Changes to Minimum Earnings Requirements and Premiums

Beginning January 1, 2027, the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan's minimum earnings requirements and premiums will change, as adopted by the Board of Trustees on August 27, 2026.

Earned Eligibility

2027

$28,933

2029

$30,695

2030

$31,616

Note: The Eligibility Days requirement for Alternative Days eligibility remains at 108 days and will be periodically evaluated by the Trustees.

 

Earned Eligibility Premiums

Participant Only

$390 per quarter

Participant + one Dependent

$549 per quarter

Participant + two or more Dependents

$780 per quarter

Note: You will receive a new statement, and you can also review and pay your premiums at any time on Benefits Manager under the “Pay Premiums” tab.  

 

Extended Career COBRA 

Participants who lose their Earned Eligibility can temporarily maintain health coverage at a reduced rate, for up to 12 or 18 months, provided they have a minimum of 12 or 20 Extended Career Credits and met the required minimum earnings during their Base Earnings Period.

For more information, visit COBRA.

Extended Career COBRA

2027

$22,300

2028

$22,969

2029

$23,658

2030

$24,368

 

More Information 

Please read the Frequently Asked Questions for additional details. You can also read the Summary of Material Modifications. If you still have additional questions, please contact the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan at (800) 777-4013.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Minimum Earnings Requirements

When do the new minimum earnings requirements take effect?

The new minimum earnings requirements apply to Benefit Periods beginning on or after January 1, 2027.

Can the minimum earnings requirements change in the future?

The Board of Trustees reserves the right to make future changes to the minimum earnings requirements. Participants will be notified of any changes.

How can I find out whether I meet the minimum earnings requirement?

You can review your reported Covered Earnings and eligibility status on Benefits Manager or contact the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan for assistance at (800) 777-4013.

What are Alternative Days?

Participants can also qualify for Earned Eligibility by working at least 108 Eligibility Days. Eligibility Days are determined by dividing your total applicable sessional Covered Earnings by the SAG-AFTRA minimum daily rate for the covered Collective Bargaining Agreement.

You can review your Covered Earnings and eligibility status on Benefits Manager or contact the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan for assistance at (800) 777-4013.

What happens if I do not meet the new minimum earnings requirement for 2027?

If you do not meet the minimum earnings requirement (or the Alternative Days requirement),  your coverage will end when your current Benefit Period expires. You will receive a notice outlining your options.

For more information, visit COBRA.

 

Earned Eligibility Premiums

When do the new premiums take effect?

The new premiums apply to coverage starting January 1, 2027. 

How will I know when my premiums changes?

You will receive a new billing statement, and you can also review and pay your premiums at any time on Benefits Manager under the “Pay Premiums” tab.

Do I need to do anything because of these changes?

You can review your premiums in Benefits Manager under the "Pay Premiums" tab. 

  • Automatic Payments: If you're enrolled in Automatic Payments, your payment amount will update automatically when the new premiums take effect. No action is required. 
  • One-Time Payments: If you make one-time payments, simply pay the amount shown on your statement or in Benefits Manager. 
  • Prepaid Premiums: If you prepaid premiums for quarters beginning on or after January 1, 2027, your account will be updated to reflect the new premiums. Any remaining balance will appear in Benefits Manager and on your statement, along with the payment due date. 

What if my 12-month Benefit Period starts before January 1, 2027, but continues into 2027?

  • For quarters beginning before January 1, 2027, your billing statement will reflect the current premium amounts.
  • For quarters beginning on or after January 1, 2027, your billing statement will reflect the new premium amounts.

Your billing statement and Benefits Manager account will show the applicable premium amount and payment due date for each quarter.