ATLANTA – (December 10, 2007) –Saint Joseph’s Hospital has been selected by The National Football League and NFL Players Association’s newly-created NFL Player Joint Replacement Benefit Plan as one of 15 leading medical centers across the country to assist eligible, retired players in need of joint replacement surgery, it was announced today.
The medical facilities, carefully chosen for their expertise, high-quality service and reputation, will provide specialized, coordinated care to players covered by this new program. The program provides a common application process to assist players gain access to the institutions.
“We’re excited to be a part of the NFL program. Saint Joseph’s has long been recognized for one of the strongest joint replacement programs in the country and we’re delighted to assist the retired NFL players,” says Heather Dexter, vice president of surgery for Saint Joseph’s Hospital.
Saint Joseph’s, one of the country’s top 50 hospitals, is rated in the top five percent of hospitals and is recognized as best in Georgia for joint and spine care. The NFL plan will provide financial assistance to all players, regardless of their financial situation, to cover the cost of the procedures. For players not covered by insurance and those who cannot pay for the procedure, additional financial assistance will be available from the newly-created NFL Player Care Foundation. Players eligible for assistance from the NFL Player Care Foundation will not be responsible for the cost of either the joint replacement surgery or post-operative rehabilitation.
Manor Care, a leader in short-term post-acute rehabilitation services, with more than 275 centers nationwide, has been selected to provide post-surgery rehabilitation and physical therapy to players who qualify for financial assistance from the NFL Player Care Foundation. The costs of these services will be paid for by the NFL Player Care Foundation.
This foundation and the joint replacement program are two of several initiatives developed by an NFL Alliance represented by the NFL, NFLPA, Hall of Fame and NFL Alumni Association. Formed in May, the “Alliance” is looking at new ways to address medical needs of retired players, including joint replacements, cardiovascular health programs and assisted living arrangements.
Funding for the NFL Player Care Foundation includes $10 million from NFL owners added to an existing pool of $7 million in Alliance funds. This initial $17 million commitment will be supplemented by on-field player fine money and additional contributions from the NFLPA; other Alliance members, and other interested retired player groups.
