Cheyenne Jackson Confronts SAG-AFTRA Healthcare Crisis and Launches Social Media Support Project

Cheyenne Jackson Faces SAG-AFTRA Healthcare Challenge

Cheyenne Jackson, an actor and singer known for roles on Broadway and TV shows like “American Horror Story,” “30 Rock,” and “Glee,” recently revealed how close he came to losing his health insurance through SAG-AFTRA, the actors' union. Last year, Jackson found himself several thousand dollars short of the approximately $28,000 in annual earnings needed to qualify for union healthcare, putting at risk the plan that covered not only him but also his husband and their 11-year-old twins.

Industry Struggles Affect Actors’ Health Insurance

Jackson’s situation highlights broader challenges facing many SAG-AFTRA members. Declines in film and television production, the shifting of jobs overseas, industry consolidation, and concerns about artificial intelligence have made it increasingly difficult for actors to find enough work to meet healthcare eligibility requirements. The COVID-19 pandemic and industry strikes have only compounded these issues, resulting in prolonged dry spells and uncertainty for performers.

Support from Fellow Performers

Jackson credited Cathy Bates, his “American Horror Story” co-star, for helping him during his difficult period. When Jackson reached out about his predicament, Bates quickly found him a small role with four lines on the CBS series “Matlock,” ensuring that he met the minimum earnings threshold to maintain his coverage. Jackson described Bates as having “paid it forward,” and expressed gratitude for her support, emphasizing how unpredictable actors’ incomes can be, despite past successes.

Raising Awareness Through Social Media

Motivated by his experience, Jackson decided to help others facing similar difficulties. During a layover for his “Midlife Torso Tour,” he offered on Instagram to spotlight union members who were short on their earnings. Within 24 hours, he received hundreds of messages. The project found a home as the One Job Away account on Instagram, where Jackson and his team post photos of actors, list how much more they need to earn for coverage, and share their credits. Jackson hopes that by talking openly about financial struggles, stigma will decrease and it will become easier for actors to seek help.

Changes in SAG-AFTRA Healthcare Policies

The SAG-AFTRA health plan is funded by employers based on union contracts, with performers needing to meet a certain earnings minimum each year for eligibility. Several years ago, the union made changes that affected older members and eliminated reduced qualifying thresholds. During the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, union leadership acknowledged that meeting the healthcare eligibility requirements had become a source of anxiety for many members. Less than 14% of the union’s 160,000 members reportedly qualify for its healthcare plan each year.

Actors Across the Industry Share Their Struggles

Other performers have also gone public about their difficulties with actors' health insurance. For example, “I Saw the TV Glow” star Jack Haven posted on YouTube about needing an additional $4,000 to keep their insurance, while former Nickelodeon star Drake Bell noted a shortfall of $11,450 on SAG-AFTRA’s health plan website. Both stories resonated with fellow actors, highlighting the unpredictable nature of industry work and healthcare eligibility.

Looking Ahead: Rising Minimums and Industry Concerns

In 2027, the actors earnings minimum required for health coverage will increase to $28,933, while quarterly healthcare premiums for one participant will rise from $375 to $390. Some who lose eligibility may continue coverage for a limited time through COBRA. Despite these challenges, Jackson and others continue to seek solutions, urging greater awareness of performers’ financial struggles within and beyond union healthcare systems.

Source: latimes.com.