This adviser coaches ex-NFL players on health insurance

Published January 27, 2026 8:00 AM EST Updated January 27, 2026 12:15 PM EST 5 Min Read

Adviser sitting on the sidewalk — Gina Downs, owner of Empowered Consulting, has clients who have played for the Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Key Insight: Learn how white-glove navigation bridges insurance gaps for retired athletes’ complex neurological care.
Expert Quote: Downs warns healthcare navigation “isn’t for the faint of heart,” requiring specialist advocacy.
Forward Look: Prepare for increased Medicare transitions and specialized behavioral-neurological care coordination needs.
Source: Bullets generated by AI with editorial review

Gina Downs, owner of Empowered Consulting, is a lifelong football fan who coaches former National Football League players and their families through the minefield of health insurance challenges.

Bruce Shutan

Contributing writer

Bruce Shutan is an Employee Benefit News contributing writer based in Portland, Oregon.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.

More From Employee Benefit News

Adviser strategies

The expanding role of AI in open enrollment, part 2

The most effective strategies for open enrollment are expected to balance automation with access to trusted experts who guide employees on complex decisions.

By Bruce Shutan

Contributing writer

September 9

Healthcare

Healthcare costs are forcing employers to reconsider their benefits strategy

Employers are under pressure to keep benefits competitive while controlling costs, driving new scrutiny of PBMs, hospital prices and GLP-1 coverage for 2027.

By Jimmy Nesbitt

Reporter

Employee Benefits News

August 17

Healthcare costs and fees concept.Hand of smart doctor used a calculator and smartphone for medical costs at modern hospital in sun light.

Technology

Leading benefits professionals buying into AI, with caution

The 2026 Excellence in Benefits winners are using AI to streamline operations and efficiently address employee concerns, but human judgment and empathy remain paramount.

By Danielle Lee

Editor-in-Chief

Employee Benefit News

August 13

Manager Diaries

How this Prudential exec blends business strategy, culture and community goals

Michael Estep, (president of group insurance) discusses the importance of improving customer experiences, team communication, and making benefits a year-round priority.

By Lee Hafner

Editor

Employee Benefit News

August 5

Health and wellness

With or without GLP-1s, your business needs a metabolic health strategy

To truly flip the script on metabolic disease, benefit leaders must build a cost-efficient, supportive plan for employees and their business.

By Lee Hafner

Editor

Employee Benefit News

July 31

Scale, weights, apples and tape measure, healthy eating, weight loss tools