GRIDIRON GREATS MEDICAL
PROGRAM PROTOCOL

• The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund will administer the intake process for the referral program following the protocol set forth by the individual physician groups and facilities
• Retired NFL players who are in need of medical procedures may apply for the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund Referral Program.  
• Those players who are in dire need and have little or no means to pay for medical treatments will be given highest priority and may qualify for evaluations, procedures and treatments without incurring any costs.
• Others who have medical insurance and other means could receive referrals and may or may not be eligible for limited or supplemental assistance, depending on the individual player’s circumstances.  
• Players must contact the Gridiron Greats office (not the physician groups directly). They will be asked to fill out an application for the referral program and a release form.
• Players who qualify will then be given instructions and information on how to submit their medical information to the physician groups for medical review.
• Once the physician group’s medical team reviews the information, they solely will determine if they feel the patient is a candidate for an evaluation and possible treatment.
• Once a candidate is accepted for evaluation and possible treatment, the physician group will determine which members of their team will need see the player for evaluation and a response team will be put together for the player’s visits.
• For qualifying players, The Gridiron Greats will coordinate and provide funding for travel, including air, accommodations, ground transportation and a stipend for meals  for the players’ evaluation visits.
• After the evaluation, the decision to for treatment is solely between the physicians and patient.
• For players who will have treatments/procedures, the physician group’s administrator will submit to the Gridiron Greats an overview of projected player expenses including travel, accommodations and other ancillary non-medical items that will be needed for the case.  For players who qualify, the GGAF will then directly fund all or part of those expenses in advance of treatment.