The claims were flagged by Cigna as potentially fraudulent and referred to federal investigators. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Playing professional football comes with big paychecks, but also expensive medical bills. As such, the NFL in 2006 established the Gene Upshaw NFL Player Health Reimbursement Account Plan, a health benefits plan for former players. And on Thursday, 10 former players were arrested for allegedly defrauding the health care plan. The charges include conspiracy, wire fraud and health care fraud.

"Ten former NFL players allegedly committed a brazen, multi-million dollar fraud on a health care plan meant to help their former teammates and other retired players pay legitimate, out-of-pocket medical expenses," Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski said in a statement.

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Emily Payne

Emily Payne is director, content analytics for ALM's Business & Finance Markets and former managing editor for BenefitsPRO. A Wisconsin native, she has spent the past decade writing and editing for various athletic and fitness publications. She holds an English degree and Business certificate from the University of Wisconsin.