An Important Message from SAG-AFTRA and the AFL-CIO

Dear Member,

This has been a very difficult time for many of us. As you know, the union is working to bring options to our senior union members and have important news to share with you.

Today, we are pleased to inform you that as of July, the AFL-CIO Mutual Benefit Fund will provide two comprehensive health plan options to all Medicare-eligible SAG-AFTRA members [and their spouses] through Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. These are group Medicare Advantage plans and include Prescription Drug coverage.

And, even more exciting, SAG-AFTRA has confirmed that members who qualify for Senior Performer benefits under the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) Plan will qualify for HRA allocations if they enroll in one of these new Medicare Advantage plans.

These two Medicare Advantage plans are group benefits, which can be a savings to you over individual plans, and are part of Anthem’s PPO, meaning you have access to a broader network of doctors, and coverage is available in all 50 states, US Territories, and emergency/urgent care while travelling abroad. In addition, for those in Southern California, plan subscribers will have access to UCLA/MPTF Health Centers and The Industry Health Network.  

There are two tiers available for this member benefit: the Medicare Advantage Premier PPO (available for a monthly premium of $198.90 with no annual deductible and full pharmacy gap coverage) and the Medicare Advantage Value PPO (available for a monthly premium of $99.30 with an annual deductible of $250 and generic pharmacy gap coverage).

Additional value for Medicare-eligible members:

• As group plans, there are enhanced benefits compared to individual Medicare plans.
• No copay for some medical services, such as routine annual physicals and preventive care.
• Brand-name prescription drug benefits and “donut hole” gap coverage.
• Broader pharmacy formulary list for your needed prescriptions.
• Nationwide access to providers and care, with the same benefits in or out of network without penalty.
• A simplified enrollment experience and purposefully designed programs for older adults.
• Additional value-added programs and services, including telehealth, SilverSneakers® fitness benefit, hearing, vision and more.  

For a benefit comparison of the two new Anthem AFL-CIO Medicare Advantage Group Plans, please click here. For information on signing up for one of these plans in early July, Medicare-eligible SAG-AFTRA members are asked to contact Entertainment Health Insurance Solutions or Artists Health Insurance Resource Center. At each website is a short form to fill out and you will be contacted by a representative.

Strength in unity,

Gabrielle Carteris
SAG-AFTRA President

Richard Trumka
AFL-CIO President

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is an LPPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross and Shield depends on contract renewal.