How are Coverage Levels Decided?
Q: What coverage levels are available in the Active Plan, and how are they determined?
A: The Active Plan does not have different coverage levels. Once you meet the eligibility requirement of 140 hours in your hour bank, you receive full coverage. To maintain that coverage, you must continue accumulating hours or make a self-payment if your hour bank falls below the threshold.
One afternoon, Tom was chatting with his friend Marie, who had recently rejoined IATSE Local 891 after a break from the industry. She was curious about how her recent hours would impact her benefits and wanted to understand how the plan worked.
Tom, with his years of experience, was happy to explain. “In the Active plan, coverage doesn’t vary by levels—it’s all or nothing,” he said. “Once you’ve met the eligibility threshold, you’re fully covered. But to maintain that coverage, you need to keep your hour bank topped up.”
He explained further, “You need at least 140 hours in your hour bank to stay covered. If your hours drop below that, you’ll get a notice with the option to self-pay and top it up.”
Tom added that the system was designed with the realities of film industry work in mind—periods of intense work followed by slower seasons. “Even if there’s a break between jobs, your hour bank helps carry your benefits forward,” he said.
Marie felt reassured, knowing that her coverage wouldn’t fluctuate as long as she kept an eye on her hours. Tom was glad he could help a fellow member navigate the system—and proud to see how the plan continues to support those who make the industry thrive.