Frequently Asked Retirement Questions

  • Who do I notify that I plan to retire?

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    1) Submit a letter to your supervisor and to Human Resources.

    2) Contact the Retirement Systems in Jefferson City, 1-800-392-6848. They will mail you a packet to complete.

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  • Can I keep my current health insurance program?

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    Employees can elect to continue their medical, dental and vision coverage through Springfield Public Schools. These are the same plans available when you are an active employee. The difference is that as a retiree you will be responsible for paying the premiums. If you elected a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), remember there are specific time frames to use your account. Please call TASC for details at (800) 422-4661.

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  • What should I do next?

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    Shortly after your retirement date you will receive a packet with your retiree medical, dental and vision enrollment form. The enrollment form will indicate a first day of non-coverage. Keep in mind that as long as the completed form (along with payment) is received within 30 days from that date, coverage is retroactive to that first day of non-coverage. 

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  • What do I have to do to retain my coverage?

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    When you receive your packet, simply complete the forms and send to Med-Pay for processing. For assistance call Med-Pay at (417) 886-6886.

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  • If I do not retain my coverage, may I rejoin at a later time?

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    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.)

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  • What happens to my spouse’s insurance if I die?

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    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. The surviving spouse should contact the Benefits Department at 417-523-4647 within the first 30 days. Proof of the continued monthly continued payments will be required. 

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  • How do I continue other benefits that I had elected?

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    You will need to contact those companies directly. Following is a list of the payroll approved vendors offering other insurance products.

    MetLife 800-438-6388

    TASC 800-422-4661

    Superior Vision 800-507-3800

    New York Life 800-362-4462

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  • What happens to my accumulated sick leave?

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    Upon retirement, an eligible employee's accumulated sick leave will be paid out as detailed in Board Policy GCBDA-Professional Staff Short Term Leaves and Policy GDBDA-Support Staff Leaves.

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  • I'm turning 65, what do I need to do?

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    Current Employee

    Your SPS insurance will remain your primary insurance (Medicare would be secondary in most cases) as long as you are still a benefitted employee.

    Retiree

    You may want to contact the Social Security Office and visit with their Medicare Representative.

    You may continue to purchase SPS insurance (at the same rate) as your secondary insurance.

    Feel free to contact the Benefits Department for clarification between secondary and supplementary insurance.

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