Insuring the Industry Community

The Actors Fund and The Motion Picture & Television Fund unveiled a joint program on Jan. 9 called Entertainment Health Insurance Solutions (EHIS) that will offer health insurance counseling to California-based entertainment and performing arts professionals. While both organizations share deep-rooted histories working to support the industry community through social service programs, this newest development marks the first direct collaboration between them. 
 
EHIS identifies coverage options and helps members of the entertainment community enroll in them. The robust partnership forged by two such well-established organizations offers unique advantages, such as a greater number of locations and easier accessibility for those in need. Health insurance specialists will be assigned to two The Actors Fund locations, SAG-AFTRA Plaza, the IATSE Local 80 in Burbank, and two Motion Picture & Television Fund locations in Woodland Hills and Burbank. At these locations, EHIS will provide industry professionals with comprehensive, unbiased, one-on-one health insurance counseling, enrollment, and referrals for industry members and their families. 

The EHIS website lists the following services offered through the program:
• Consultations in person and/or by phone.
• Competitive health insurance options and enrollment assistance in medical, dental, vision and travel health insurance plans.
• Group, individual, family and senior options.
• Alternatives to COBRA.
• Enrollment in Medi-Cal, Covered California plans, Child Health Insurance Program, Medicare and Medicare products.
• Educational seminars on insurance options, including Affordable Care Act plans, Medi-Cal and Medicare.
• Community outreach through participation in health fairs, conferences and other local events.
• Advocacy for legislative changes that will make insurance more user-friendly and affordable.
• Information and practical tips from The Actors Fund’s monthly Health Insurance HQ and its online educational resources and materials.

MPTF President and CEO Bob Beitcher shared his excitement in a statement, saying, “MPTF is delighted to collaborate with The Actors Fund on what is quickly becoming a growing need in our industry.” He explained, “Both organizations recognize that working in entertainment is a freelancer’s business and now, more than ever, it matters that we provide safety nets to take care of our entire community in times of hardship.”

Joe Benincasa, The Actors Fund’s president and CEO reiterated the sentiment, stating, “The Actors Fund is proud to partner with MPTF in helping people find insurance plans that work for them.” Of the community, Benincasa said, “While no one is more resilient than the people in our industry, there’s no denying it’s a tough business. This collaboration will build on our services that ensure our community has the resources and support they need to proactively manage their lives and mitigate crisis.”

To learn more, visit ehisca.com or call (833) 777-EHIS (3447).