Benefits FAQs

Your insurance coverage through SPPS remains in effect through the end of the month in which you last worked. You may continue coverage for medical, dental, vision and/or life insurance for up to 18 months at your own expense under federal COBRA law.

COBRA materials will be mailed to you by BRI within 15 days of the date coverage is terminated and you will have 60 days to elect COBRA coverage. You do not need to elect this coverage if you do not want to. Participation is optional. 

If chosen, COBRA coverage and make your first premium payment, coverage is reinstated retroactively to the date your active group plan ended. 

Example: If your last date worked was 6/10/26, your coverage would end 6/30/26. Your COBRA notification would be mailed in mid-July. Once payment is made, COBRA coverage would start 7/1/26.

Options: You may continue Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance benefits for up to 18 months under federal COBRA Law. 

What to Expect: BRI will mail your COBRA materials within 15 days of your coverage termination date. 

Decision Period: You have 60 days from the date coverage is terminated to elect to continue your benefits. 

Flexibility: You are not required to elect this coverage if you do not want it. 

Coverage Start Date: If chosen, COBRA coverage begins the day after your active SPPS group plan ends. 

Example: If your last day worked is June 10, 2026, your active coverage ends June 30, 2026. Your COBRA notification would be mailed in mid-July. If you pay the premium, your continued coverage would start effective July 1, 2026. 

With BRI you can continue life insurance through COBRA for up to 18 months or call Securian Financial at 1-833-810-8260 to get additional information on how to transfer your coverage. 

Pension Information 

You are not eligible to receive a refund of your pension contributions or to apply for an annuity as a retiree unless you officially resign or retire from SPPS. To receive a refund of your pension contributions, or to apply for an annuity if you are at least 55 years old and have 3 years or more of service, you must contact your pension fund directly. You can find contact details  for your providers in the Pension and Retirement Account Contact directory on our website.

*Remember, if you apply for a refund of your pension contributions, there is a substantial tax penalty. Your retirement fund will give you more detailed information when and if you apply for a refund.

PERA:

Phone #: 651-296-7460
Fax #:  651-297-2547
Main PERA Website    
PERA Forms 

SPTRFA:

Phone #: 651-642-2550
Fax #: 651-642-2553
E-mail: info@sptrfa.org
Main SPTRFA Website

Your Flexible Savings Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) elections will be termed at the end of the month of your termination date. Funds will no longer be added at this time. 

• Please contact Optum directly for assistance with all customer support inquiries, including the reimbursement or claim process:
  • Online: Sign in to access self-help tools and assistance.
  • Phone: 800- 243-5543 - Optum's customer support center is available for assistance 24/7.

• FSA: Any funds remaining in your account must be used by your last day of employment. Any funds remaining in your account will be forfeited after that time.
• HSA: Any funds in the account can be used at any time until funds are depleted.