ENDORSEMENT PROCESS:
NYSUT Member Benefits utilizes its staff of experienced professionals, Board of Trustees, Board of Directors, and independent benefits consultants to assist in product design and provide research on potential program endorsements.
Once a program is endorsed, staff and consultants carefully monitor it for participation, member satisfaction, utilization, and product competitiveness. Member Benefits representatives also meet with providers of endorsed programs several times per year to discuss the program and negotiate for improvements and enhancements.
As part of the monitoring of Member Benefits-endorsed programs and services, a review process will be conducted at least once every five years. The review process may include, as needed, a Request for Information (RFI) and/or a Request for Proposal (RFP) to determine if the agreement with the program provider should be renewed or another provider should be selected.
Participation in our endorsed programs offers members the added protection of having a trusted advocate on their side. Our staff take great pride in stepping in to support members with any questions or concerns that may arise.
ENDORSEMENT ARRANGEMENTS:
Member Benefits receives funds to cover expenses from negotiated endorsement arrangements with many of our endorsed program providers (including, in some cases, a percentage of premium paid). Member dues dollars are never used in conjunction with Member Benefits.
Member Benefits revenue is used, where appropriate, to enhance benefit programs, maintain competitive rates, and allow for the development of new offerings for the NYSUT membership. These funds are also used to defray the costs of operating Member Benefits, including staff compensation; rent; office expenses; and the cost of retaining consultants, auditors, and attorneys to advise the trustees, directors, and staff.
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 (with reasonableness of amounts certified annually to the trustees and directors by the Trust’s and the Corporation's independent auditors).
Member Benefits does not represent that its endorsed benefit programs are the lowest-cost products. Instead, our goal is to obtain and maintain quality benefit programs at competitive prices. Participants are encouraged to shop and compare.
Although some of our endorsed programs may provide legal or financial advice, Member Benefits does not offer investment, legal, or tax advice. Participants should consult their own investment, legal, financial, and tax advisors to assist them with an evaluation of these voluntary benefit programs.