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In the 2020 negotiations, the contributing employers and the union agreed to a new benefit for writers – Paid Parental Leave (PPL). The Paid Parental Leave benefit is available to Participants whose children are born, adopted, fostered, or placed with them for adoption on or after May 2, 2021; and who are eligible for Writers Guild health insurance at the time of birth, adoption, fostering, or placement for adoption. CLICK HERE to learn more.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) contains an important provision which, under certain circumstances, provides that eligible individuals will not have to pay for COBRA during April 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021. To learn more about this, click HERE.

SaveOnSP

The PWGA Health Plan spends almost 50% of its resources on approximately 25 specialty drugs. One of these drugs costs $45,000 per dose. Fortunately, we have found a way to lower our costs, and if you use one of these covered specialty drugs, we have lowered your cost, too – down to $0

To find out more, click HERE.

Good News About COVID Vaccines

You are Covered 100%!

As soon as COVID vaccines become available, the Health Plan will cover 100% of the cost, as well as any attendant costs for an office visit, a health professional to deliver the vaccine, or any other related charge. You can see the details HERE.

Some distributors such as pharmacies or clinics may charge an upfront fee – most will not. Simply provide a copy of the receipt to the Health Plan and you will be reimbursed in full. You can get a reimbursement form HERE.

We will provide educational updates to you as more is known about COVID-19 as well as vaccine availability.

To all our Participants. During these difficult times, the Board has passed numerous enhancements to make sure all Participants have access to COVID testing. The Department of Labor has recently added even more protections. Please be aware that the following COVID-related services are covered:

There is no Participant cost share for in-network or out-of-network serological testing, including traditional and non-traditional settings.

There is no Participant cost share for in-network or out-of-network related services, including x-rays, when the end result of the office visit is the administration of a COVID-19 diagnostic test.

ADDRESSES TO USE WHEN SENDING EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION PAYMENTS

If you are an employer and need to make a contribution, click HERE for banking information.

ADDRESSES TO USE WHEN SENDING COBRA

OR

DEPENDENT PREMIUM PAYMENTS

If you are a Participant and need to make a Dependent Premium payment or a COBRA payment, either by mail or electronically, please click HERE for more information.

VIDEO-BASED OFFICE VISITS

 

Due to the fear of transmitting COVID-19, many therapists and doctors are insisting that they meet with their patients via Skype or other electronic means. Doing so may reduce the risk of transmitting the virus, both to patient and doctor, but until today, the Health Plan did not reimburse online visits unless the visit was in-network and conducted through LiveHealth Online.

 

This morning, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to temporarily allow for reimbursement of doctor, therapist, and other licensed provider visits (both in-network and out-of-network) when the visit occurs electronically via Skype or other similar method, and at the same rate as an in-person visit, subject to normal Plan rules. Participants will be notified when the temporary program ends. LiveHealth Online and LiveHealth Online Psychology continue to be allowed as before.

 

For important details about this benefits change, click HERE.

 

 

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

 

 

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is here, and the Health Plan is here to help. If you or a dependent need to get screened or tested for COVID-19, the Health Plan will cover 100% of your cost-sharing (including deductible and co-insurance) for both in-network and out-of-network tests and screening. Please note that treatment of COVID-19 illnesses will be covered under Plan Rules as usual with cost-sharing in effect. For more details about this waiver, click HERE.