Cubs Drop Players, Staff From Health Plan

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CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs announced Monday they are dropping company-paid health benefits for all employees and instead will require front office personnel, players and staff to open health savings accounts if they want insurance coverage.

The Cubs said the change is effective immediately, citing rising health care costs in general and the over use of the company plan by a small number of employees.

"This really isn't something we wanted to do, but it is something we are forced to do," Cubs interim president John McDonough said. "Quite simply, the costs have built and built the last few seasons and it really is impacting the bottom line. We simply can no longer compete both here at home and on a global basis."

McDonough declined to say how much the Cubs have spent on health care in recent years, other than to say it was "considerable." Much of the money, he said, was spent on two players who spent significant time on the disabled list and a female employee in the ticket office who insists on going to the emergency room every time she doesn't feel well.

McDonough also refused to say which players were driving the rising costs. A source identified them as Kerry Wood and Mark Prior, who have experienced various arm, leg and mystery ailments since 2004.

"No one person is to blame," McDonough said. "It's more of a systemic problem in the way our nation funds health care. That and two of our pitchers can't stay off the operating table."

The move is expected to be unpopular in the clubhouse, as well as in the front office. One source speculated that it would be difficult for the Cubs to attract quality free agents or top-line janitors, hot dog vendors or broadcasters in the future.

"What about somebody like Ron Santo? You think he doesn't need a good health plan?" the source said. "Luckily, he just turned 65 and can get Medicare, but what about the next guy? I hope Mark and Kerry are happy with themselves."