Qualifying for Coverage

Guild membership does not ensure Health Plan participation.

Minimum Earnings Threshold*

In order to become eligible for Earned Coverage under the Health Plan, you must perform work in a DGA-covered job category and meet the minimum earnings threshold as follows:

*Important Information: First, not all earnings are reportable to the Health Plan. Certain Collective Bargaining Agreements limit reportable earnings and residuals to an amount different from your actual earnings and residuals. Refer to the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement that governs your project type and job category to verify the accuracy of earnings and residuals reported on your behalf. Second, contributions must be paid to the Health Plan by your Employer on your DGA-covered earnings or reportable residuals  to become eligible for coverage.

For earnings periods beginning in 2023, the minimum earnings threshold is periodically reviewed by the Board of Trustees. You should always contact the Health Plan or check the Plans’ website for the current minimum earnings threshold.

For detailed information about qualifying for health coverage, please refer to the Eligibility section of the March 2020 Health Plan Summary Plan Description beginning on page 5.

If you fail to meet the minimum earnings threshold and do not qualify for Earned Coverage,  you may have additional options available to you through the Health Plan or outside healthcare resources.

Earning Periods

An earning period is the 12 months during which the Health Plan receives contributions on your behalf on covered earnings equal to or greater than the current applicable minimum earnings threshold.

Earning periods begin on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1.

Your initial earning period will be the first four-quarter period in which you meet the minimum earnings threshold. This will remain your applicable earning period for as long as you qualify for earned coverage, without a break.

Please see the chart below for a detailed illustration of earning periods and their corresponding benefit periods.

Benefit Periods

A benefit period is the 12-month period during which you are eligible for coverage under the Health Plan.

Benefit periods begin January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1.

Due to the time needed to receive and process contributions on your behalf, there is a mandatory three-month (one calendar quarter) waiting period between the end of the earning period in which you qualify for earned coverage and the beginning of your corresponding benefit period. Once your coverage begins, it remains in effect for one benefit period.