PEF membership gives you discounts on health services, prescription drugs, and everyday purchases, plus access to a helpline and educational resources

PEF stands for Public Employees Federation, a union that represents about 70,000 public employees in New York State. If you work for New York State government or certain public authorities, PEF membership may be part of your employment. The membership itself is free — your employer deducts dues from your paycheck — and it comes with a set of benefits separate from your union representation.

The benefits fall into a few categories: discounts on health and dental care, prescription drug savings, deals on travel and entertainment, and access to financial planning resources. Some benefits are available only to members; others extend to your spouse or household members. The exact list and discount amounts change year to year, so it's worth checking your membership materials or the PEF website when your benefits renew.

Key Takeaways

  • PEF membership includes discounts on prescription drugs through a mail-order pharmacy program and retail pharmacy partners.
  • Members can access discounted dental, vision, and hearing services through partner providers, though you pay out of pocket rather than through insurance.
  • Travel, entertainment, and retail discounts are available through a benefits portal or membership card, covering hotels, rental cars, Broadway tickets, and national retailers.
  • PEF members have access to a member helpline and financial planning consultations at no extra cost.
  • Spouses and dependents may be covered under some benefits, but coverage rules vary by benefit type.

Prescription Drug Discounts and How They Work

One of the most commonly used PEF benefits is the prescription drug discount program. Members can fill prescriptions through a mail-order pharmacy or at participating retail pharmacies and receive a discount off the regular price. You don't need insurance to use this benefit — you straightforward present your PEF membership card or member ID number at the pharmacy.

The discount amount depends on the medication and the pharmacy. Mail-order prescriptions often have a lower per-dose cost than retail, especially for maintenance medications you take regularly. Retail pharmacies participating in the program are typically large chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, so you can usually find one nearby. If your prescription is not covered at a particular pharmacy, the PEF helpline can tell you where to fill it at a discount.

This benefit works alongside insurance if you have it — some members use it for medications their insurance doesn't cover, or to reduce their out-of-pocket cost below their insurance copay. Others use it as their primary way to pay for prescriptions if they don't carry health insurance.

Dental, Vision, and Hearing Discounts

PEF members can receive discounts on dental work, eye exams, and hearing services through partner providers. These are not insurance plans — you pay the provider directly and receive a reduced rate as a PEF member. The discount typically ranges from 10 to 25 percent off the regular fee, depending on the service and provider.

To use these benefits, you find a participating dentist, optometrist, or hearing aid provider, show your PEF card, and the discount is applied at the time of service. The PEF website or member helpline can help you locate providers in your area. Some members use these discounts for routine care like cleanings and exams; others use them for larger procedures like crowns or root canals, where the savings can add up.

These benefits are typically available to you as the member, though some plans extend discounts to your spouse or dependents. Check your membership materials to see who is covered under each benefit.

Travel, Entertainment, and Retail Discounts

PEF members have access to discounts on hotels, rental cars, airfare, and entertainment through a benefits portal. Hotel discounts are often 10 to 20 percent off standard rates at major chains. Car rental companies like Hertz and Enterprise offer member rates. Broadway and other theater tickets may be discounted through a partner vendor.

Retail discounts are also available at national stores and online retailers, though the discount amount and participating stores change periodically. Some discounts require you to book or shop through a specific website or phone number; others are applied automatically when you show your membership card. Your membership materials or the PEF website will tell you how to access each discount.

These benefits are usually available to the member only, not to household members, though some travel discounts may explore to companions traveling with you. Read the terms for each discount to confirm who can use it.

Financial Planning and Member Helpline Services

PEF members can speak with a financial advisor about retirement planning, investment options, and budgeting at no additional cost. These consultations are typically available by phone and may cover topics like Social Security timing, pension planning, and managing debt. The advisor is not a substitute for a personal financial advisor you hire yourself, but can help you think through basic questions.

Members also have access to a helpline staffed during business hours. You can call to ask questions about your benefits, locate participating providers, or get help understanding how to use a specific discount. The helpline number is on your membership card and in your membership materials.

How to Access Your Benefits

Most PEF benefits are accessed through your membership card, which you should receive when you join or renew. The card has your member ID number and the helpline phone number on it. Keep it with you when you visit a pharmacy, dentist, or other provider.

Some benefits require you to register on the PEF website or call the helpline to set up an account before you can use them. Travel discounts, for example, may require you to book through a specific portal or provide a discount code. Your membership materials will explain which benefits need setup and which are ready to use when ready.

If you lose your card or need a replacement, contact PEF directly. You can usually request a new card online or by phone, and it will arrive within one to two weeks.

What Changes Year to Year

PEF negotiates its benefits package with employers and vendors, so the list of discounts and the discount amounts can change each year. A retailer that offered a discount one year may not the next, or the discount percentage may increase or decrease. New benefits are sometimes added, and others are discontinued.

When your membership renews, you'll receive updated materials listing the current benefits. It's worth reviewing these materials to see what's new and what may have changed. The PEF website also lists current benefits, though the website version may be updated more frequently than printed materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for PEF membership?

No. If you are a PEF member through your job, membership dues are deducted from your paycheck by your employer. You don't pay a separate membership fee. The benefits described here come with your membership at no additional cost.

Can my spouse or family members use my benefits?

It depends on the benefit. Prescription drug discounts and some dental and vision discounts typically extend to spouses and dependents. Travel and retail discounts are usually for the member only. Your membership materials will specify who is covered under each benefit, or you can call the member helpline to ask.

Do these discounts work if I have insurance?

Yes. You can use PEF discounts alongside your health, dental, or vision insurance. Some members use them for services their insurance doesn't cover, or to reduce their out-of-pocket cost. Others use them as their primary payment method if they don't have insurance.

What if a pharmacy or provider doesn't accept my PEF card?

Call the PEF member helpline with the name of the pharmacy or provider. They can tell you whether that location participates in the program, or help you find a participating provider nearby. If a location should be participating but isn't, the helpline can investigate.

How do I find participating providers?

The PEF website has a provider search tool where you can enter your location and the type of service you need. You can also call the member helpline and ask them to locate providers in your area. Both methods will give you a list of participating dentists, pharmacies, or other providers near you.