The following organizations are prepared to provide various kinds of assistance to union members (active or inactive) with health, financial and other problems:

THE MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION FUND*

General Information: (800) 876-8320

Industry Advantage Individual Plan (888) 558-4247

Social Services Department: (323) 634-3800

The Motion Picture and Television Fund was founded in 1921 by a group of Hollywood industry pioneers such as Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, will Rogers, Cecil B. DeMille and Irving Thalberg. The MPTF opened the Motion Picture Country Home and Hospital in Woodland Hills in 1940. They operate health centers in Woodland Hills, Toluca Lake, Hollywood, West Los Angeles and Santa Clarita, staffed by physicians recently rated #1 in southern California by Blue Cross.

The MPTF offers its health services with no deductibles, for persons covered under our health plan*. The Fund offers the Industry Advantage Individual Plan, a special plan for people who have not worked enough hours to qualify for union health coverage. In essence, the Industry Advantage Individual Plan allows you to continue, at your expense, coverage similar to what you had when you were qualified for union health coverage.

In addition to health care, the MPTF offers a variety of services including child care and temporary financial assistance. Contact the MPTF Social Services Department.

* The Motion Picture and Television Fund should not be confused with the Motion Picture Industry Health and Pension Plan, which administers the health insurance under our union contract.

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THE ACTORS' FUND OF AMERICA

General Info: (323) 933-9244 or (800) 798-8447

Work Program: (323) 939-1801

Despite its name, the Actors' Fund of America is an organization serving all entertainment professionals (including screen cartoonists) through comprehensive services and programs.

The Artists' Health Insurance Resource Center (AHIRC) provides the arts community with the information necessary to make informed choices about health insurance options.

The AFA Human Services Department offers a wide range of social services to working professionals, persons with AIDS, seniors and the disabled and others in need of help. In addition, emergency financial grants may be provided for essentials such as food, rent and medical care.

The AFA Work Program offers individual career counseling to union members to upgrade their interim work and/or develop a second career. Workshops on job search techniques, resume writing and interviewing are held regularly. Tuition grants for retraining purposes are awarded nationwide. Special services are available for HIV+/AIDS patients returning to work.

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UNION PLUS HEALTH SAVINGS

(800) 228-3523

UNION PLUS DENTAL AND VISION

(800) 257-8352

This AFL-CIO-sponsored program makes health care more affordable for union members and their families. For just $29.95 a year, union members and their families (including parents) can instantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for prescriptions and vision care as soon as they enroll.

For an additional $49.95 a year, union members and their dependents have access to a network of over 10,000 qualified dental professionals and over 8,000 vision-care providers who offer services at substantially discounted rates.

Some (but not all) of these resources are available only to union members. In most such cases, the benefits will be available whether you are active or inactive (that is, on honorable withdrawal or suspension). If you hae questions about your union status, contact Lyn Mantta at the union office.

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