The power of the union:
Trusted benefits crafted with you in mind

ach September, NYSUT Member Benefits provides an update on how our department operates, our thorough endorsement process, and an overview of the exclusive benefits available through your NYSUT membership.

Member Benefits is composed of the Member Benefits Trust (created in 1983), the Member Benefits Corporation (2008), and the Catastrophe Major Medical Insurance Trust (2015). These three groups were designed to provide quality benefits to members and expand upon the variety of offerings available.

A board of appointed trustees/directors oversees each of these with the goal of ensuring the health and vitality of all endorsed benefits. Member Benefits is under the leadership of NYSUT Secretary-Treasurer J. Philippe Abraham, chairperson of the Member Benefits Trust, and Peggy Jacobsen, director.

Is Member Benefits supported by my NYSUT dues dollars?
No. Member Benefits has negotiated revenue endorsement arrangements with our endorsed program partners. These funds cover department expenses (including, in some cases, a percentage of premiums paid). They are also used, when appropriate, to enhance existing programs, maintain competitive rates, facilitate the development of new benefits, and defray the costs of operating our department.

What does it mean to be an endorsed program partner of Member Benefits?
Member Benefits receives requests and proposals from various companies on a regular basis that are diligently reviewed by our team. The potential provider then undergoes a comprehensive review process which includes a detailed compliance review by our legal counsel. Finally, the proposal goes before our board of trustees/directors for approval. Once a program is granted an endorsement, the process continues as we monitor it for member satisfaction, utilization, and financial health.

How do you stand behind your endorsed benefits?
Our most important role in Member Benefits is to serve as a trusted advocate on your side when you need us. We encourage members to always contact us directly whenever they need assistance or have questions about their benefits. Education and transparency are valuable to us, which is why we encourage members to make informed purchasing decisions by exploring and comparing their options before making any type of purchasing decision.

What does my NYSUT membership provide?
Your NYSUT membership grants you access to carefully cultivated benefits that include special perks, group discounted pricing, and exclusive offerings unavailable to the general public. Members can select from member-only pricing for life, auto, home, renter’s, specialty, pet, and other insurance plans; legal and financial services that provide quality, unbiased, and professional advice; special pricing on hotels, resorts, cruises, and flights; exclusive savings on discounted tickets to events and attractions across the state; and an array of free benefits negotiated with our endorsed partners.

Free benefits? Tell me more please.
As mentioned above, the Member Benefits team has negotiated with our program partners to make available a number of benefits free of charge to members — including health and wellness resources to help them feel their best.

All in-service and retiree members receive unlimited access to the full premium subscription of the Calm library of sleep, meditation, and relaxation content; members can add up to five dependents (16 or older) to receive their own subscription. Our Peer Support Line is a confidential helpline available in partnership with Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care. Members and their loved ones can connect with a peer who understands their situation for answers, resources, and a compassionate ear when needed most.

All in-service and retiree members are automatically provided with a $5,000 accidental death and dismemberment insurance benefit along with free travel assistance services. In addition, our Financial Learning Center provides free access to helpful educational content from Kiplinger’s regarding finances, insurance, estate planning, and more. Finally, our relationship with Cambridge Credit Counseling can help NYSUT members and their families navigate debt consolidation and student loan repayment options.

What types of benefits can members participate in?
Member Benefits has dozens of programs that members can choose from, including MB Discounts & Deals; Grand Circle Travel & Overseas Adventure Travel; Buyer’s Edge; Mid-Island Mortgage; TruHearing; and quality life, auto and home, long-term care, and pet insurance plans. All these programs feature exclusive savings opportunities and/or additional benefits unavailable to the general public. Whether you’re looking to make an important purchase, book an unforgettable vacation, or protect those who matter most to you, Member Benefits has you covered.

What is the best way to stay updated about Member Benefits?
Members are encouraged to sign up for our MAP Alert email service to receive weekly email updates about Member Benefits programs, early notification on new benefits, and the chance to enter exclusive drawings to win prizes. For more information about our endorsed benefits or to join MAP today, scan the QR code below, visit memberbenefits.nysut.org, or call 800-626-8101.