SAG-AFTRA Health Benefits

COBRA and Extended Career COBRA

If you (or your covered dependents) lose Earned Eligibility coverage, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows you to temporarily continue your health benefits by paying continuation premiums directly to the Plan. 

Depending on your earnings history and accumulated credits, you may qualify for COBRA or reduced premium Extended Career COBRA. 

COBRA

Extended Career COBRA

Extended Career COBRA Exclusions

 

COBRA 

Provides full medical, hospital, prescription drug, dental, and vision benefits at standard group rates established under federal guidelines for up to 18 months (or up to 36 months depending on the qualifying event).

(Note: Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage are not included.)

Extended Career COBRA

Provides the same coverage and benefits as COBRA but with a reduced premium of 20% of the COBRA premium for up to 12 or 18 months. This is available to long-term qualified participants. 

Extended Career COBRA Eligibility Requirements 

To qualify for Extended Career COBRA, you must satisfy both conditions listed below during your applicable four-quarter Base Earnings Period: 

Extended Career Credits 

  • 12 Credits: Applies if you earned your first credit before January 1, 2017 (eligible for up to 12 months of reduced-premium coverage). 
  • 20 Credits: Applies if you earned your first credit on or after January 1, 2017 (eligible for up to 18 months of reduced-premium coverage). 

Minimum Earnings Requirements for Extended Career COBRA

2026

$21,650

2027

$22,300

2028

$22,969

2029

$23,658

2030

$24,368

What Are Covered Earnings?

Covered Earnings are wages you earn from SAG-AFTRA-covered work for which your employer is required to make contributions to the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan. Track your earnings statement in Benefits Manager. 

For more information, please visit Covered Earnings.

How can I check my Covered Earnings and Extended Career Credits?

You can view your Covered Earnings and Extended Career Credits in Benefits Manager. If you believe earnings are missing or reported incorrectly, please contact the Health Plan immediately with paystubs and contract documentation.

 

Important COBRA Enrollment Information

1. Receive Your Notice: When your Earned Eligibility ends, the Health Plan will send you a COBRA notice detailing your options, including whether you qualify for reduced-premium Extended Career COBRA.

2. Enroll: You have 60 days to enroll, starting from the date your coverage ends or the date of your notice (whichever is later).

3. Make Your First Payment: You have 45 days after your Enrollment Period ends to pay. Your coverage will not begin until your payment is processed.

4. Make Ongoing Payments: You must pay your subsequent premiums on the first day of each calendar month (subject to a 30-day grace period).

 

Exclusions - Extended Career COBRA is not available to: 

  • Retirees (65 or older and receiving a pension from the SAG-Producers Pension Plan or the AFTRA Retirement Fund) 
  • Roster Artists and Station Staff 
  • Employees of SAG-AFTRA, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, the SAG-Producers Pension Plan, or the AFTRA Retirement Fund 
  • Individuals whose coverage was terminated due to non-payment of premiums