As part of the 2026 MBA negotiations, the WGA and the companies agreed to increase funding for the health plan while implementing essential cost-saving measures. These changes are intended to make the Health Fund sustainable long-term, generating critical savings, and preserving member access to high-quality medical benefits.

While a primary cost-saving measure for domestic participants includes the addition of a new domestic narrow network (Centivo), participants residing abroad will remain covered exclusively under the Anthem PPO Plan.

Participants residing outside the United States must remain enrolled in the Anthem PPO Plan.

The newly introduced domestic narrow option (Centivo) requires utilizing specific regional doctor networks in the United States. Because Centivo does not operate abroad, enrolling in Centivo while living overseas would cause standard routine care to be classified as out-of-network, creating significant participant out of pocket financial risk.

To maintain the sustainability of the health fund, the following cost-sharing updates apply to all participants on the Anthem PPO plan effective January 1, 2027:

• Annual Deductible: Increases to $500 per person (or $1,500 per family of four or more).
• In-Network Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Increases from $1,000 to $2,500 per person.
• Out-of-Area (OOA) Claim Reimbursement: Covered services continue to be reimbursed at 80% (after deductible).

Yes. Previously, single participants did not pay individual monthly premiums. Effective January 1, 2027, all participants – including single individuals – will contribute toward their coverage through a monthly premium.

• Active and Pre-65 Certified Retirees (Single) Participant: $75 per month
• Participant + 1 Dependent (Spouse or Child): $150 per month
• Participant + Multiple Dependents (Family): $200 per month
• Post 65 Certified Retirees (Single or Married) & any number of dependents: $0

Utilize the attached link: Mail Premium Payments.

Payment options depend on where you live:

If you reside in Canada, France or the UK: You can easily manage automatic recurring payments online:

• Credit or Debit Card: Use a card with no international spending limits.
• eCheck: Set up recurring payments using your bank details. (Note: verify with your bank. Requires a U.S. based bank account.)

If you reside in any other country:

Your available options are:

• Bank Bill Pay: Set up recurring payments if supported by your bank (verify with your bank).
• Wire Transfer: Transfer funds directly to keep your coverage active (Note: Requires an outreach to the Fund for Wire Transfer bank details).
• Mail a Check: Send a physical check by mail.

Make checks payable to:

WGIHF (Writers Guild Industry Health Fund)
WGA Health Fund Participant
Dept. LA 25118
Pasadena, CA 91185-5118

Yes. All participants must re-enroll in autopay during this year’s open enrollment in support of their plan election, and to confirm their associated premium payments effective January 1, 2027.

Writers who do not reach the eligibility threshold for coverage in a given year can continue their coverage through use of Extended Coverage Points they have banked from prior years. Extended coverage currently costs 2.5 points per quarter, and 1.5 points per quarter for low option coverage.

Since 2014, writers have been able to earn up to three Extended Coverage Points per year, with the first point accrued upon qualifying for coverage, the second point earned at $125,000 in covered compensation, and the third at $250,000.

Starting January 1, 2027, the first Extended Coverage Point will be earned at $200,000 in annual earnings, and the second point will be earned once earnings reach the compensation cap for screen, which will be $325,000 on January 1, 2027, and will increase along with the negotiated increases to screen caps.

After January 1, 2027, Extended Coverage under the Anthem PPO plan will cost 4 points per quarter. Consistent with the current rule, these points can be used once a participant has accrued 10 points, but only one time during the course of a career.

Writers who do not have enough points for a final quarter of coverage will be provided with a point subsidy up to 1 point. If Anthem PPO is elected, you must have a minimum balance of 3 points to receive the subsidy. The maximum amount of ECP points that a participant can accrue is 50.

The point accrual changes will take effect for eligibility cycles beginning on or after the effective date. If your eligibility cycle begins in 2026, you will accrue ECP points under the current accrual. For eligibility cycles starting between January 1, 2027 and December 31, 2027, a participant would accrue 1 point for covered earnings of at least $200,000 and 2 points for covered earnings of at least $325,000. For eligibility cycles starting between January 1, 2028 and December 31, 2028, a participant would accrue 1 point for covered earnings of at least $200,000 and 2 points for covered earnings of at least $375,000. For eligibility cycles starting between January 1, 2029 and December 31, 2029, a participant would accrue 1 point for covered earnings of at least $200,000 and 2 points for covered earnings of at least $400,000. More information can be found HERE.

Writers who do not have enough points for a final quarter of coverage will be provided with a point subsidy up to 1 point. If Anthem PPO is elected, you must have a minimum balance of 3 points to receive the subsidy. The maximum amount of ECP points that a participant can accrue is 50.

• When receiving medical treatment in a foreign country, you should first contact Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core Service Center for access to medical assistance services and healthcare providers around the world (On the backside of your Medical ID Card, the phone number is listed under the title “Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core”). Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core Service Center: 1-800-810-2583 or collect: 1-804-673-1177.
• For in-patient care at a Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core hospital that was arranged through Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core Service Center, you only pay the provider the usual out-of-pocket expenses (non-covered services, deductible, copayment and coinsurance) when cashless access is arranged. The provider files the claim for you. Otherwise, if you receive medical treatment in a foreign country, you must pay the provider fees at the time of service, and then submit a claim in English with invoices, any applicable medical records, and a statement with U.S. currency and currency exchange rate at the time of payment.

No. The submission process for international claims remains completely unchanged. You will continue to do the following:

• For outpatient facility and physician services or inpatient care not arranged through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core Service Center, you will need to pay the healthcare provider directly and submit a Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core International claim form with original bills and receipts to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core Service Center.
• If you live in a foreign country, your claims can be submitted directly to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core Service Center for processing. They will handle the front-end processing of your claim by converting the foreign currency and providing any necessary billing translation. The claim will be electronically transmitted to the WGIHF for benefits determination.

If you reside in a country with a national health system (e.g., the UK, Canada, or EU countries), your Anthem PPO plan generally acts as secondary coverage:

• Primary Care: Access care through your host country’s universal healthcare network first.
• Secondary Claims: For private facilities, specialized procedures, or services not fully covered by your local government system, your provider should submit a pre-determination request prior to receiving care. This allows us to review the proposed services against medical necessity requirements for potential benefit eligibility.
• Reimbursement: If approved for secondary benefits, submit itemized receipts and your primary system’s Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to Global Core. Eligible expenses are considered for reimbursement according to standard Out-of-Area plan rules (typically 80% of allowed charges).

This document addresses key questions specific to international participants. To review the comprehensive Master Health Plan FAQ covering all domestic, prescription, and institutional changes, visit the PWGA website: Wgaplans.org.

For assistance with enrollment, international claims processing, or setting up recurring premium payment:

Primary Contact:

• International Member Support Liaison: ShaRhonda Houston, Senior Technical Claims Specialist
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 818-526-3132
• Office Hours: 6:00am-2:30pm (PT)

Alternate Contact:

• International Member Support Liaison: Caroline Jaltorossian, Participant Services Lead
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 818-526-3169
• Office Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm (PT)