In 1983, NYSUT created NYSUT Member Benefits Trust as a tax-exempt, not-for-profit trust fund for the purpose of providing members and agency fee payers with access to competitive insurance plans and benefit programs.

In 1983, NYSUT created NYSUT Member Benefits Trust as a tax-exempt, not-for-profit trust fund for the purpose of providing members with access to competitive insurance plans and benefit programs. In 2008, the trustees of NYSUT Member Benefits Trust established the NYSUT Member Benefits Corporation, a for-profit corporation. This separate, taxable subsidiary was created to protect the Trust's tax-exempt status. It presents the opportunity to expand the types of programs and services offered to members.

In addition to voluntary programs for individual members, Member Benefits also endorses group plans available for purchase by a local association, its benefit fund or employer.

No NYSUT dues dollars are used to support the Trust or the Corporation. Member Benefits receives endorsement fees from some of the providers of its endorsed programs. For information, call Member Benefits, refer to your NYSUT Member Benefits Trust Summary Plan Description, or visit www.memberbenefits.nysut.org. Endorsement fees are used solely to defray the costs of administering the benefit programs of Member Benefits including compensation, rent, office expenses, and the cost of retaining consultants, auditors and attorneys to advise the trustees, directors and staff. Where appropriate, Member Benefits' revenue is also used to enhance the benefits available for participants. No monies are paid to NYSUT except reimbursement for use of facilities and for services and personnel provided by NYSUT to, and at the request of, Member Benefits (the reasonableness of which amounts are certified annually to the trustees and directors by Member Benefits' independent auditors).

In efforts to provide only quality alternatives for members, a process of reviewing and evaluating proposals from vendors is undertaken before an endorsement is given. Once a program is granted the NYSUT Member Benefits endorsement, staff and consultants monitor the programs regularly for participation, member satisfaction, utilization and product competitiveness. One advantage of endorsement is Member Benefits' advocacy role. If you ever encounter a problem with any endorsed program, please notify Member Benefits. Our involvement in this type of situation assures your needs are addressed in a timely manner.

NYSUT Member Benefits does not represent that our endorsed benefit programs are the lowest-cost products. Member Benefits' trustees, directors, staff, consultants and advisers are committed to obtaining and maintaining quality benefit programs at competitive prices. We encourage you to shop and compare before purchasing any benefit program.

Most of our endorsed plans come with a "free look" trial period. This gives you ample time to review your new plan. If you're not completely satisfied, you can return your certificate of coverage within the allotted time frame and any money you've paid or had deducted will be refunded in full.

Although some endorsed programs may provide legal or financial advice, Member Benefits itself does not offer investment, legal or tax advice. Participants are urged to consult their own investment, financial, tax and legal advisers to help them with an evaluation of the benefit programs.

NYSUT Member Benefits endorses these programs:

Insurance: Term Life; WrapPlanSM II Flexible Premium Adjustable Life Insurance; Personal Property/Liability (auto, home, renters, boat, umbrella, etc.); Disability; Accidental Death and Dismemberment; Catastrophe Major Medical; Long-Term Care; Vision Plan; In-Service Dental Plan.

Financial and Legal: Preferred Savings PlusSM (Money Markets, High Yield Savings and CDs); Equifax Credit WatchTM Gold; Consumer Credit Counseling Service; Legal Service Plan.

Discounts: EPIC Hearing Service Plan; Powell's Books; OfficeMax Retail ConnectSM; Bose®; Dell Computers; Barnes & Noble.com; Working Advantage (tickets); Philips Lifeline; car and truck rentals; Six Flags; The Buyer's Edge buying service; Heat USA.
NYSUT Member Benefits offers these educational workshops and other services:

Workshops: Defensive Driving; Identity Theft/Fraud; 403(b) Basics; 403(b) Employer Contributions; 403(b) Regulations Overview; Inside the 403(b); Unraveling the Mysteries of Credit and Credit Reports; Payroll Deduction of NYSUT Member Benefits-endorsed programs; Estate Planning and more. Workshops are arranged by request from local associations.

Other Services: MAP (Member Assistance Program); MPP (My Program Participation); payroll deduction; consumer guides; MetDESK (MetLife's Division of Estate Planning for Special Kids).

To request more information about any of these programs or services, or to find out if any additional programs are available, call Member Benefits at 800-626-8101 or visit the Web site at www.memberbenefits.nysut.org. Some benefits may not be available in all local associations.