Good Mental Health is an important part of anyone's overall well-being. Many of us, in the union, regularly seek the counsel of psychiatrists, psychologists, and the like. The current global crisis, with its Sheltering-In-Place protocols, has, certainly, increased the need for people to seek help, whether they are struggling with isolation, loneliness, fear and anxiety, of a of other conditions that require attention if we are to live as full and happy a life as possible.

Prior to the pandemic, the SAG-AFTRA health plan covered tele-health visits with practitioners only for physical heath matters. A couple of months back, the union trustees granted coverage for tele-health mental health services, but only for a limited period of time. There was no, specific, end date established. Benefits would be extended until "things got back to normal."

We really don't know what normal is any more, nor when that sense of normalcy might return. But even if the pandemic magically disappeared tomorrow, the need for union members to seek counsel with a mental health professional will continue.

Tele-Health is a rapidly growing field in medicine, both physical and mental. It is critical that our union membership have access to the doctors and practitioners that can help them best -whether that professional is in the town where they live, or across the country. Therefore, making coverage for tele-health coverage a permanent part of our health plan is vitally important.

By signing this petition, I welcome you in joining me to urge the SAG-AFTRA Trustees and Plan Administrators to include this benefit in our health plan. It's hard enough, as it is, when dealing with health issues. This benefit will make it so much easier for so many people.

Thank you.

Noah Michael Levine - Proud SAG-AFTRA Memeber since 1995