PEI…are you prepared?
The NCAA sponsors a comprehensive post-eligibility insurance program that offers vital support to student-athletes beyond their collegiate playing days. For a duration of up to two years — specifically, a total of 104 weeks — after student-athletes separate from their educational institutions or voluntarily withdraw from athletic participation, this program effectively covers excess accident medical expenses incurred due to athletically related injuries that occur during participation in an NCAA qualifying intercollegiate sport. It is important to note that the program provides excess insurance coverage for properly documented and verified covered injuries that take place on or after August 1, 2024. This essential program is accessible to all student-athletes across all institutions and across all divisions within the NCAA structure..
Institutional management processes are beginning to emerge as the initial wave of eligible participants gradually transition from various institutions. In a comprehensive survey I conducted across predominantly Division I Midwest institutions, I found that the individual responsible for managing the Professional Executive Initiative (PEI) differs significantly among the various institutions surveyed.
Healthcare Administrator 37%
Insurance Coordinator 30%
Head Athletic Trainer 19%
Compliance Office 7%
I asked the question of notification. Do you educate your student-athletes on the availability of the PEI program?
37% Yes
33% Planning to begin
30% No
Then followed up and asked the question of PEI timeline notification. Asking if within the 104 week program would the University send any communication to notify that the clock is winding down.
Definitely Not 4%
Probably Not 63%
Not Sure 26%
Probably Yes 7%
An emerging and increasingly important process in the collegiate healthcare space has been the Exit Interview. Many institutions utilize this process to comprehensively define the end of season status regarding both mental and physical health for the athletes involved. This interview serves not only as a means to share crucial information but also as a method to obtain a written acknowledgment, with multiple witnesses present during the conversation. In my recent survey, various institutions were asked if they stage end of season Exit Interviews, reflecting the growing recognition of this practice in ensuring the well-being of student-athletes.:
74% said yes
7% said no
19% indicated they plan to begin the process
The PEI program is an excellent benefit for the student-athlete. It is, however, a challenge for institutions to properly manage the process.
Funded by the NCAA, underwritten by Mutual of Omaha and the Third-Party Administrator (TPA) is A-G Specialty Insurance. Guiding documents are within the links.
Post-Eligibility Insurance Program - NCAA.org
NCAA Post-Eligibility Insurance - A-G Specialty Insurance LLC
The real work will be education, workflow, cost management, prior notification by the student-athlete, institutional knowledge of what the student does post eligibility, and managing personnel responsibilities.
Please feel free to contact me at ralph.reiff@icloud.com, and together, let’s explore in detail how I can assist you in effectively managing your process and achieving your goals.
