COBRA Coverage

 You have 60 days from the date your benefits end from the active employee insurance plan to elect COBRA coverage. Please note:

• The district’s benefit plan year runs January through December.

• Monthly premiums are subject to change during the 18-month COBRA period.

• Each insurance carrier may have its own payment due dates and grace period policies.

• Benefit providers will bill you directly.

• Premiums will be due from the first day of loss of coverage. 

Health Insurance Coverage for Retirees

Eligible retirees may continue coverage under the district’s health insurance plan until becoming Medicare eligible (age 65). Unlike COBRA, which only extends coverage for a maximum of 18 months, the retiree health plan allows continued coverage up to age 65.

You are eligible to enroll in the retiree health plan if:

• You have at least 10 years of service with Shawnee Mission Schools,

• You are receiving KPERS retirement or disability benefits at the time of your retirement, and

• You are currently enrolled in the district’s health insurance plan.

When Coverage Ends

Coverage for retirees and their dependents will end when the earliest of the following occurs:

• The retiree becomes Medicare eligible (age 65). Dependents may be offered COBRA at that time.

• The retiree and/or dependents become covered under another employer-sponsored medical plan.

• Premium payments are not made on time.

• A dependent no longer qualifies under plan guidelines – in this case, only the dependent’s coverage will

Voluntary Benefits, Benefits Direct, 866-674-0960

If you are enrolled in any of the following voluntary benefits, please contact Benefits Direct to review your continuation options:

• Critical Illness

• Accident Insurance

• Cancer Insurance

• Long-Term Care

• Lifetime Life Insurance

• Hospital Indemnity

• Prepaid Legal

• Identity Theft Protection

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• You have 90 days after your benefits end to submit any eligible claims.

• Eligible expenses must have dates of service prior to your benefits termination date.

Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

• If you have an HSA through UMB, your funds do not expire.

• You may continue to use your HSA balance for qualified expenses, even after leaving employment

Voluntary Life Insurance through The Standard

If you are currently enrolled in Voluntary Life Insurance through The Standard and have been paying for this benefit through payroll deductions:

• You will receive an inquiry form along with your COBRA and/or Retiree information packet.

• This form allows you to request individual rates for continuing your Life Insurance coverage on a personal basis.

Please review and complete the form if you wish to continue this coverage after your employment ends.

How to Enroll in COBRA or Retiree Benefits

You will receive an enrollment packet via U.S. Mail from our Benefits Department.
Please complete and return the packet within the designated time period.

Send all completed forms to:

Center for Academic Achievement
Attn: Benefits – Jennifer Lumley
8200 W. 71st Street
Shawnee Mission, KS 66204

If you are completing your contract year, enrollment packets are mailed no earlier than May 1st. 

2026 COBRA and Retiree Rates

Benefit End Dates

187/190 – NEA and NEA Psychologists: • August 31st - if contract is completed; otherwise end of month of last day worked.

Classified – 10-month employees and Food Service: • August 31st - if contract is completed; otherwise end of month of last day worked

210, 215 and 220 Secretaries: • August 31st – if contract is completed; otherwise end of the month of last day worked.

230 Secretaries: • July 31st - if contract is completed; otherwise end of the month of last day worked.

Counselors: • July 31 – if contract is completed; otherwise end of the month of last day worked.

Administrators and Exempt Managers: • June 30 – if contract is completed; otherwise end of the month of last day worked.

12 Month Classified, Parents as Teachers, Security • End of month, of last day worked

Questions? Contact the Benefits Department at 913-993-6454 or Email: Benefits@smsd.org

You are eligible to use the Priority One Health Center at the CAA if you are an active enrollee with Blue Cross Blue Shield either through SMSD COBRA coverage or the Retiree plan.  

If you retire from Shawnee Mission School District you are eligible to continue using the SMSD Fitness Center and the Aquatic Center as a Retiree.  You are required to set-up access by contacting the Fitness Center and working with them directly. 

• Contact Phone Number: 913-993-6493.
• FitnessCenter@smsd.org