedule an appointment, click here.