Fall 2025 Spotlight on Benefits Newsletter Now Available
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Important Preventive Care Services Covered by the Health Plan. Preventive care services are medical services that have been proven to help people avoid not only chronic and acute illness, but also emergency room visits and the high costs of treating serious conditions down the line. Through the Health Plan’s coverage, participants can receive certain annual screenings, immunizations and more at zero cost when administered by a network provider, as long as the services are medically necessary and you meet the age, risk or frequency requirements for the services. For a full list of the preventive care services available to participants, visit www.dgaplans.org/preventivecare.
- Earnings Required for One Credited Service Month Increases Effective January 1, 2026. Effective January 1, 2026, the earnings required to accrue one Credited Service Month (CSM) will increase from $4,100 to $4,300. CSMs are used in determining vesting status in both the Basic and Supplemental Pension Plans and a participant’s monthly Basic Plan benefit amount. Effective with this increase, participants must have at least $51,600 in covered earnings annually to earn the maximum 12 CSMs per year. This newsletter also includes an ERISA-required 204(h) Notice to further explain the change.
- Employer Pension Contributions for Work Produced for Programs other than News, Sports, Operations, Local and Documentary under the Network Agreement Increased from 8.5% to 8.75% Effective July 1, 2025. As determined by the Network Agreement for programs other than News, Sports, Operations, Local and Documentary, beginning July 1, 2025, the pension contribution rate for signatory employers will increase by 0.25% to 8.75% of compensation. The article outlines the allocation of the new rate between the Basic and Supplemental Plans.
- Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills. The No Surprises Act went into effect January 1, 2022, and offers protection for patients from surprise medical bills. Surprise billing can happen when you cannot control who is involved in your care, such as an emergency or when you schedule treatment at an in-network facility but are unexpectedly treated by an out-of-network provider. The No Surprises Act restricts balance billing under these scenarios and more. The article outlines three critical protections patients have today under this law.
- Be.Well. The Importance of Maintaining Gut Health. Gastrointestinal (GI) systems don’t just break down food, they also contribute to a person’s overall health. Because of its wide-reaching impact, it is important to understand how to best take care of your gut and how to know when your gut health may be at risk. Read this article to learn more about threats to your GI system, the difference between pre- and probiotics and how to move towards a healthier gut.
- Health Fairs and Flu Shot Clinics This Fall in LA &NYC. The DGA-Producer Health Plan will host its annual health fairs on September 13 in Los Angeles and October 11 in New York. The events will feature free flu shots for all DGA members and dependents ages 13 and over, free neck and shoulder massages, one-on-one time with Plans staff and its benefit partners, and prizes. Reservations are required for all flu shots. Reservations are currently open for the LA flu shot clinic. New York reservations will open on September 15.
- CyberSmart(er): Three Social Media Reminders to Help Avoid Scams. Social media is the place many people go to connect with others and post updates on their lives. Exposure like this can make social media users a target of several types of scams, including financial, online shopping and impersonation scams. This article provides three reminders that can help protect social media users from malicious ads and cybercriminals while online.
