Brief
Drake Bell says SAG‑AFTRA health plan leaves him uninsured
The actor posted his eligibility shortfall on Instagram, joining other performers who have struggled to qualify for union health insurance.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Actor Drake Bell posted an Instagram Story on Tuesday showing a SAG‑AFTRA health‑plan screen that said he does not qualify for coverage because his reported earnings from July 2025‑June 2026 fell short of the required $28,933.
The screenshot listed Bell’s earnings as $17,480.53, leaving a gap of $11,452.47. Bell added, “Do not become an actor. Do not join SAG. You can work for 35 years and they still say [middle finger emoji],” and tagged the union and its president Sean Astin.
Bell’s complaint follows recent disclosures by other actors. "Atypical" star Jack Haven said in a YouTube video that he needed to earn $4,000 by month‑end to qualify for health insurance starting in January, and later secured work to meet the threshold. "Princess Diaries" actress Heather Matarazzo wrote that she faced a similar situation and recalled a time when no earnings minimum was required.
Variety noted that Bell has shifted to music and voice work after his acting career slowed, and mentioned his 2024 revelation of sexual abuse on the docuseries "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV." The outlet said it has reached out to SAG‑AFTRA and Bell for comment.
Key facts
- Drake Bell earned $17,480.53 in the SAG‑AFTRA eligibility period (variety.com)
- SAG‑AFTRA requires $28,933 in earnings to qualify for health coverage (variety.com)
- Bell said he needs $11,452.47 more to meet the threshold (variety.com)
- Jack Haven and Heather Matarazzo also reported difficulty qualifying for SAG‑AFTRA health insurance (variety.com)
Sources
- [1] variety.com — originally reported as “Drake Bell Blasts SAG-AFTRA After Losing Health Insurance: ‘Do Not Become an Actor. Do Not Join SAG’”
