LEAGUE, UNION AGREE TO MEDICARE BENEFIT
Posted by Michael David Smith on December 9, 2008, 11:09 a.m.
The NFL and the players’ union have found some common ground on health care for injured players.
Beginning on January 1, former players who are 65 or older and vested in the pension plan will get $100 a month toward Medicare costs, paid for by the league and the NFL Players’ Association.
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We are pleased that we can offer this benefit, as well as other recent improvements to the health and disability benefits provided for retired players,” NFLPA Acting Executive Director Richard Berthelsen said in a statement to the Associated Press. “This ensures that every retiree can afford some level of supplemental coverage above basic Medicare.”
Both the NFL and the union have been harshly criticized by many ex-players who say that not enough is done for those who left the league with debilitating injuries. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said this agreement shows that the league and the union “continue to be responsive to their needs.”