Starting today, the WGA Health Fund will reimburse reasonable travel expenses for participants and dependents of their spouse who must travel to another state for abortion services.
“As you know, the US Supreme Court canceled the operation Eggs against Wade, And abortion is now illegal in many states, “the board of directors of WGA West said Monday in a speech to members, noting that the Writers Guild Industry Health Fund” already covers termination of pregnancy for member writers and their suitable dependent spouses in all circumstances “. The fund already covers termination of pregnancy for eligible children” when termination of pregnancy is an emergency service. “
The WGA East board sent a similar letter to its members this afternoon.
As of August 1, the Western Council said: “The fund will also reimburse reasonable travel expenses incurred by participants and dependents of their spouses who live or are temporarily employed with covered work in a state where the abortion is illegal and they must go to receive these services. The fund also reimburses reasonable travel expenses incurred when participants, dependent spouses and eligible dependent children require emergency abortion services. “
The letter to members also explains the rules that apply to the new travel refund benefit, including:
1. You must obtain prior authorization to receive reimbursement of travel expenses for non-urgent abortion services. Unless prior authorization is required, no travel reimbursement compensation will be paid. Prior authorization is not required when termination of pregnancy is an emergency service (for example, termination of an ectopic pregnancy).
2. You must not receive abortion services without traveling because you live or work temporarily in a covered occupation in a state where abortion is illegal.
3. You can go to a provider in a state or large metropolitan area where the service is legal. If you are away from home for temporary work, you can also choose to go home if the termination of the pregnancy is legal.
4. Travel under this provision is limited to travel within the United States.
“In any case, travel expenses must be primary and necessary to access abortion services performed by a licensed healthcare practitioner acting under their license. Non-essential travel expenses required to access pregnancy termination services are not eligible expenses and are not reimbursed. “
Covered transportation includes:
• Bus, taxi, train or plane fares (only bus travel is an eligible expense).
• Transportation costs for a parent or legal guardian who must accompany a covered participant or a child under the age of 18 (limited to emergency services). Otherwise, travel expenses for a friend, family member or other support person are not allowed.
Covered accommodation includes:
• Accommodation will not be refunded if you return home for pregnancy termination services.
• The amount of accommodation costs must be reasonable as determined by the health plan, but in no case will it exceed $ 300 per night.
“Please note that according to IRS rules, if your accommodation is more than $ 50 per person per night, you will be charged the amount over the IRS limit.”
Car expenses covered:
- If you use your own vehicle, mileage will be reimbursed according to the current medical rate. The standard medical mileage rate is currently $ 0.22. Parking costs and taxes are also allowed, but not gas.
- Instead, you can get reimbursed for reasonable car rental costs. In this case gas, parking and tolls will be allowed, but not mileage.
- Local daily trips are not refunded
Receipts and required documentation:
- Refunds for accommodation (hotel, motel) require a copy of the paid invoice.
- A copy of the itinerary and a receipt of the paid ticket are required for reimbursement of the transport.
- Mileage refunds require a printout showing the shortest route, showing the miles associated with that route.
- Car rental refunds and car rental gasoline require paid receipts.
- Parking receipts are required to pay for parking.
- A tax receipt or paid invoice is required for tax refund.
Ineligible expenses include:
- Meals (except meals provided in the hospital).
- Childcare / babysitting expenses.
- An extension of a medical trip for pleasure or personal enjoyment.
Charges for a caregiver or travel companion, other than a parent or legal guardian, accompanying the participant or for a covered child (limited to emergency services) under the age of 18.
Both letters are signed by the WGA West Board and the WGA East Board “in solidarity”.
Signed by the WGAW Council:
Meredith Steem, President
Michelle Mulroney, vice president
Betsy Thomas, Secretary-Treasurer
liz alper
Little Carr
Rob Chavis
Adam Conover
marjorie-david
travis donnelly
Ashley Gable
Dante W Harper
Eric Haywood
Derrick A Hughes
E. Nikoloz Mariani
zoé marshall
daylin rodriguez
david slack
Patrick M. Verone
nicole yorkin
Source: Deadline
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
