Drake Bell slams actors union over health insurance earnings rules

EntertainmentLifestyle
14 Oct 2026 • 3:20 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Drake Bell slams actors union over health insurance earnings rules

  • Actor Drake Bell has publicly criticised SAG-AFTRA over its health insurance requirements after discovering he fails to meet the earnings threshold needed to qualify for coverage.
  • Bell shared screenshots of his account showing covered earnings of $17,480.53 between July 2025 and June 2026, leaving him $11,452.47 short of the $28,933 target required for 2027 benefits.
  • Writing on Instagram, the former child star advised people against becoming actors or joining SAG-AFTRA, whilst tagging union president Sean Astin to question why actors are running the organisation.
  • Under SAG-AFTRA rules for 2027, union members must work a minimum of 108 eligible days or accumulate at least $28,933 in covered earnings during the assessment period to receive 12 months of health insurance.
  • Bell is the latest in a series of performers, including Jack Haven, Heather Matarazzo and Kay Hanley, to speak out regarding financial struggles and health insurance loss under the guild's current criteria.

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