Dear Retired Player:
Nearly all of us are being solicited every week by emails, fancy brochures and telephone marketers regarding the new Affordable Care Act which requires all Americans to have health insurance next year or pay a penalty. I know we have.
Companies want to sell us 2014 health care insurance, explain new benefit options, offer different types of coverage etc. It can be – and is – confusing.
However, our office sent you one more letter yesterday offering to help you through this 2014 insurance confusion.
The offer is this:
If you are going to need to buy healthcare insurance for next year or if you and your spouse are interested in exploring health insurance options (some of which may be more affordable), our office has created a new free telephone service – the NFL Health Care Information Hotline (1-800-NFL GOAL/1-800-635-4625) – to help you through the clutter of red tape, fast-talking salesmen, and conflicting information.
The hotline is staffed by professional Customer Service Advocates who understand your existing NFL benefits and the Affordable Care Act. These Advocates are staffed by AonHewitt, which is the same organization that currently keeps track of your NFL benefits and programs.
These operators will work with you to help you understand your 2014 insurance options, how to sign up to buy the insurance, and what other benefits (e.g. a federal subsidy depending on family income to reduce monthly insurance payments) you may be eligible for under new federal law.
Remember: If you already have health insurance though your employer, your spouse’s employer, or private coverage, you simply may keep your current coverage in 2014 to comply with federal law. However, we know pre-existing conditions may have prevented you or a teammate from obtaining health insurance in recent years. It is our understanding that pre-existing conditions no longer will prevent you from buying health insurance under the new law.
Also, if you are on Medicare, then you are already set for 2014. However, you should make sure you are receiving the Medicare financial supplement that exists under our CBA. We encourage you to call the same 1-800-NFL GOAL/1-800-635-4625 to inquire.
Our office has also set up a new website for you at www.NFLHealthcareInformation.com to learn more about our hotline program and the Federal law.
You may or may not agree with the creation of the Affordable Care Act but it becomes a reality on January 1. If you need assistance in buying healthcare insurance for you and your family, we encourage you to call the above NFL number.
Meanwhile, we hope you find the below information interesting if not helpful.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact us.
Regards,
Joe Browne Senior Advisor to the Commissioner
Joe.Browne@nfl.com
View Full Newsletter