In 1983, New York State United Teachers created NYSUT Member Benefits 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.

No NYSUT dues dollars are used to support the Member Benefits' operation. Member Benefits receives funds to cover these expenses from negotiated expense reimbursement/endorsement arrangements (including, in some cases, a percentage of premium paid) with some of the providers of Member Benefits-endorsed programs. For information about these arrangements, please call NYSUT Member Benefits or refer to your NYSUT Member Benefits Summary Plan Description.

These funds 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 and their staff. Where appropriate, Member Benefits' revenue is also used to enhance the benefit programs 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 by the Fund's 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. The endorsement process doesn't end once a program is granted the NYSUT Member Benefits endorsement. Staff and consultants monitor the programs on a regular basis 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 of our programs, 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 each of our benefit programs is the lowest-cost product for a particular program. Member Benefits' trustees, staff, consultants and advisors endeavor continuously, however, to obtain and maintain quality benefit programs at competitive prices. We encourage you to shop and compare before purchasing any benefit program. Most of our 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 — no questions asked.

Although some of the Member Benefits' 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 offers programs in the following categories:

Insurance:

• Accidental Death and Dismemberment;
• Disability;
• Personal Property/Liability (umbrella) Insurance (auto, home, renters)
• Senior Tem Life;
• WrapPlan® Term Life Coordination Program;
• Catastrophe Major Medical;
• Long-Term Care; Term Life.

Financial:

• Financial Counseling Program;
• Preferred Savings PlusSM (Money Markets, High-Yield Savings, CDs);
• Mortgage Services.

Discounts and Travel:

• Simply Certificates (gift certificates);
• Lifeline Personal Response and Support Services;
• Car Rentals;
• Working Advantage (tickets);
• Six Flags amusement parks;
• The Buyer's Edge Buying Service;
• Carlson Wagonlit Travel/Cruises;
• Equifax Credit WatchTM Gold (24-hour credit monitoring service);
• Heat USA;
• Barnes and Noble.com, and
• a variety of educational tools to help you make your purchasing decisions.

Other Services:

• Legal service plan;
• payroll deduction;
• defensive driving courses;
• consumer guides;
• consumer credit counseling service;
• MetDESK (MetLife's Division of Estate Planning for Special Kids).

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

NYSUT Social Services Department

NYSUT Social Services is a valuable benefit available to you. Requiring no additional membership or charge, NYSUT Social Services can help you address your personal problems, as well as the concerns you have about your immediate family members. After a thorough telephone consultation, staff will make suggestions about what options are available to improve your situation, find and supply needed information, or recommend reliable services right in your community and convenient to you. All calls are kept confidential. Contact us at (800) 342-9810, ext. 6206, or e-mail socsvcs@nysutmail.org.

And finally, every member should know …

Your union is here

Your union is here for you. When you have a problem on the job, turn to your local reps and colleagues. If they don't know, they can get help from NYSUT professionals for answers and support.

NEXT: Glossary

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