Many NYSUT member benefits can save you money and make life easier
Oct 1, 2009 2:10 PM
UFT members sometimes forget that by belonging to the New York City teachers union they are also members of a huge, statewide teachers union, New York State United Teachers. Membership in NYSUT brings with it many benefits, not the least of which is a whole array of special endorsed programs and services through NYSUT Member Benefits.
These include various types of insurance, legal services, many discounts and other programs.
Most of these may be purchased via payroll or pension deduction, which not only eliminates the writing of checks, keeping track of due dates and other bookkeeping chores, but often also means extra discounts through reduced premiums, the elimination of service fees and additional coverage provided at no cost.
You are invited to join MAP, NYSUT Member Benefits’ Member Assistance Program. This is an e-mail based program in which you’ll receive endorsed benefits-related information and special offers.
Complete details are available on the NYSUT Member Benefits Web site, www.memberbenefits.nysut.org, or by calling the Member Benefits office at 1-800-626-8101, but here is a brief look at the programs and services endorsed by Member Benefits.
Insurance benefits
Term life insurance — If you or your spouse or domestic partner are under age 85, you both are eligible to apply for coverage at premiums specially negotiated for NYSUT members. Coverage amounts are age-dependent, and coverage terminates at age 85. There is an accelerated death benefit of up to 60 percent of the life insurance available for those who are terminally ill and under age 70.
WrapPlan flexible premium adjustable life insurance plan —The WrapPlan offers members a way to plan for the continuing need for life insurance coverage, while taking advantage of the term life insurance they already have. This plan allows you to apply for group universal life insurance that increases as your term insurance decreases or terminates. Premiums may be set at a level to produce as much or as little accumulation cash value at age 95 as you wish. To apply, members must be age 65 or under and reside or work in New York state. Retirees who are not New York residents may be eligible.
Personal property and liability insurance plans — Members may apply for the best plans for their specific needs, whatever property may be involved, domicile, automobile, boat or other personal property and liability. You may be eligible for a variety of discounts, depending on where you live. Personal property and liability insurance policies include:
- automobile insurance
- boat owners insurance
- homeowners/renters insurance
- personal excess liability (umbrella) insurance
- others, including mobile home, recreational vehicle, snowmobile, motorcycle, fire and landlord’s rental dwelling.
Disability insurance — You can insure your most valuable asset — your income — with this plan. It provides tax-free benefits to help you meet your living expenses if a covered illness or injury prevents you from working. Coverages range up to $5,000 per month, depending on your salary. A short-term policy offering benefits for up to one year, a five-year policy, and a long-term policy offering benefits up to age 65 are available. Members under age 64 who work 20 hours a week or more may apply.
Catastrophe major medical insurance — This plan supplements your basic hospitalization and medical insurance, including Medicare. After a deductible has been met, the plan pays up to 100 percent of eligible expenses not covered by other insurance for up to five years or up to $2 million, whichever comes first. There are also some nursing home, home health care and private-duty nursing benefits, all of which have lifetime maximum benefits. Members must be 79 or younger to apply. Once insured, members may apply for coverage for spouses or domestic partners, parents, parents-in-law and dependent children.
Long-term care insurance —This flexible plan allows members to select the terms and daily benefit amounts that best meet their needs. Services provided include care planning and coverage for home health care, adult day care, homemaker services, licensed assisted living facilities, nursing home care, hospice care at home or in a licensed hospice facility and respite care. Spouses or domestic partners, parents, parents-in-law, grandparents and grandparents-in-law are eligible to apply.
Financial and legal services
Preferred Savings Plus — This plan offers members some of the highest interest rates currently available on certificates of deposit, money market and savings accounts. Account information is available 24/7 by phone, Internet, mail or ATM. Accounts are insured by FDIC for up to $250,000 per depositor. Home financing programs are also available.
Equifax Credit Watch Gold — Get e-mail alerts within 24 hours of key changes to your credit file, monthly “No news is good news” messages if there are no alerts, identity theft protection news and tips, unlimited access to your Equifax credit report, dedicated customer service 24/7 and more. NYSUT members can enroll online to receive this service for the discounted price of $69.95 for 12 months. That is $49.45 off the regular price. The special pricing is available only through the Member Benefits Web site — see the site for details.
Consumer Credit Counseling Service — CCCS offers many programs and services, including financial counseling, HUD-certified housing counseling, and educational programs on financial management and credit issues. Its debt-repayment plan, offered on a sliding-scale monthly fee, is structured to help you repay creditors over time without additional loans or personal bankruptcy. You can request a credit report review, which provides help in interpreting your report and a plan to help improve your credit history. Credit report review services are available in person and can be arranged in many locations in New York state but may not be available in all states.
Legal Service Plan — For a modest annual fee, this plan offers legal help for personal matters, including free telephone advice and free legal documents (a simple will, health care proxy, living will and durable power of attorney). For matters that require more than advice over the phone, members will be referred to participating attorneys in their area who have agreed to charge reduced fees. The plan includes two free, hour-long office consultations per year and various other services. Optional riders for business protection and elder law services can also be purchased. Note: Retirees who are members of the UFT are covered for legal services under the UFT Welfare Fund Retiree Legal Plan with Elder Law Supplement.
Discounts
EPIC Hearing Service Plan – Ear Professionals International Corporation has a national network of more than 3,500 credentialed audiologists and ear, nose and throat physicians, with more than 250 in New York state. Through these providers, members receive customized care and, if needed, may purchase brand-name hearing aids at substantial savings. EPIC prices may be as much as 50 percent below manufacturer’s suggested retail price and up to 35 percent lower than most discount offers. If you already have a hearing care professional and do no want to change, you can still use your provider for the exam and receive a prescription to be filled by the EPIC provider. There are no fees for members and any family members to use this plan. Be sure to provide the Member Benefits identifier code NYSUTMBC.
Powell’s Books — This online store offers the combined inventory of its four full-service bookstores, two specialty stores and five warehouses. In addition to its large selection of new, used and rare books, it offers e-books, audio books, DVDs, gift cards and souvenirs. What is unique about Powell’s is that you can sell your used books to them, depending on condition. It is the largest unionized bookstore in the country. Qualifying orders totaling $50 or more receive free economy shipping. Use the Member Benefits Web site link whenever you make a purchase from, or sale to, Powell’s. A portion of every sale made through using the Member Benefits link goes toward funding the Member Benefits Corporation, whose purpose is to expand the variety of programs made available to NYSUT members.
OfficeMax Retail Connect — Get access to discounted prices on office supplies at any of the OfficeMax retail locations nationwide. Discounts range from 10 percent to 40 percent off certain items when you present your discount card at time of purchase. If OfficeMax isn’t in your vicinity, you can order online. Contact Member Benefits for the necessary information for online ordering or to receive your discount card. You can also get this information and print your card by following the instructions on the Member Benefits Web site.
Bose — Receive special pricing on all Bose products offered to consumers. Choose among music systems, computer speakers, home theater systems and more. You can receive the special NYSUT Member Benefits Trust pricing by ordering from Bose via a dedicated toll-free number, 1-877-709-2073.
Dell Computers — Receive a 7 percent discount on most products purchased through the Dell Discount Program. Discount applies to new purchases only. You can also choose a recommended system created by Dell at a discounted price. The standard 7 percent discount does not apply to these already discounted recommended systems. To receive the Member Benefits discount, order by phone toll-free, 1-866-535-3580, or use the link on the Member Benefits Web site. Use the NYSUT Member Benefits ID# US72614970 to receive the discount.
Barnes & Noble.com — Prices on the Barnes & Noble.com online bookstore are discounted up to 40 percent. NYSUT members are eligible to receive an additional 10 percent off these prices only by accessing the bookstore through the Member Benefits Web site. Spend $25 or more and shipping is free. This offer is not available in Barnes & Noble retail stores.
Working Advantage —This program offers discounted tickets for movies, movie rentals, theme parks, Broadway shows, online shopping, sports events and more. Access the program via the link on the Member Benefits Web site or call Working Advantage toll-free at 1-800-565-3712. Be sure to use the NYSUT Member Benefits ID# 704689984.
Philips Lifeline — Members concerned about relatives who live alone at home can receive a discount on this easy-to-use personal response service.
Car and truck rental — Alamo, Avis, Budget and Hertz provide discounted passenger car rental rates to NYSUT members. Use these discount numbers: Alamo: #213855; Avis: #A441200; Budget: BCD#X928400; Hertz: CDP #85352. Budget Truck Rental provides a 20 percent discount on local and one-way truck rentals. To get the discount, you must call 1-800-566-8422 or use the link off the Member Benefits Web site. Use the NYSUT Member Benefits discount ID# 56000070789. Check with the NYSUT Member Benefits office for promotional discount coupons. (Note: The UFT also has car rental discounts for other companies; check the Just For Fun section in each issue of New York Teacher.)
Six Flags — Discounted admissions are available for participating parks during the spring and summer.
The Buyer’s Edge — Use this buying service to comparison shop for the best deals on major appliances, furniture, luggage, automobiles and more. The NYSUT Member Benefits Username is 215; the Password is member1.
Heat USA — By using group buying power, this program provides substantial discounts on heating oil. Participants receive a free lifetime 24-hour service contract with carefully screened full-service local suppliers. First-year membership fee is $25; second year is free. The program includes free annual cleaning and tune-up along with automatic delivery. The program is currently only available in some areas of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Other services
MPP (My Program Participation) — This is an online feature that allows you to look up your individual information about the Member Benefits Trust-endorsed voluntary insurance and legal programs you participate in. You’ll see the payment methods you are eligible to use, the payment method you are actually using (payroll/pension deduction or direct bill), deduction amounts, and phone numbers for the vendors. If the vendor provides other information to Member Benefits, such as premium amounts and coverage information, that will be available to you also. This information is in a password-protected area of the Member Benefits Web site. Once you log in and create your own enhanced security code, you can access this feature at your convenience.
Identity theft/fraud workshop — This presentation will help you understand the degree to which your identity may be at risk, techniques thieves are using, how to protect yourself and your identity, and what to do if you become a victim. Presentations are free. Courses are arranged through chapter leaders.
Unraveling the mysteries of credit and credit reports workshop — Participants will learn credit basics, examine the different types of credit available, and take a more in-depth look at the most commonly used credit option, credit cards. In addition, participants will gain an understanding of personal credit reports, how to manage their own credit report, and its effect on the credit process. Presentations are free. Courses are arranged through chapter leaders.
Consumer guides — Pamphlets provide candid, objective information about various types of insurance, legal services and tax-deferred savings that can help members make more informed purchasing decisions. These can also be accessed from the Member Benefits Web site.
MetDESK — MetLife’s Division of Estate Planning for Special Kids can assist with the complicated process of planning for the future of your special-needs child, regardless of age. Trained specialists help you navigate through the financial and legal issues involved in providing lifetime care. Free one-on-one consultations can be arranged. Free educational workshops are also available.
Member Benefits does not represent that its endorsed programs are the lowest-cost products. Member Benefits’ trustees, directors, staff, consultants and advisers endeavor continuously, however, to obtain and maintain quality benefit programs at competitive prices. You are encouraged to shop and compare before purchasing any benefit program. Many of its 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.
NYSUT Member Benefits assumes an advocacy role for members. If you ever encounter a problem with any of its endorsed programs, please notify Member Benefits. Their involvement in these situations helps assure your issue is addressed in a timely manner.
