The NBPA is funding health insurance for most retired players
Michele Roberts has attempted to reform many aspects of the NBPA since she became its executive director in July 2014, but one of her most aggressive pushes has been to connect with the league’s many retired players. She has gone beyond basic introductions and newsletters, working to extend many benefits to retirees who may need the help to keep themselves healthy. That has been clearest in the decision to fund heart screenings for retired players, but there have been other efforts, as well.
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The players’ union unveiled one of its most comprehensive efforts to help former players on Wednesday. As announced via press release, the union has voted to fund health insurance for all retired players with at least three seasons of NBA service:
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) announced today that its player representatives have voted unanimously to fund health insurance for all retired NBA players with at least three years of service in the league. This program is the first of its kind among North American professional sports. It also exemplifies the NBPA’s focus on the health and welfare of its current, retired and future members.
“The game has never before been more popular, and all the players in our league today recognize that we’re only in this position because of the hard work and dedication of the men who came before us,” said Chris Paul, NBPA President and nine-time All-Star. “It’s important that we take care of our entire extended NBA family, and I’m proud of my fellow players for taking this unprecedented step to ensure the health and well-being of our predecessors.” […]
The average NBA player’s career in the league lasts just over four years, emphasizing the need for long-term planning for all aspects of life, including health. Since becoming Executive Director of the NBPA nearly two years ago, Michele Roberts and her new executive team have instituted a cardiac screening program for retired players and other initiatives designed to prepare current players for life after basketball and provide opportunities for retired players.
The release specifies that players with different lengths of service time will receive different benefits. For instance, only players with 10 seasons or more will be allowed to include their families. Yet the policies are all fairly comprehensive on an individual basis — the lowest level of coverage includes what are described as “modest out-of-pocket costs” but includes medical, hospital, and prescription coverage. The offer also does not end after players become eligible for Medicare — it changes into a no-deductible plan, no co-pay plan with further prescription coverage.
This plan is far from the most exciting news the union could have announced. But it is an extremely positive show of support for former players and a sign that the NBPA is embracing its ostensible role under Roberts and union president Chris Paul after several years of inconsistent leadership. Unions have an overriding responsibility to their current stars and rank-and-file members alike, but their underlying premise should not end when a player ages out of the workforce.
If many past NBA players were not able to win certain rights and privileges during their careers, the current union can try to share its good fortune when able. The camaraderie that animates the NBPA doesn’t have to stop with those who suit up for NBA teams right now.
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Eric Freeman is a writer for Ball Don’t Lie on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
