In 1983, New York State United Teachers created NYSUT Member Benefits Trust as a tax-exempt, not-for-profit trust fund for the purpose of providing members access to quality, competitive insurance plans and benefit programs.

In 2008, the Trust established NYSUT Member Benefits Corporation. This for-profit, taxable subsidiary was created to protect the Trust’s tax-exempt status and to provide the opportunity to expand the types of endorsed programs and services.

No members’ NYSUT dues dollars are used to support Member Benefits or its programs in any way. Member Benefits receives funds from negotiated expense reimbursement/endorsement arrangements with some of the endorsed programs’ carriers.

These funds are used solely to defray the costs of administering endorsed programs. Where appropriate, Member Benefits’ revenue is used to enhance programs.

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.

In an effort to offer only quality alternatives for members, proposals from reputable vendors are reviewed and evaluated. Once a program is endorsed, staff and consultants monitor participation, satisfaction, utilization and product competitiveness.

Members receive advocacy from Member Benefits. If members ever encounter a problem with any endorsed program, they should notify the department. Member Benefits’ involvement assures members’ needs are addressed in a timely manner.

Member Benefits does not represent that each endorsed program is the lowest-cost product for a particular program. However, trustees, directors, staff, consultants and advisers endeavor to obtain and maintain quality benefit programs at competitive prices. Members are encouraged to shop and compare before purchasing any benefit program.

For information about this program or about contractual expense reimbursement/endorsement arrangements with providers of endorsed programs, please call NYSUT Member Benefits at (800) 626-8101, visit www.memberbenefits. nysut.org or refer to your NYSUT Member Benefits Trust Summary Plan Description. Agency fee payers to NYSUT are eligible to participate in NYSUT Member Benefits-endorsed programs.