When Hollywood writers went on strike in 1973, they were agitating for something new -- the creation of a health plan that would offer comprehensive coverage for its guild members.

Since then, the writers' insurance plan has grown to become one of the most envied in Hollywood. Members don't pay monthly premiums and have deductibles far below the national average. Writers have access to a wide network of care providers, including top-notch facilities in Los Angeles where patients are responsible only for co-pays.

"These deficits aren't atypical of union funds," said Daniel Stone, an entertainment attorney at Greenberg Glusker. He said the problem stems from an aging baby boomer population that is drawing more on health plans, combined with stagnant incomes for younger members.

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• A gold-plated healthcare plan lies at the center of a dispute between writers and major studios