DGA announced on March 7, 2008, that the DGA-Producer Health Plan’s Board of Trustees has agreed to waive the payment of COBRA premiums for three months beginning on April 1, 2008 for those members whose eligibility for health care benefits was adversely affected by the recent work stoppage. Under this plan, eligible members whose earned active or carry-over coverage terminates on March 31, 2008, will receive a three-month period of premium-free COBRA coverage.
“Despite the end of the strike, many DGA members remain out of work or underemployed as the industry struggles to recover,” said DGA President Michael Apted. “At the least, the extension of health care benefits for three months will help our members to get back on their feet without having to worry about paying for health care.”
Eligibility for Premium-Free COBRA Coverage
Under the DGA-Producer Health Plans, whenever earned coverage terminates, members covered by the plan are eligible for 18 months of COBRA coverage. This coverage normally requires payment of a monthly premium to cover members and their dependents. Under this new extension, health plan participants whose coverage will terminate on March 31, 2008 and who are planning to transition to COBRA coverage on April 1, 2008 will receive three months of premium-free COBRA coverage. Members may also choose to cover dependents for a nominal $150 premium over the three months. Participants eligible for this three-month period of premium-free coverage will be notified by the Health Plan office in March.
Basic DGA-Producer Health Plans Eligibility Requirements:
- DGA members must work in DGA-covered employment and meet the minimum earnings requirement for earned coverage in order to be eligible for health care benefits.
- Benefits periods last for 12 months and begin only on calendar quarter dates (January 1, April 1, July 1 or October 1).
- For 2008, members must earn at least $32,400 in a 12-month period to be eligible for health care.
- Members currently covered under earned active or carry-over coverage that is terminating on March 31, 2008, but who are eligible for another form of coverage under the Health Plan on April 1, 2008, will not be eligible for the premium-free coverage.
The DGA and the Health Plan’s Board of Trustees have been closely examining the effects of the WGA strike on the Health Plan. As a result, the initial decision to extend three months of premium-free COBRA coverage was made. In the months ahead, the DGA and the Health Plan’s Board of Trustees will continue to monitor the effects of the WGA strike and any other potential work disruptions to determine any further actions.
If you believe that you are eligible for this coverage and have not yet received notification by the end of March please contact the Health Plan Office. To ensure that you receive all-important Health Plan communications, please make sure that the Health Plan has your current address on file. Also, you can always call the Plan office or check the Plans’ website (www.dgaplans.org) for future updates.
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