"They modeled the Schedule C deduction on my premiums before I signed. Saved about $3,200 against my production income."
Devin L.
DP / Cinematographer · Los Angeles, CA
REEL 02CAMERA DEPT — DPs · OPERATORS · ACs
Health insurance for camera crews.
PPO plans with national networks for DPs, camera operators, and assistants who chase the work across state lines.
SCENE 01 — WHY
Why coverage hits different for camera department.
POINT 01
Multi-state shoots in a single year
Chasing tax credits to GA, NM, and LA? National PPO networks honor in-network rates across all of them. We filter for plans that hold up across your real shoot calendar.
POINT 02
Heavy gear, long days, repetitive strain
Shoulder rigs, focus pulling, gimbal work — camera work is hard on bodies. Plans we recommend include strong PT and orthopedic networks plus accident supplements that pay cash for ER visits.
POINT 03
Schedule C deductions on premiums
DPs and ACs filing 1099 income on Schedule C can generally deduct premiums above the line. We model the net premium after deduction before you enroll.
POINT 04
HSAs for variable-income years
When you have a big year, a high-deductible plan with an HSA lets you shelter pre-tax dollars for medical costs in slower years. We model when that math actually wins.
SCENE 02 — COVERAGE
Plan types built for this role.
REEL 01
National PPO (multi-state networks)
The right answer for crew working in multiple states. In-network rates honored across the Aetna, Cigna, or BCBS multi-state footprints.
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REEL 02
HDHP + HSA
Lower monthly premium, pre-tax savings vehicle for the year-after-year medical math. Best for healthy, high-earning camera leads.
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REEL 03
Accident supplemental
Cash-pay coverage for ER visits, fractures, and rehab — on top of your primary plan. Cheap insurance against on-set injuries.
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SCENE 03 — STORIES
From the set, in their words.
"Multi-state PPO that actually works in GA, LA, and NM. Finally stopped paying out-of-network rates on the road."
Priya S.
1st AC · Atlanta, GA
RUN-TIME / 00:02:00
Get your free quote.
Seven quick fields. Licensed advisor follows up within 24 hours — no spam.
SCENE 05 — FAQ
Set FAQs.
SCENE 01I work in 4 states a year. Will my plan really hold up?
SCENE 01
I work in 4 states a year. Will my plan really hold up?
Only if it's a multi-state PPO. We screen specifically for networks that honor in-network rates in every state on your shoot list — not just for emergencies.
SCENE 02Do union plans (IATSE Local 600) make ACA pointless?
SCENE 02
Do union plans (IATSE Local 600) make ACA pointless?
If you hit qualifying hours on a union project, Local 600 health is usually the better deal. Most working DPs and ACs pair union coverage with an ACA plan to fill non-qualifying quarters.
SCENE 03Is my Steadicam injury covered?
SCENE 03
Is my Steadicam injury covered?
Standard ACA plans cover injury treatment, surgery, and PT. We also recommend pairing an accident supplement that pays cash for ER and rehab — most camera ops carry one.
SCENE 04HSA-eligible plan vs PPO — which wins?
SCENE 04
HSA-eligible plan vs PPO — which wins?
HSA-eligible plans win for healthy, high-earning crew in good years. PPOs win when you expect heavy utilization, have a family, or want predictable copays. We model both with your numbers.
SCENE 06 — OTHER ROLES