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A20 SPORTS
Tuesday 10 March 2020

Hall of Fame endorses labor agreement for inductee benefits

By BARRY WILNER —Vesting. About 700 for- mediate $50,000 contribu-
AP Pro Football Writer mer players who were tion to cover medical ex-
The Pro Football Hall of credited only with three penses for them and their
Fame in an unusual move is years of service when four dependents.
endorsing the labor agree- were required will now be —Health care: A nation-
ment the players' union eligible to participate in wide hospital network
currently is voting on, cit- the pension and health re- would be formed that will
ing pension benefits for its imbursement benefit pro- offer primary care and oth-
inductees and other former grams. Those players, who er free services, including
players. are currently receiving no wellness and preventative
Hall of Fame President Da- pension benefits, would screenings, mental health
vid Baker sent a letter to all begin receiving an annual care and certain ortho-
inductees and their families pension of $19,800 for life. pedic treatment to former
on Monday. The Associat- —Family benefits. Death players. The program even-
ed Press obtained a copy benefits for widows and sur- tually would be expanded
of the letter in which Bak- In this Nov. 1, 2018, file photo, Pro Football Hall of Fame president vivors would also increase to include additional ser-
er refers to conversations David Baker speaks during halftime of an NFL football game from $6,000 per month for vices and become avail-
with various league and between the San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland Raiders in 48 months to $13,000 per able for wives and widows.
union officials. Team own- Santa Clara, Calif. month for 60 months. That More than 2,400 vested
ers approved the deal last Associated Press would increase to $15,000 former players who are at
month, and the player vote 2030 season. could be 50%. With a mod- per month by 2025. After least 50 years old would re-
will conclude late Saturday Baker addressed key ele- est increase in league rev- the 60 months, the benefit ceive free long-term care
night. ments of the CBA that is be- enue that is tied to the in- would decrease to $6,000 insurance to help cover the
Previously, the union's ex- ing voted on: crease of the salary cap, per month instead of $4,400 costs of nursing and facil-
ecutive board voted 6-5 —Retirement security. The the pension could move to as in the current CBA. ity care, medical manage-
against the deal; the player monthly benefit credit for $600 per month for every —Health coverage. The ment and meal prepara-
representatives were 17-14 all retirees will be increased year of credited service. Health Reimbursement Ac- tion. Vested retirees age
in favor, with one absten- to $550 per month for every He added that these in- count would be applied for 65 or older would have
tion. Some 2,500 union year of credited service. In- creases would be realized approximately 4,400 pre- additional options for their
members can vote, with a creases may vary if players annually for life and ap- 2007 players under the age Medicare supplement ben-
simple majority approving have already taken a por- proximately 11,500 former of 65 with at least three efit, which would increase
or rejecting the agreement tion of their pensions early, players will benefit from this years of credited service. by 25% midway through
that would run through the but the average increase change. That would provide an im- the labor agreement. q