A History of Service & Commitment

Pupil Benefits Plan, Inc. – Approaching Our 80th Anniversary!

For anyone taking an interest in history and traditions built through longevity, the story of what is today known as Pupil Benefits Plan depicts a very unique journey with tremendous impact on the NYS public educational system. PBP, Inc. was the creation of two gentlemen, Frank Wassung from Norwich, and Robert Wegner from Rosyln. Their idea took shape as a result of a lacerated finger and a patient-doctor discussion during the course of treatment. The Physician, Dr. Ralph S. Emerson, with the help of his associate, Dr. Fredric E. Elliot, a founder of Blue Cross Blue Shield, set into motion the creation of the New York State High School Athletic Protection Plan.

Pupil Benefits Plan, Inc. - Company Timeline

1932

The first athletes were covered in the fall of 1932 for $.40 cents per student. Sixty schools bought coverage for 1255 students being offered by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.

1941

In 1941 the growth and popularity of the coverage raised a red flag and the NYS Insurance Department descended on the program for writing insurance coverage without sanction. This action resulted in the formation of a second corporation, eventually becoming Pupil Benefits Plan, Inc. To the surprise of many experts in "the field", there is an actual statute in the McKinney's Consolidated Laws of New York adopted specifically for the Plan, something unheard of in today's world.

1950

In all there has been only four Executive Directors since the inception of the Plan. Initially operating out of Manhattan, the Plan eventually moved to the Albany area in 1950, residing here ever since. We are governed by a 24 member Board utilizing Superintendents, Business Managers, Athletic Administrators, Physicians, and Dentists as well as representatives from the general public, each instrumental in shaping the direction of the organization. Our mission has always been simple: Be certain the Plan functions for the schools, by the schools and through the schools.

Today

Our membership is strong with over 55 % of New York districts utilizing what is essentially their own plan. Our members are most important. Without their support we couldn't accomplish our goals. It was once said, "With the concept of maintaining a strong membership being first and foremost, it will always enable the Plan to take care of the unfortunate things that happen to some of them".