Drake Bell Loses Health Insurance
Former Nickelodeon star earns $17,480.53, falls short of SAG-AFTRA's $28,933 threshold, and advises against acting career
Drake Bell, a former Nickelodeon star, has spoken out against SAG-AFTRA after losing his health insurance due to not meeting the minimum earnings requirement. Bell earned $17,480.53 from July 2025 to June 2026, which is $11,452.47 short of the $28,933 needed to qualify for SAG-AFTRA health insurance.
The actor, known for starring in the Nickelodeon show 'Drake & Josh', took to social media to express his frustration, posting a screenshot of the SAG-AFTRA health plan website that states he does not qualify for coverage. Bell advised others not to become actors or join the union, saying 'Do not become an actor. Do not join SAG. You can work for 35 years and they still say [middle finger emoji]'.
Bell's situation is not unique, as other actors have also recently spoken out about struggling to qualify for SAG-AFTRA health insurance. Actors Jack Haven and Heather Matarazzo have also shared their struggles, with Haven revealing he needs to make $4,000 by the end of the month to qualify.
The minimum earnings requirement for SAG-AFTRA health insurance is $28,933, which Bell fell short of by a significant margin. The actor has recently turned to music and voice work after his acting career slowed down following the end of 'Drake & Josh' in the 2000s.
## Why it matters The issue of health insurance for actors is a significant concern, as many struggle to qualify for coverage due to the unpredictable nature of their work. SAG-AFTRA, led by president Sean Astin, has faced criticism from actors who feel that the union is not doing enough to support its members. Bell's comments have sparked a wider conversation about the challenges faced by actors in the entertainment industry.
Bell's criticism of SAG-AFTRA has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the union's leadership. The actor suggested that the union should stop using actors to run things, saying 'They literally just know how to say words in front of a camera'. The issue is likely to continue to be a topic of discussion in the entertainment industry, with many actors facing similar struggles to qualify for health insurance.
