Pension and Health Plans' News

January 2012

In Memoriam: John Rich

John RichOn January 29, 2012, legendary director and seven-time DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans Chair, John Rich, passed away. Mr. Rich was a founding member of the DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans and served on the Plans’ Board from its inception.

In addition to his years of dedication and service to the Pension and Health Plans, Mr. Rich was active in leadership at the DGA, serving several terms as Vice President, and the DGA Board for 50 years. Since 2005, Mr. Rich was also the chair of the Directors Guild Foundation, the DGA’s philanthropic arm.

In a career that spanned five decades, Mr. Rich made his mark as one of the preeminent directors in the history of television, directing episodes of such series as Gunsmoke, The Twilight Zone, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Jeffersons, Murphy Brown and the landmark series All in the Family. Mr. Rich directed 81 episodes of All in the Family and produced several others, winning numerous awards, including two Emmys and a DGA award.

The Trustees and staff of the DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans will truly miss Mr. Rich and the dedication, wit, and wisdom that were his trademarks during his 50-plus years of service to this organization.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Rich’s wife Pat and his family. We join all of those who knew and respected him in remembering this extraordinary man and all that he accomplished.

January 2012

MPTF Long-Term Care Facility Will Remain Open and Admit New Residents

The Motion Picture and Television Fund announced that it would begin admitting new residents to its long-term care facilty in Woodland Hills.

Press Release on MPTF Web Site

December 2011

Winter 2011 Newsletter Available Now

The Winter 2011 issue of the Pension and Health Plans' newsletter, Spotlight on Benefits, is now in the mail to all participants.

November 2011

In Memoriam: Gil Cates

Gil CatesLegendary producer, director and DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans Trustee, Gil Cates, passed away on October 31, 2011.  Mr. Cates, who served on the Plans’ Finance Committee, joined the DGA-PPHP’s Board of Trustees in 1999.

In addition to his years of service to the DGA-PPHP, Mr. Cates was active in leadership at the Directors Guild of America, serving as DGA President from 1983-1987 and Secretary-Treasurer from 1997 to 2011. 

Mr. Cates chaired the DGA’s Negotiating Committee for contract negotiations in 2002, 2005, 2008 and, most recently, in 2011, when he led efforts to negotiate an increase in the Health Plan’s contributions rate as well as several other changes that are helping to ensure the long-term stability of the retirement and health benefits available to DGA members.

“For 30 years, Gil's strong leadership, foresight, love for the Guild, the industry and sense of the future, set the path for hundreds of thousands of people.  He was one of the most important figures in our industry.  Gil was my close friend and my partner as we sat side by side in many negotiations.  I will miss him immensely.  My thoughts are with his wife Judy, his family and the many people who were so fortunate to have him in their lives, and I count myself among them,” said Jay D. Roth, Chair of the DGA-PPHP’s Board of Trustees.

In addition to his years of service to the Pension and Health Plans and the Directors Guild of America, Mr. Cates was the founder and producing director of the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood and the founding dean of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television.

December 2011

2012 Health Plan Minimum Earnings Thresholds Announced

The minimum earnings thresholds to qualify for earned coverage have been established for four-quarter earnings periods beginning January 1, 2012 as follows:

Since this change applies to earnings periods beginning on January 1, 2012, the first benefit period that will be affected is April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014.

For more information regarding this change, please refer to the Winter 2011 issue of Spotlight on Benefits.

November 2011

MPTF to Close North Valley Health Center

On December 31, 2011, the Motion Picture & Television Fund will be closing its North Valley Health Center in Mission Hills due to underutilization.

Dr. Eugene Pallicia will continue his practice of Internal Medicine and Primary Care at the MPTF’s Santa Clarita Health Center. If you were a patient of Dr. Pallicia, you do not need to transfer your medical records since all of the MPTF health centers access medical records electronically. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Palliccia after December, call (661) 284-3100.

If the Santa Clarita Health Center is not a convenient option for you, please contact MPTF’s customer service department at (800) 876-8320 to receive assistance with selecting an alternative provider at one of their six other local health centers.

You can find additional information regarding MPTF benefits, including links to their website, on the MPTF page.

October 2011

Fall 2011 Newsletter Available Now -
Includes Mental Health Parity Plan Changes

The Fall 2011 issue of the Pension and Health Plans' newsletter, Spotlight on Benefits, is now in the mail to all participants.

This issue includes details about the upcoming changes to Mental Health and Chemical Dependency benefits that go into effect January 1, 2011.

July 2011

Summer 2011 Newsletter Available Now

The Summer 2011 issue of the Pension and Health Plans' newsletter, Spotlight on Benefits, is now in the mail to all participants.

In addition, the exclusive online content referenced in this issue can be found on the new Director's Cut page.

June 2011

Health Plan Update: Hearing Aid Coverage

After determining that hearing aids are not considered a Wellness Benefit under the Affordable Care Act, the Board of Trustees amended the Health Plan to remove hearing aids from the Wellness Benefit program and to reinstate the $1,500 annual cap for hearing aids, effective June 24, 2011. The annual cap is applied per person.

If you have any questions regarding hearing aid coverage, contact the Participant Services Department at (323) 866-2200, ext. 401 or toll-free at (877) 866-2200, ext. 401.

May 2011

Spring 2011 Newsletter Available Now

The Spring 2011 issue of the Pension and Health Plans' newsletter, Spotlight on Benefits, is now in the mail to all participants.

In addition, the exclusive online content referenced in this issue can be found on the new Director's Cut page.

April 2011

MPTF Announces Closure of Two Health Center Pharmacies

The Motion Picture and Television Fund (MPTF) announced that their pharmacies at Bob Hope Health Center and Toluca Lake Health Center will be closing at the end of business day April 29, 2011. The Woodland Hills Pharmacy on the MPTF campus will remain open and pharmacists there will be available to consult with physicians at all of the MPTF health centers.

If you are currently filling prescriptions at either of these pharmacies, you have the following choices for transferring your prescriptions:

For Long-Term Maintenance Medications

For Short-Term Medications

Participants may continue to fill prescriptions at the Bob Hope Health Center and Toluca Lake Heath Center pharmacies until April 29.

If you have any questions about transferring your prescriptions, please contact the Participant Services Department at (323) 866-2200, Extension 401 or toll-free at (877) 866-2200, Extension 401.

December 2010

Latest Newsletter Available

The latest edition of Spotlight on Benefits is now available. This issue includes important information about the future of the Health Plan, including the expected benefits of the DGA's tentative agreement and the upcoming changes to the Health Plan mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, including a restructured dependent premium.

December 2010

Enrolling Your Adult Dependent Child

As required by PPACA, effective January 1, 2011, participants can cover their child up to age 26,unless he or she is eligible for an employer-sponsored health plan other than a group health plan of a parent.
For more information and for instructions on enrolling your adult dependent child under your coverage, please refer to the Enrolling Your Adult Dependent Child form.

For a detailed description of all the PPACA-mandated Health Plan changes, please refer to the Winter 2010 issue of Spotlight on Benefits.

March 2010

The Pension Plan Stays Green

In 2006, Congress passed a law, the Pension Protection Act (PPA), that established a new set of rules for examining the health of defined benefit pension plans like the DGA-Producer Basic Pension Plan.

PPA requires that defined benefit plans be examined on an annual basis and be placed in one of three categories:

Pension plans that are categorized as yellow or red must take corrective action to address their deficiencies. Plans that are in the green zone are considered healthy and do not need to make any changes.

We are pleased to report that, for 2010, the Basic Pension Plan maintained its green zone status. In fact, the Basic Plan has been categorized in the green zone in every year since the PPA rules went into effect.

The PPA rules are just one of the measures that the Pension Plans' Board of Trustees uses to gauge the health of the Pension Plans. The Board of Trustees attributes great importance to maintaining the financial stability of the Basic and Supplemental Pension Plans and uses every available measure to ensure that these benefits are preserved for this and future generations.

The information here is just a brief summary of the Pension Protection Act and its rules. For a detailed description of PPA, please go to the Department of Labor website.

March 2010

Health Plan Annual Statements Mailed

The 2009 Health Plan annual statements were mailed to all Health Plan participants on March 31, 2009.

These statements summarize the network and non-network claims that were paid on behalf of each Health Plan participant and their covered dependents.

If you were covered under the DGA-Producer Health Plan in 2009 and did not receive a statement (please allow a few days for the statements to arrive in the mail), or if you would like an additional copy of your statement, please contact the Health Plan office.

December 2009

In Memoriam:  J. Nicholas Counter, III

DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans Trustee, J. Nicholas Counter, III, passed away on November 6, 2009. Mr. Counter had served on the Board of Trustees of the DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans since 1982.

Prior to his retirement in March 2009, Mr. Counter served as president of the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers for 27 years, working as the chief negotiator on 311 major labor deals, including the DGA’s most recent agreement.

In addition to his 27 years of service to the DGA-PPHP, Mr. Counter served as a Trustee on 13 health and pension funds, as well as the Motion Picture & Television Fund.

Following his passing, his family released a statement saying that Nick, “considered his work with the industry health and pension plans to be his greatest achievement.”

Trustees and staff will greatly miss his wisdom, dedication and guidance that have helped to ensure the long term stability of the Pension and Health Plans.

December 2009

Medco Introduces Medco Health Store

Medco, the Health Plan’s pharmacy benefit provider, recently introduced Medco Health Store - their new online drugstore offering Health Plan participants the convenience of 24/7 access to a broad range of non-prescription items.

To access the Medco Health Store, login to your Medco account at www.medco.com, and follow the link to the Medco Health Store.

As an added incentive, if you place an order anytime between now and February 28, 2010, you will receive $10 off your order of $10 or more. Simply enter coupon code TENOFF at checkout to receive the discount. In addition, orders of $30 or more qualify for free standard shipping.

Additional information about the new Medco Health Store will be available in the Spring 2010 issue of Spotlight on Benefits.

December 2009

2010 Health Plan Minimum Earnings Requirement Announced

The minimum earnings thresholds to qualify for earned coverage have been established for four-quarter earnings periods beginning January 1, 2010 as follows:

For the first time, the Health Plan is applying the minimum earnings threshold to earning periods that start during a calendar year, rather than to benefit periods. The Board authorized this change so that participants would be aware of the applicable minimum earnings threshold while they are working to meet the minimum earnings, rather than after the fact.

Since the first earning period that is affected by the new minimum earnings threshold is the January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010 earning period, the first benefit period that will be affected is the April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012 benefit period.

For more information regarding this change, please refer to the Winter 2009 issue of Spotlight on Benefits.

December 2009

January 2010 Health Plan Booklets Mailed Out

The January 2010 Health Plan booklets, describing the wide range of health options available to DGA-Producer Health Plan participants and their dependents as of January 1, 2010 have been mailed to all Health Plan participants.

The electronic (PDF) version of the booklet is available here.

November 2009

November 2009 Pension Plans Booklets Mailed Out

The November 2009 Pension Plans booklets, describing the wide range of retirement options available to DGA-Producer Pension Plans participants and their beneficiaries as of November 1, 2009 have been mailed to all Pension Plans participants.

Since the printing of the last booklet, the Board of Trustees has made several enhancements to the Pension Plans, including:

The electronic (PDF) version of the booklet is available here.

October 2009

Flu.gov is a Great Resource for Flu-Related Information

As we enter into flu season, you may be wondering what resources are available to help keep you and your family up to date on the latest flu-related news and information.

Good News: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has created Flu.gov, a great "one-stop-shop" designed to bring you the latest info on H1N1 and seasonal flu.

Flu.gov provides information regarding H1N1 and seasonal flu, including symptoms and treatments, vaccines, tips for prevention, and live briefings. The site's content is updated daily.

Click the graphic above to visit Flu.gov.

April 2009

Board Expands Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses and Same-Sex Domestic Partners

The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that effective April 1, 2009 the Plans have been amended to expand benefits for same-sex spouses and same-sex domestic partners. The Plans were amended to achieve parity to the fullest extent possible permitted by federal law.

Pension Plans changes include:

Health Plan changes include:

For a more detailed description of these changes and the exceptions to parity, please refer to the Spring/Summer 2009 issue of Spotlight on Benefits.

April 2009

Supplemental Plan Retirement Application Deadline and 2009 Required Beginning Date Changed

Supplemental Plan Retirement Application Extended

Effective April 1, 2009, the Supplemental Plan retirement application deadline has been extended to allow participants to submit their completed applications as late as the last business day of the month prior to their retirement date.  Applications received after the last business day of the month prior to retirement will be considered for the following month.

Supplemental Plan Required Beginning Date for 2009 Waived

The Supplemental Plan Required Beginning Date for 2009 was waived as a result of the Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 (WRERA).  Participants who reach age 70½ during 2009 are not required to take their Supplemental Plan retirement distribution until December 1, 2010.  Participants who turned age 70½ in 2008 were still required to take their 2008 retirement distribution by April 1, 2009, however, their required December 31, 2009 retirement distribution has been waived.

For more information regarding these changes, please refer to the Spring/Summer 2009 issue of Spotlight on Benefits.

March 2009

Introducing Supplemental Pension Plan Partial Distributions

In their continuing effort to provide participants with a broad array of retirement options, the Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the establishment of a partial withdrawal option from the Supplemental Pension Plan.

Beginning April 1, 2009, retirees age 60-68 will have the ability to take partial distributions from their Supplemental Plan account. Previously, a participant was required to take the full amount of their Supplemental Account at the time of retirement, either in a lump sum payment, an annuity or a combination of the two.

Now, in addition to the lump sum or monthly annuity options, this new benefit will give retirees the option to elect to receive:

The balance of the participant's Supplemental Plan account will remain in their account until withdrawn by the participant or his or her beneficiaries. The balance will be subject to the investment gains or losses experienced by the Supplemental Plan.

For a more in-depth discussion of Supplemental Plan partial distributions, please refer to the Spring 2009 issue of Spotlight on Benefits.

March 2009

Board Announces Prescription Drug Plan Changes Effective April 1, 2009

The Board of Trustees has made changes to the Health Plan's prescription drug plan effective April 1, 2009.

Participant Pays the Difference Program

When a participant chooses to take a brand-name drug when a generic equivalent is available, the participant will pay the cost difference between the brand-name drug and the generic drug, plus the generic co-pay. This change in payment also applies even if your physician has indicated the brand-name drug on the prescription.

The Participant Pays the Difference program applies only to generic equivalents, where the drug is the exact same drug certified by the FDA. If you are using a brand-name drug that has no generic equivalent (like Lipitor) then this program will have no effect on your co-pay. Further, if you are already using a generic or switch to a generic before April 1, then your co-pay will remain $10 for retail, and $25 for a 90-day supply via mail order.

Proton Pump Inhibitors and Sleep Aides

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) reduce the production of stomach acid relating to heartburn and esophageal reflux.

Effective April 1, 2009, PPIs and sleep aides will be covered at 50% with a $40 minimum co-pay for retail and a $60 minimum co-pay for mail order. In addition, these drugs will be subject to Step Therapy.

Step Therapy

Step Therapy is a new program that encourages participants to try a proven, cost effective preferred drug before electing certain high-cost non-preferred brand-name drugs. By taking a “step” approach to your medications you will determine if a preferred drug works for you while avoiding a more costly treatment plan.

Non-Sedating Antihistamines

Non-sedating antihistamines are the next generation cold and allergy products that cause less drowsiness. Some common non-sedating antihistamines are Claritin®, Zyrtec® and Allegra®.

Due to the widespread availability and lower costs of a large number of over-the-counter non-sedating antihistamines, these drugs will no longer be covered under the pharmacy benefit plan. If you purchase one of these medications you will be responsible for the entire cost.

For a detailed description of the prescription drug plan changes effective April 1, 2009, please refer to the Spring 2009 issue of Spotlight on Benefits.

January 2009

MPTF Phasing Out Acute Care Hospital and Long-Term Care Unit in Favor of Community-Based Programs

The Motion Picture and Television Fund (MPTF) announced a major realignment of resources under which the MPTF Hospital and the MPTF's long-term care facility will be phased out in favor of community-based programs aimed at assisting the growing number of seniors who prefer to live safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

This change does not affect the six MPTF health centers or the MPTF's independent- and assisted-living residential facilities.

For more information on this change, as well as the numerous services and programs offered to industry professionals by the MPTF, please go to the MPTF website.

December 2008

Board Announces Pension and Health Plan Changes Effective January 1, 2009

The Board of Trustees of the Pension and Health Plans has made changes to the Pension and Health Plans effective January 1, 2009, including nominal increases to the dependent premium and the Health Plan deductible as well as a change to some of the Basic Pension Plan's conversion factors.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Winter 2008 issue of Spotlight of Benefits.

December 2008

PacifiCare is becoming OptumHealth

PacifiCare Behavioral Health (PBH), the Health Plan’s mental health and chemical dependency benefit manager, is officially changing its name to OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions (OptumHealth) in early 2009.

This name change will have no impact on Health Plan participants.  You will continue to have access to high quality, responsive, and cost-effective care with OptumHealth.

During the transition period you may see and hear references to both OptumHealth and PBH in communications, however, this period of adjustment will have no effect on your benefits.

August 2008

Board Approves Additional Pension Benefits

As a sign of their commitment to current and future retirees, the Board of Trustees of the DGA-Producer Pension Plans has approved benefit increases in the form of a 13th check and an increase to the Basic Pension Plan's maximum monthly benefit.

See the Summer 2008 issue of Spotlight of Benefits for more information.

August 2008

No Change in 2009 Minimum Earnings Thresholds

The minimum earnings thresholds for health coverage benefit periods that begin in 2009 will remain unchanged from the current 2008 thresholds. Specifically, the 2008 and 2009 minimum earnings thresholds are:

The Health Plan's Board of Trustees evaluates the minimum earnings thresholds each year and, around August of each year, announces the minimum earnings thresholds for the upcoming year. The Board is not required to increase or decrease the minimum earnings threshold by any set percentage. If you ever have any questions regarding the Health Plan's minimum earnings thresholds, you can always check this website or call the Plan office. 

For a detailed discussion of earnings periods, benefit periods and qualifying for health coverage, please refer to page 4 of the Spring 2006 issue of Spotlight on Benefits.

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