Senate discusses insurance reform for athletes after tragic injuries of Jack Jablonski and Ethan Glynn

A critical discussion on enhancing catastrophic insurance for student athletes took center stage during the Minnesota Senate Committee on Education Policy meeting on March 24, 2025. Senator Scott Dibble introduced Senate File 2685, which aims to require the Minnesota State High School League to provide improved catastrophic insurance coverage for athletes, addressing the financial burdens faced by families of injured players.

The bill was inspired by the stories of two young athletes, Jack Jablonski and Ethan Glynn, who suffered life-altering injuries while playing sports. Jack, injured in 2011 during a hockey game, and Ethan, who faced a similar fate in 2022 while playing football, both encountered significant challenges in accessing necessary medical care and support due to inadequate insurance coverage.

Senator Dibble highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by these families, emphasizing the need for better insurance policies that cover not only immediate medical expenses but also long-term care, specialized equipment, and home modifications. "The current policy is underfunded and does not meet the needs of our student athletes," he stated, urging the committee to consider the bill for inclusion in the omnibus policy bill.

Michael Jablonski, Jack's father, shared his family's harrowing journey, detailing the financial and emotional toll of navigating the healthcare system after Jack's injury. He recounted how the existing insurance policy fell short, leaving them to cover substantial costs out of pocket. "Your family will be financially ruined in the next 10 to 15 years," he recalled being warned by a fellow parent who had experienced a similar situation.

Leslie Jablonski, Jack's mother, echoed these sentiments, stressing the ongoing need for comprehensive coverage that addresses the realities of living with a spinal cord injury. "Paralysis is expensive," she said, highlighting the necessity of continuous care and specialized equipment that the current insurance fails to adequately cover.

Ethan Glynn's father, Corey Glenn, also shared his family's experience, emphasizing the emotional and logistical challenges they faced after Ethan's injury. He described the modifications they had to make to their home and the financial strain of securing appropriate living arrangements for their family.

The committee's discussion underscored the urgent need for legislative action to ensure that Minnesota's student athletes receive the support they need in the event of catastrophic injuries. As the bill moves forward, advocates hope it will pave the way for a more robust insurance framework that protects future generations of athletes and their families.