Actor Drake Bell says he does not qualify for health insurance through SAG-AFTRA, and he publicly criticizes the performers’ union as a result. Bell, known for “Drake & Josh,” shared a screenshot from the SAG-AFTRA health plan website showing a message that he “do[es] not qualify for Health Plan coverage at this time,” along with information about his reported covered earnings.
In social media posts reported by multiple outlets, Bell urges people not to become actors or, alternatively, to avoid joining SAG-AFTRA. The reporting also notes that Bell has shifted his focus toward music in recent years. Across the articles, the core dispute centers on Bell’s claim that his coverage eligibility lapsed or was never met, leaving him without union health insurance.
The outlets differ mainly in wording and emphasis—some focus on Bell’s direct call to avoid joining SAG, while others highlight that the issue is his lack of qualification for coverage at the time indicated on the union’s website.
