Retirement FAQ
I’m planning on retiring, what do I need to know?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
●Who do I notify that I plan to retire?
1) Submit a letter to your supervisor and to Human Resources.
2) Contact the Retirement Systems in Jefferson City. They will mail you a packet to complete.
●Can I keep my current health insurance program?
Employees can elect to continue their Medical and Dental coverage through Springfield Public Schools. This is the same medical and dental plans available when you are an active employee. The difference; you will be responsible to pay the premiums.
●What should I do next?
Shortly after your retirement date you will receive a packet with your retiree medical and dental
enrollment forms. Included in this packet is information regarding your life insurance as well.
●What do I have to do to retain my coverage?
When you receive your packet, simply complete the forms and send to Med-Pay for processing.
●If I do not retain my coverage, may I rejoin at a later time?
If you choose not to continue coverage at the time of retirement or within the first year from your date of retirement; you will be ineligible for enrollment at a later date. Keep in mind if you elect coverage within the first year, but after your active coverage terminates, you will be effective the first of the month following your election. (For example; your active coverage terminates September 30th, but you wait until December 2nd to enroll: your coverage would be effective January 1st.)
●What happens to my spouse’s insurance if I die?
Upon the death of the retiree, the surviving spouse’s health insurance coverage shall be available and
continue as long as the surviving spouse is receiving the retiree’s retirement in monthly payments.
●How do I continue other benefits that I had elected?
You will need to contact those companies directly. Following is a list of the payroll approved vendors offering other insurance products.
American Fidelity 800-654-8489
AFLAC 417-725-0020
American United Life 800-553-5318
Texas Life 800-283-9233
●What about my sick leave?
Upon retirement your accumulated sick leave in excess of 100 days will be paid at the rate of $20.00
per day. (Example: you have 145 days accumulated, you will be paid $20 per day for the 45 days.) *If you are a transportation employee, please contact the Human Resources Services Department for details regarding your payment.
●Other Useful Phone Numbers
Retirement Systems 800-392-6848
Med-Pay 417-886-6886
Delta 800-392-1167
●I’m turning 65, what do I need to do?
If you are still an employee of the District:
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Your SPS insurance will remain your primary insurance (Medicare would be secondary in most cases) as long as you are still a benefitted employee
If you are a retiree:
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You may want to contact the Social Security Office and visit with their Medicare Representative.
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You may continue to purchase SPS insurance (at the same rate) as your secondary insurance. Feel free to contact the Benefits Office for clarification between secondary and supplementary insurance.
