Last Updated on April 10, 2020
Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plans’Plan of Action in Response to COVID-19
As the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic continues to evolve, following is a message from theBoard of Directors of the Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plans (“Plans” or “MPI”)about the current crisis:
MPI is aware that many Participants are experiencing an unexpected reduction in contribution hours due to production shut-downs associated with Coronavirus precautions. The Plans’ staff and the Board of Directors are currently reviewing available options to minimize benefit disruptions to the extent possible. We are keenly sensitive to the importance of this issue and will notify all Participants as quickly as possible of any actions taken by the Board of Directors. Please check the MPI website for the most up-to-date information.
In addition, following are steps MPI has taken, to-date, in response to COVID-19.
Thus far, MPI has made the following changes to the medical benefits provided to you:
Hours Credit Extends Eligibility for Health Care Coverage:
For those Active Participants currently enrolled in the Motion Picture Industry Health Plan (MPIHP), excluding those on COBRA and those who maintain enrollment through MPIHP as a result of a disability, and whose benefit period ends on June 30, 2020, MPIHP will provide a credit of up to 300 hours toward the Participant’s next eligibility period. In order to receive any credit, all of the Participant’s banked hours and all of his or her worked hours for the qualifying period from October 27, 2019 to April 25, 2020 must be exhausted. Only the minimum amount of hours needed for that Participant to continue their eligibility in MPIHP for the benefit period of July 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 will be credited. No hours will be credited toward a Participant’s bank of hours or any other qualifying period.
In order to check to see if this credit applies, Participants are encouraged to log-in to the MPI website and check their work history on the “Eligibility” page.
Additionally, Participants are reminded that general eligibility information, including eligibility and qualifying periods, may be found on the MPI website at www.mpiphp.org/home/eligibility.
Individual Account Plan Hardship Withdrawal is Permitted:
Participants who are vested in the Motion Picture Industry Individual Account (“IAP”) as of the year ended December 2019 may apply for a one-time special early withdrawal of an elected amount of need of up to 20% of their 2018 IAP account balance not to exceed a maximum dollar limit of $20,000. Participants must apply for this special withdrawal between May 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020 and payments must be completed no later than December 31, 2020 to be reported on a 2020 Form 1099-R for tax purposes.
This exception is not an amendment to the IAP’s Trust Agreement and this one-time withdrawal will be subject to the hardship withdrawal provisions within IRS regulations. Participants who are requesting the maximum available amount of $20,000 will be allowed to “gross up” their withdrawal to account for federal and state tax withholdings (i.e., Participants are able to withdraw $20,000 not inclusive of federal and state tax withholdings).
If permitted by law, such a withdrawal will not be taxable if it is repaid to the IAP within three years’ time.
The application process for this withdrawal request is as follows:
- The Participant must complete an IAP Hardship Withdrawal Request form (tentative availability date of May 1, 2020);
- The Participant must sign an affidavit affirming his or her temporary job loss due to the COVID-19-related health emergency; and
- Payments will be processed in accordance with instructions provided on the IAP Withdrawal Request form.
Please note, the application for the withdrawal will not be available for completion until May 1, 2020.
Waiver of Health Premiums:
Effective immediately, Participants responsible for paying active health premiums are granted a one-time premium waiver for one eligibility quarter. This waiver will only be extended to Participants enrolled in the Active Health Plan of the Motion Picture Industry Health (MPIHP) on March 1, 2020; the waiver provided is based on the number of dependents enrolled in coverage on March 1, 2020, as well as the Participants’ rate group on March 1, 2020. For health premiums that have already been paid by Participants for an upcoming quarter of coverage, MPIHP will not extend a refund; rather, a credit for health premiums for a future quarter of coverage will be provided.
Telemedicine with No Co-Payments or Coinsurance for LiveHealth Online or Amwell:
Participants enrolled in Anthem Blue Cross may visit with a provider using LiveHealth Online (www.livehealthonline.com) and pay no co-payment or coinsurance.
Participants enrolled in the Oxford Health Plans may use telemedicine through Amwell (https://amwell.com/cm/) and they will not be required to pay a co-payment or a coinsurance.
No Out-of-Pocket Costs for COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing:
Participants will not incur any out-of-pocket costs (no co-payment and/or co-insurance) for the COVID-19 virus diagnostic test and the associated visit for this test.
Early Prescription Refills Are Available:
Beginning March 16, 2020, for a period of 30 days, Participants may refill their prescription medications early, for up to a 90-day supply, from Express Scripts mail order or a Walgreens Smart 90 pharmacy (including, Duane Reade and Happy Harry’s). The pharmacy staff may need to contact the Express Scripts pharmacy help desk at (800) 922-1557 for override information.
Participants enrolled in the Express Scripts (ESI) Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan should contact the ESI Part D Customer Service Team at (800) 797-4887 for all prescription refill requests.
Participants enrolled in Kaiser Senior Advantage should contact the Kaiser Senior Advantage Pharmacy Customer Service Team at (888) 218-6245 (if in Northern California) and (800) 464-4000 (if in Southern California) for all prescription refill requests.
In addition to the aforementioned, MPI provides you with the following information:
Update on the Financial Markets:
The Motion Picture Industry Pension Plan (MPIPP) investment professionals have been anticipating and preparing for a market downturn and have taken pre-emptive action to minimize the impacts of these market changes. MPIPP is a long-term investor with a well-diversified portfolio including a large portion of investments that do not have a strong correlation to the world financial markets. Our investment strategy is built to weather the inevitable financial storms that occur over the decades and take advantage of appropriate and prudent investment opportunities when they arise.
MPI’s Studio City and New York Offices Are Closed:
MPI’s Studio City and New York offices are closed through April 17, 2020 or until further notice.A secure drop box at MPI’s Studio City office will be open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. While email is the preferred method to send documentation to MPI, the drop box is an alternative way to get documentation, including premium checks and COBRA payments, to MPI staff.
MPI’s Phone Hours Have Changed:
MPI’s phone hours are now 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, Pacific Daylight Time.
By Email is the Preferred Method of Communication with MPI:
Participants are encouraged to communicate with MPI by email.
Participants are highly encouraged to email MPI at service@MPIPHP.org to communicate with MPI staff. A team of MPI staff members are dedicated to responding to emails received. As a reminder, please include your name, date of birth, MPI ID (or last four numbers of your Social Security Number) and mailing address (or phone number) when sending emails to MPI. This will help expedite the process of responding to emails.
Electronic Forms Are Available Online:
Participants are reminded that many of the forms they may be required to complete are available online under the “Forms” section of MPI’s website (www.mpiphp.org). You may use these forms to change your address on file with MPI, add a dependent to your coverage,authorize someone other than yourself to speak to MPI about your health and/or retirement benefits, or change the person designated to receive your pension benefit.
Telemedicine Benefit Reminder:
Participants are reminded that if their provider allows for tele-visits, they may have a telemedicine visit through your primary care provider or specialist at the same benefit as an office visit (co-payment and co-insurance apply). Alternatively, several of the health plans offered through the Plans provide an online telemedicine portal.
If you are not feeling well, telemedicine is a helpful option because it allows you to visit with a medical provider who can evaluate your symptoms and tell you if you should visit a local health provider in person for COVID-19 testing.
Participants enrolled in Anthem Blue Cross are reminded that if their provider allows for televisits,they may have a telemedicine visit through their primary care provider or specialist at the same benefit as an office visit (co-payment and co-insurance apply). Participants may also visit with a provider using LiveHealth Online (www.livehealthonline.com) and pay a $20 co-payment.
Participants enrolled in Anthem Medicare Preferred Plan (Medicare Advantage) may use telemedicine for medically necessary visits with their primary care provider or specialist for a $5 co-payment so long as the provider accepts Medicare. LiveHealth Online(www.livehealthonline.com) is also available 24/7 at no co-payment.
Participants enrolled in Kaiser Permanente or the Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Plan should call (833) 574-2273 to schedule a telemedicine visit. There will not be a required co payment to use this benefit.
Participants enrolled in Health Net or the Health Net Seniority Plus Plan may call (800) 835-2362 to use their telemedicine benefit or visit www.Teladoc.com. Participants will not be required to pay a co-payment.
Participants enrolled in the Oxford Health Plans and the Oxford Medicare Advantage Plan may seek a tele-visit visit through their primary care provider or specialist at the same benefit as an office visit (co-payment and co-insurance apply).
Optum is Encouraging Behavioral Health Virtual Visits:
Optum Behavioral Health Solutions (“Optum”) is encouraging providers and Participants to use secure video-enabled virtual visits, and is supplying the platform that providers need to have secure video visits with individuals who cannot travel to an office. For Participants or providers who do not have access to secure video technology, Optum is allowing telephonic sessions if a member is confined to their home due to COVID-19 illness or quarantine.
Optum is Offering Free Emotional Support Help, Tools & Resources:
Optum is offering a free emotional support help line for all people impacted by COVID-19. This help line will provide those affected access to specially trained mental health specialists. The company’s public toll-free help line number, (866) 342-6892, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for as long as necessary. This service is free of charge and open to anyone.
Additionally, there are several coping and disaster tools and resources available to you on www.liveandworkwell.com. Log on to this site using “MPI” as your “Guest Access Code” and then select “Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plans” from the drop down menu. Type the keyword “disaster” or look for the COVID-19 spotlight to participant in a webinar.
MPI Staff Are Shifting to a Work-from-Home Schedule:
In an effort to protect the staff who work at MPI, MPI is shifting to a work-from-home schedule to increase social distancing opportunities. As of today, 80% of MPI staff are working remotely;this percentage is anticipated to increase. Please note, a work-from-home schedule is not anticipated to affect MPI’s staff ability to continue its day-to-day work, including answering your questions and processing your worked hours.
While the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 remain uncertain, you can be confident that MPI is here to provide the highest level of service possible at this time.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We are pleased to report that the MPIPHP Board of Directors (BoD) have voted in favor of the proposal to extend eligibility for Active Participants in the Motion Picture Industry Health Plan (MPIHP) (excluding those on COBRA and those enrolled as Disabled) who are currently enrolled and whose Benefit Period ends on June 30, 2020 (this is the qualifying period that ends on April 25th), the MPIHP will provide a credit of up to 300 hours to continue their eligibility in the MPIHP for the Benefit Period of July 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
The actions taken by the Board of Directors (BoD) thus far, including this one, have all been designed to provide immediate and impactful relief to our members and their families.
The Directors will continue to focus their attention to those who are not included in this group. More data is expected soon from the health plan actuaries which will determine the impact of this crisis going forward and allow the BoD to make decisions based on that information to benefit all of our participants.
Stay safe and healthy.
In solidarity,
Tobey Bays
Business Agent
Anthony Pawluc
Secretary-Treasurer
In our continued crisis relief efforts, Local 44 is paring with Local 705 and Local 892 to produce face masks for employees of the medical community and essential businesses. We need the help of our experienced sewing persons willing to volunteer their services for the cause. Please click on the links on the flyer below for more information and instructions for pick-up and drop-off of materials. Thank you for your continuous support and diligence throughout this global pandemic.
California's Film and TV Tax Credit Program Extended for Five Years in Governor's Proposed Budget
New Provisions Affirm California's Long-Term Commitment to Fighting 'Runaway Production' and Defending Its Status as the World's Media Production Capital
Hollywood, Calif. – January 10, 2023 – Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2023-24 state budget extends funding for California's Film and TV Tax Credit Program an additional five years (through fiscal 2030-31) and proposes to make credits refundable for the first time since the state launched its incentive in 2009. The new budget provisions are part of Governor Newsom’s ongoing effort to retain and grow production activity across the Golden State. They call for replacing the current third iteration of the state’s tax credit program (Program 3.0), which sunsets in 2025, with a new five-year program dubbed Program 4.0. While total funding is proposed to remain at $330 million per year, tax credits awarded under Program 4.0 will be eligible to be partially refundable to make the program applicable to a broader range of applicants. “The proposed budget affirms Governor Newsom’s leadership in ensuring California’s Film and TV Tax Credit Program evolves and continues to deliver on our goal of retaining and growing in-state production,” said California Film Commission Executive Director Colleen Bell. “The five-year extension and provision to make tax credits refundable will give industry decision makers more options and the certainty they need to make long-term investments here in the Golden State.
This will translate into more production-related jobs, spending and opportunity.” Refundable tax credits will enable applicants to claim a tax refund at a discounted value over multiple years. Credits used to offset in-state tax liability will continue to retain their full value. Under California’s current program, credits for feature films and TV projects are non-refundable and non-transferable, while credits for independent film projects are currently transferable but non-refundable. With the proposed budget, all applicants (and therefore all projects) admitted into California’s tax credit program could be eligible for refundable tax credits. Building On a Record of Success California has earned its long-held status as the world’s film and TV production capital due to its superior crews, talent, infrastructure, weather, locations and a host of other factors that promote business and creative success. In recent years, aggressive incentives -- mostly in the form of tax credits and rebates -- have attempted to lure production away from the Golden State.
The impact of such ‘runaway production’ prompted policymakers in California to respond with the state’s own robust tax credit program. According to the California Film Commission’s latest progress report, the current iteration of the state’s tax credit program (Program 3.0) launched in July 2020 and is on track to generate more than $6.2 billion in total production spending statewide during just the first half of its five-year duration. This figure includes $4.2 billion in “qualified” spending, defined as wages to below-the-line crew members and payments to in-state vendors. Only the qualified portion of each project’s budget is eligible for tax credits under California’s uniquely targeted program. The $6.2 billion figure does not include the creation/retention of non-incentivized jobs for performers, producers, directors, writers, composers and music supervisors. A recent study by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) reported that each dollar allocated by California’s Film and TV Tax Credit Program generated $24.40 in economic output, plus $1.07 returned to taxpayers in state and local tax revenues.A recent study by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) reported that each dollar allocated by California’s Film and TV Tax Credit Program generated $24.40 in economic output, plus $1.07 returned to taxpayers in state and local tax revenues.In addition to bringing production jobs and spending to regions across the state, California’s Film and TV Tax Credit Program also promotes workforce training, diversity and inclusion.
The Career Readiness requirement mandates that all tax credit projects participate in learning and training programs such as paid internships for students, externships for faculty members, workshops, panels and professional skills tours. The more recently launched Career Pathways Program specifically targets individuals from underserved communities. It is funded directly by tax credit projects and works with partner training programs across the state to reduce the economic, geographic and social barriers to career success. California’s tax credit program also requires participating projects to have a written policy for addressing unlawful harassment and submit voluntarily reported above and below-the-line cast and crew employment diversity data. Each production must also provide the state with a copy of its initiatives and programs to increase the representation of women and minorities.
A full summary of Governor Newsom’s proposed 2023-24 state budget is available here and a revised proposal with revenue estimates will be released this May. The state’s 2023-24 fiscal year begins July 1st.A full summary of Governor Newsom’s proposed 2023-24 state budget is available here and a revised proposal with revenue estimates will be released this May. The state’s 2023-24 fiscal year begins July 1st.About California’s Film and Television Tax Credit ProgramCalifornia’s film and television production incentive was launched in 2009. In 2014, the California legislature passed a bill that created the second iteration of the state’s tax credit program (Program 2.0) and more than tripled the amount of funding from $100 million to $330 million annually. Program 2.0 also extended eligibility to include a range of project types (big-budget feature films, TVpilots and 1-hr. TV series for any distribution outlet) that were excluded from the first-generation tax credit program. In addition, Program 2.0 introduced a “jobs ratio” ranking system to select projects based on “qualified” spending (e.g., wages paid to below-the-line workers and payments made to in-state vendors). To spur production statewide, a supplementary five percent tax credit was made available to non-independent projects that shoot outside the Los Angeles 30-Mile Studio Zone or that have qualified expenditures for visual effects or music scoring/track recording. The five-year Program 2.0 went into effect on July 1, 2015 and wrapped its fifth and final fiscal year (2019/20) on June 30, 2020.
The third (current) generation of the California Film and TV Tax Credit Program (dubbed “Program 3.0”) was launched on July 1, 2020. New provisions included a pilot skills training program to help individuals from underserved communities gain access to career opportunities. Program 3.0 also added provisions requiring projects to have a written policy for addressing unlawful harassment and enhanced reporting of above and below-the-line cast and crew employment diversity data.The third (current) generation of the California Film and TV Tax Credit Program (dubbed “Program 3.0”) was launched on July 1, 2020. New provisions included a pilot skills training program to help individuals from underserved communities gain access to career opportunities. Program 3.0 also added provisions requiring projects to have a written policy for addressing unlawful harassment and enhanced reporting of above and below-the-line cast and crew employment diversity data.More information about California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program 3.0, including application procedures, eligibility, and guidelines, is available at http://www.film.ca.gov/tax-credit/.# # #Contact: Erik Deutsch, ExcelPR Group (for the California Film Commission)(323) 851-2455 direct / erikd@excelpr.com
Dear Local Officers,
As we continue to navigate during the COVID-19 crisis together, it is important we communicate our personal experiences and the harmful impact of COVID-19 on entertainment industry workers. Therefore, we have created "Your Story, Our Story" campaign.
Our mission is to shed light on our personal experiences and make sure the voices of our union are heard globally. Our willingness to stand up and highlight the scale of the lack of emergency relief assistance and resources for industry workers can enact meaningful change. Our stories in particular, can be a powerful way to replace fear with inspiration, strength and courage.
Every week, stories from different members of our IATSE family will be shared across all IATSE social media platforms, as well as the AFL-CIO’s social media and website. By showing the world how this crisis is affecting us, we can humanize behind the scenes workers and win better legislation, benefits and labor practices in the long run.
Click here to help us share your COVID-19 perspective!
Please share this email with members of your local.
In solidarity,
IATSE Communications
Contact:
Loree Levy
Date: April 2, 2020
Aubrey Henry
916-654-9029
News Release No.: 20-09
Demand for unemployment benefits at historic levels as the EDD ramps up implementation of federal CARES Act benefits
Important Note: The EDD has video available of staff working in an Unemployment Insurance call center practicing social distancing while assisting Californians and processing claims.
Sacramento – The demand for unemployment benefits has reached historic levels in California due to the impacts of the coronavirus on the state’s economy. According to new data from the state’s Employment Development Department (EDD), a total of 878,727 claims were processed during the week ending Saturday, March 28. That’s a 370% increase over just the week before when the EDD processed about 187,000 claims and the week ending March 14 when about 58,000 claims were processed.
“The massive around-the-clock staffing and IT efforts the EDD has undertaken is helping the department automatically push a large volume of claims through our system, allowing us to issue payments to Californians in need as quickly as possible,” said EDD Director Sharon Hilliard.
Those efforts include adjusting certain eligibility requirements to accommodate for the unique situation of this pandemic, and redirecting a total of at least 850 staff, many of whom have former UI experience from within EDD, state government, and recent retirees to processing UI claims from workers who have lost their jobs or had their hours reduced due to the coronavirus.
The EDD is also directing additional staff to help with claims that will always take more
time and handling including those in which information provided doesn’t match our EDD wage records or we can’t verify the worker’s identity. This includes workers who have applied for benefits who may have been misclassified as independent contractors instead of employees. Such cases require the EDD to obtain further information from the worker as well as the employer to determine if the individual is an employee who could be eligible for benefits.
New Federal CARES Act Unemployment Assistance
The following information provides the latest available on EDD’s efforts to implement the new unemployment provisions of the federal CARES Act. Since developments are occurring quickly, we encourage you to watch for updates on the EDD Coronavirus 2020 webpage as soon as more details become available.
- Additional $600 payments for workers with a UI claim.
The EDD is working on the programming needed to implement the extra $600 per week benefit payment paid by the federal government to workers collecting regular UI benefits. That programming can’t be finalized until states receive the details and final guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor. Barring any big surprises in that guidance when it arrives, it is EDD’s hope that the extra benefit payments can begin next week and continue thereafter as bi-weekly payments come due for unemployed Californians.
It always takes about three (3) weeks for most Californians to receive their first benefit payment if found eligible, with the exception primarily of wage and identity issues. But after that first benefit payment, unemployed workers will have to answer basic certification questions every two weeks to receive bi-weekly payments as long as they remain eligible.
- 13-week extension of UI benefits for those who exhaust their current benefits. The EDD is also awaiting final details to be able to start programming to grant an additional 13 weeks of federally paid unemployment benefits when an unemployed
worker runs out of all of the benefits associated with their regular state-administered unemployment claim. In California, regular state benefit payments can be made for up to 26 weeks within a one-year timeframe.
- New Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program initiated for those who don’t qualify for regular UI benefits, including the self-employed.
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is a brand new program. The EDD is working quickly with the California Department of Technology (CDT)/Office of Digital Innovation to develop the application needed to stand up this new program to serve unemployed Californians who don’t usually qualify for regular UI benefits, including the self-employed. It is the EDD’s hope that this new program will closely mirror the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program benefits that Californians have received in the wake of recent disasters including the large wildfires.
Again, Californians should watch for updates on EDD’s website that will include instructions for workers who may have already applied for benefits and were not found eligible for the regular state-administered UI program.
Additional Resources to Help Californians Applying for Unemployment Benefits
Since there are many impacted Californians who have never applied for unemployment benefits before, the EDD has created a new Step-by-Step Chart designed to help them through the process of initiating and then managing a UI claim for receiving ongoing benefit payments. In addition, the EDD has video tutorials in five different languages to help people use our UI Online system for applying for benefits. Those in need of further assistance with the application can also identify their nearest America’s Job Center of California and contact the office to make an appointment with a representative.
Monitor the EDD’s website for evolving details posted to the “Latest News for Workers”
and “Latest News for Employers” sections of the Coronavirus 2020 webpage.
# # # # #
We are here for you. As COVID-19 deepens its effect upon our lives, we are working hard to keep the most difficult parts less difficult. We are currently fighting aggressively against our first positive tests on campus by increasing safeguards and utilizing the isolation unit we’ve been readying for weeks. For now, we have to consider what only weeks ago felt unimaginable. You’re not alone. We’ll fight this one together.
Here are three, among the many ways we are working to support the community:
First, we’ve added social workers to help field the influx of calls. These are compassionate individuals who listen to your concerns, are versed in the variety of ways we can help and will guide you to next steps in assistance.
Second, the MPTF COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund and additional support created through the generosity of IATSE and Netflix are available for both urgent costs and basic living expenses. Whether temporary financial aid, navigating insurance, or mental health referrals, we’re here to help.
Third, our website now offers greater information specific to COVID-19. Visit MPTF.com for more info on our relief programs, ongoing services, and other resources for questions you may have.
Above all else, know that you are not alone. We are here for you today in this time of need. Intake line: 323 634 3888.
A DEFINING MOMENT
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees generously donated $2.5 million to help union members of the industry in the United States and Canada displaced by the coronavirus. IATSE represents over 140,000 below-the-line workers who are the lifeblood of our industry. MPTF helps manage the disbursement of funds for this act of compassion. And as the union fights for displaced entertainment workers in Congress, the IATSE Emergency Relief Fund will “help ensure the financial stability of members who have lost work as a result of this virus.” Thank you for your leadership, Matt Loeb. And thank you Susan and Gary Martin for playing your part with a very generous gift of $100,000 to the MPTF COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund.
NEW PRIORITIES
With the loss of employment, for some may come the loss of health insurance. With a crisis that is specific to health, insurance looms large on the list of priorities. We currently offer comprehensive health insurance counseling and enrollment support to help navigate continuity of care, premium payments, and the potential impact of stimulus monies and other sorts of income on qualifying for benefits. Call Entertainment Health Insurance Solutions (EHIS) intake line at 1 833 777 3447 for additional information, or to schedule a conversation around your specific insurance needs.
A VERY REAL FEELING
Many of us live alone, and as we find ourselves physically distanced from friends and family, it’s natural to feel unsettled. Dr. Scott Kaiser, MPTF Chief Innovation Officer and Geriatrician, is well versed in social isolation; now he joins Maureen Feldman, Director of our Daily Call Sheet program, and Fredda Johnson, Director of Community and Volunteer Engagement, to talk about ways we can help our loved ones and the importance of connecting. Watch their round table discussion and learn more about this major part of what we are all going through.
#TodayWeThank
As a way to highlight our Emergency Relief Funds and raise awareness for those within our entertainment family in need, we’re asking people like you to create a quick video that ends with: We all play our part. For an easy way to pitch in, please view the brief details online and learn about other valuable ways to give of your time too. Watch Yvette Nicole Brown and Tom Bergeron show us how it’s done. Thank you to these two stellar players.
MPTF | Motion Picture & Television Fund
The Wasserman Campus | 23388 Mulholland Drive | Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Toll Free: 855 760 MPTF | Donor Relations: 818 876 1977 | Email: info@mptf.com
MPTF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization. Copyright 2020 MPTF. All Rights Reserved.
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Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We have all been anxiously awaiting information about how the Coronavirus shutdowns will affect our MPI plan coverage for us and our families. We have received SOME of the answers to the questions we all have been asking. After a Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plan (MPI) Board of Directors meeting, there was unanimous approval for the following:
- Individual Account Plan (IAP) Hardship Withdrawal will be Permitted
- One Quarter Waiver of Medical Premiums
- Telemedicine with No Co-Payments or Coinsurance for LiveHealth Online or Amwell
- No Out-of-Pocket Costs for COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing
PLEASE read the attachment from MPI regarding the details of the above approvals.
We understand that there are still questions about medical coverage, qualifying hours, etc. The MPI financial actuaries and the Plans Board of Directors still need to review, deliberate, and decide their course of action.
When we get that accurate and pertinent information, we will send it to you ASAP.
Please continue to stay safe and healthy!
In solidarity,
Tobey Bays
Business Agent
Anthony Pawluc
Secretary-Treasurer
Last Updated on March 26, 2020
Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plans’
Plan of Action in Response to COVID-19
As the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic continues to evolve, below are steps the Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plans (“Plans” or “MPI”) are taking in response to it.
Thus far, MPI has made the following changes to the benefits provided to you:
Individual Account Plan Hardship Withdrawal is Permitted:
Participants who are vested in the Motion Picture Industry Individual Account (“IAP”) as of the year ended December 2019 may apply for a one-time special early withdrawal of an elected amount of need of up to 20% of their 2018 IAP account balance not to exceed a maximum dollar limit of $20,000. Participants must apply for this special withdrawal between May 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020 and payments must be completed no later than December 31, 2020 to be reported on a 2020 Form 1099-R for tax purposes.
This exception is not an amendment to the IAP’s Trust Agreement and this one-time withdrawal will be subject to the hardship withdrawal provisions within IRS regulations. Participants who are requesting the maximum available amount of $20,000 will be allowed to “gross up” their withdrawal to account for federal and state tax withholdings (i.e., Participants are able to withdraw $20,000 not inclusive of federal and state tax withholdings).
If permitted by law, such a withdrawal will not be taxable if it is repaid to the IAP within three years’ time.
The application process for this withdrawal request is as follows:
- The Participant must complete an IAP Hardship Withdrawal Request form (tentative availability date of May 1, 2020);
- The Participant must sign an affidavit affirming his or her temporary job loss due to the COVID-19-related health emergency; and
- Payments will be processed in accordance with instructions provided on the IAP Withdrawal Request form.
Waiver of Health Premiums:
Effective immediately, Participants responsible for paying active health premiums are granted a one-time premium waiver for one eligibility quarter. This waiver will only be extended to Participants enrolled in the Active Health Plan of the Motion Picture Industry Health (MPIHP) on March 1, 2020; the waiver provided is based on the number of dependents enrolled in coverage on March 1, 2020, as well as the Participants’ rate group on March 1, 2020. For health premiums that have already been paid by Participants for an upcoming quarter of coverage, MPIHP will not extend a refund; rather, a credit for health premiums for a future quarter of coverage will be provided.
Telemedicine with No Co-Payments or Coinsurance for LiveHealth Online or Amwell:
Participants enrolled in Anthem Blue Cross may visit with a provider using LiveHealth Online (www.livehealthonline.com) and pay no co-payment or coinsurance.
Participants enrolled in the Oxford Health Plans may use telemedicine through Amwell (https://amwell.com/cm/) and they will not be required to pay a co-payment or a coinsurance.
No Out-of-Pocket Costs for COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing:
Participants will not incur any out-of-pocket costs (no co-payment and/or co-insurance) for the COVID-19 virus diagnostic test and the associated visit for this test.
Early Prescription Refills Are Available:
Beginning March 16, 2020, for a period of 30 days, Participants may refill their prescription medications early, for up to a 90-day supply, from Express Scripts mail order or a Walgreens Smart90 pharmacy (including, Duane Reade and Happy Harry’s). The pharmacy staff may need to contact the Express Scripts pharmacy help desk at (800) 922-1557 for override information.
Participants enrolled in the Express Scripts (ESI) Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan should contact the ESI Part D Customer Service Team at (800) 797-4887 for all prescription refill requests.
Participants enrolled in Kaiser Senior Advantage should contact the Kaiser Senior Advantage Pharmacy Customer Service Team at (888) 218-6245 (if in Northern California) and (800) 464- 4000 (if in Southern California) for all prescription refill requests.
In addition to the aforementioned, MPI provides you with the following information:
Update on the Financial Markets:
The Motion Picture Industry Pension Plan (MPIPP) investment professionals have been anticipating and preparing for a market downturn and have taken pre-emptive action to minimize the impacts of these market changes. MPIPP is a long-term investor with a well-diversified portfolio including a large portion of investments that do not have a strong correlation to the world financial markets. Our investment strategy is built to weather the inevitable financial
storms that occur over the decades and take advantage of appropriate and prudent investment opportunities when they arise.
MPI’s Studio City and New York Offices Are Closed:
MPI’s Studio City and New York offices are closed through April 17, 2020 or until further notice. A secure drop box at MPI’s Studio City office will be open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. While email is the preferred method to send documentation to MPI, the drop box is an alternative way to get documentation, including premium checks and COBRA payments, to MPI staff.
MPI’s Phone Hours Have Changed:
MPI’s phone hours are now 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, Pacific Daylight Time.
By Email is the Preferred Method of Communication with MPI:
Participants are encouraged to communicate with MPI by email. Participants are highly encouraged to email MPI at service@MPIPHP.org to communicate with MPI staff. A team of MPI staff members are dedicated to responding to emails received. As a reminder, please include your name, date of birth, MPI ID (or last four numbers of your Social Security Number) and mailing address (or phone number) when sending emails to MPI. This will help expedite the process of responding to emails.
Electronic Forms Are Available Online:
Participants are reminded that many of the forms they may be required to complete are available online under the “Forms” section of MPI’s website (www.mpiphp.org). You may use these forms to change your address on file with MPI, add a dependent to your coverage, authorize someone other than yourself to speak to MPI about your health and/or retirement benefits, or change the person designated to receive your pension benefit.
Telemedicine Benefit Reminder:
Participants are reminded that if their provider allows for tele-visits, they may have a telemedicine visit through your primary care provider or specialist at the same benefit as an office visit (co-payment and co-insurance apply). Alternatively, several of the health plans offered through the Plans provide an online telemedicine portal.
If you are not feeling well, telemedicine is a helpful option because it allows you to visit with a medical provider who can evaluate your symptoms and tell you if you should visit a local health provider in person for COVID-19 testing.
Participants enrolled in Anthem Blue Cross are reminded that if their provider allows for tele- visits, they may have a telemedicine visit through their primary care provider or specialist at the same benefit as an office visit (co-payment and co-insurance apply). Participants may also visit with a provider using LiveHealth Online (www.livehealthonline.com) and pay no co- payment or coinsurance.
Participants enrolled in Anthem Medicare Preferred Plan (Medicare Advantage) may use telemedicine for medically necessary visits with their primary care provider or specialist for a $0 co-payment so long as the provider accepts Medicare. LiveHealth Online (www.livehealthonline.com) is also available 24/7 at no co-payment.
Participants enrolled in Kaiser Permanente or the Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Plan should call (833) 574-2273 to schedule a telemedicine visit. Or, Participants can make an appointment online at kp.org/getcare or with the Kaiser Permanente app. There will not be a required copayment to use this benefit.
Participants enrolled in Health Net or the Health Net Seniority Plus Plan may call (800) 835- 2362 to use their telemedicine benefit or visit www.Teladoc.com. Participants will not be required to pay a co-payment.
Participants enrolled in the Oxford Health Plans and the Oxford Medicare Advantage Plan may seek a tele-visit visit through their primary care provider or specialist at the same benefit as an office visit (co-payment and co-insurance apply). Alternatively, Participants may use telemedicine through Amwell (https://amwell.com/cm/) and Participants will not be required to pay a co-payment or coinsurance. This telemedicine benefit is in effect through April 30, 2020.
Optum is Encouraging Behavioral Health Virtual Visits:
Optum Behavioral Health Solutions (“Optum”) is encouraging providers and Participants to use secure video-enabled virtual visits, and is supplying the platform that providers need to have secure video visits with individuals who cannot travel to an office. For Participants or providers who do not have access to secure video technology, Optum is allowing telephonic sessions if a member is confined to their home due to COVID-19 illness or quarantine.
Optum is Offering Free Emotional Support Help, Tools & Resources:
Optum is offering a free emotional support help line for all people impacted by COVID-19. This help line will provide those affected access to specially trained mental health specialists. The company’s public toll-free help line number, (866) 342-6892, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for as long as necessary. This service is free of charge and open to anyone.
Additionally, there are several coping and disaster tools and resources available to you on www.liveandworkwell.com. Log on to this site using “MPI” as your “Guest Access Code” and then select “Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plans” from the drop down menu. Type the keyword “disaster” or look for the COVID-19 spotlight to participant in a webinar.
MPI Staff are Prioritizing Audit of Hours Issues that Grant Eligibility for Benefits:
MPI staff has been directed to prioritize any audit of hours issues that have the potential to grant health eligibility. If you have an audit of hours issue that requires immediate attention, please contact MPI’s audit and collections department at service@mpiphp.org.
MPI Staff are Not Pursuing Audit of Hours Issues that Can Negatively Affect Eligibility for Benefits:
At this time, MPI staff are not pursuing any audit of hours issues that can negatively affect a Participant’s eligibility. Please note this policy does not prohibit audits in the future and the recoupment of any overpayment of benefits.
MPI Staff Are Shifting to a Work-from-Home Schedule:
In an effort to protect the staff who work at MPI, MPI is shifting to a work-from-home schedule to increase social distancing opportunities. As of today, 80% of MPI staff are working remotely; this percentage is anticipated to increase. Please note, a work-from-home schedule is not anticipated to affect MPI’s staff ability to continue its day-to-day work, including answering your questions and processing your worked hours.
While the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 remain uncertain, you can be confident that MPI is here to provide the highest level of service possible at this time.
