Leaving Pandora

When you leave Pandora, your benefits will also change. While this can feel sudden, you have options to help maintain coverage.

COBRA

All company-sponsored benefits end on your date of termination. All elected benefits will end at the end of the month your termination happens. In most cases, you may choose to continue your benefits through COBRA for up to 18 months. COBRA allows you to keep the same coverage you have now for a limited time by paying the full premium.

Through COBRA, you and your covered dependents may be able to continue:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Prescription coverage

COBRA gives you time and flexibility to maintain your current coverage while you plan what’s next—so you can focus on moving forward with confidence.

Note: Your COBRA Specific Rights Notice can be used as proof of a Qualifying Life Event, if needed.

What to expect

COBRA can feel complicated, but knowing what to expect can make the process much easier. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you navigate what comes next:

  • WEX manages COBRA for Pandora and eligible participants, so WEX will be your main point of contact.
  • Once you are terminated in the system and WEX is notified, WEX will mail a letter to your address on file. This letter will have all the information regarding COBRA, including how to elect coverage.
  • If you or a family member is eligible, you’ll receive a COBRA enrollment packet by mail at your home address. This usually arrives about two or three weeks after your employment ends and includes everything you need to get started.
  • You can continue the same medical, dental, and vision coverage you had as an employee.
  • You have 60 days from the later of your COBRA notice date or coverage end date to enroll. After you elect coverage, you’ll have 45 days to make your first payment. Once payment is made, coverage is retroactive to the date your Pandora coverage ended. Until then, coverage is temporarily suspended.
  • If you enroll in COBRA, you’ll pay the full cost of coverage. Once your packet arrives, you can enroll and make payments online for convenience.
  • COBRA coverage is generally available for up to 18 months, with possible extensions in certain situations.
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What happens with your other benefits

When you leave Pandora, some benefits end, but others stay with you. Here’s what to expect as you plan your next steps.

Life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance

When your employment ends, your life and AD&D insurance coverage—including any dependent coverage—will end on your last day of work. You won’t have to figure out what comes next on your own. You’ll receive information from MetLife outlining your options to convert or continue your life insurance coverage after employment ends.

Short- and long-term disability insurance

Your short- and long-term disability coverage will end on your last day of employment. If you’re already receiving disability benefits at the time your employment ends, you are still eligible to continue receiving payments, depending on the terms of the plan.

To understand your situation and next steps, visit MyBenefits, where you can:

  • Check your claim status
  • Upload documents
  • Message your MetLife case manager
  • Get email updates
  • Set up direct deposit (once approved)

You can also download the MetLife US App via the App Store or Google Play.

Voluntary supplemental medical benefits

If you’re enrolled in hospital indemnity, critical illness, or accident insurance, you don’t have to navigate next steps alone. You’ll receive information from MetLife explaining your options to continue coverage after your employment ends. Reviewing this information will help you decide what makes the most sense for you and your situation.

401(k) Savings Plan

Your entire 401(k) account balance, including your contributions and Pandora’s matching contributions with Banco Popular, is still yours when you leave the company, but there are a few important things to know as you decide what comes next.

You won’t be able to make new contributions after your termination date, but you may be able to keep your account with Banco Popular, depending on your balance.

Your options at a glance

  • If your account balance is $1,000 or less, your account will be cashed out, and a check will be sent to you. This will be a taxable event.
  • If your account balance is more than $1,000 but less than $7,000, the account balance will be rolled over to an IRA in your name.
  • If your account balance is more than $7,000, you can choose to:
    • Leave your money in the plan with Banco Popular
    • Roll it over directly to an IRA
    • Roll it to another employer’s plan
    • Take a distribution (This may be subject to income tax and possible penalties; consult a tax professional prior to a distribution.)

Note: If you choose a payout, the distribution is taxable in the year you receive it unless you roll the funds into an IRA or another qualified plan within 60 days. Please consult a tax professional for all the details.

Timing and loans to know about

If you have an outstanding 401(k) loan upon termination, you can contact Banco Popular to either:

  • Continue repayments directly,
  • Pay off the loan within 90 days of your termination

Banco Popular will send you instructions outlining your options. For help along the way, contact Banco Popular. Because retirement decisions can have tax implications, it’s a good idea to consult your tax advisor before making a final choice.

This is an important financial milestone. Review your options carefully and choose the path that best supports your future.

Tuition assistance

If you leave Pandora within a year of course completion, you may be obligated to repay the full amount back to Pandora.

Identity theft protection

You can continue 30 days of extended coverage after leaving Pandora. Contact Aura Customer Support at (844) 931-2872 and use group number 277543.

Group legal plan

You can continue coverage after leaving Pandora. To continue coverage after leaving Pandora, you must apply for portable enrollment within 30 days of your last day of employment. You’ll have the option between a standard and premium plan. Contact MetLife Legal Plans at (800) 821-6400 for details.

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Update your address

As you move into your next chapter, it’s important to make sure you continue receiving key information from your benefit providers.

Any time your mailing address, email, or phone number changes, update your information directly with each provider—especially those that send tax related documents. You can find websites and phone numbers for these and other Pandora partners under Contacts.

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Government programs

During times of transition, government programs may be able to offer added financial or health coverage support. Here are a couple of options you may want to investigate.

Unemployment benefits

If you think you may qualify for unemployment insurance, your best next step is to visit your local employment development department. It can provide details on eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits may be available to you.

Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program

The Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) program is a Medicaid program that may allow eligible individuals to receive private health insurance paid entirely by their state’s Medicaid program.

If this applies to you, details about HIPP will be included in your COBRA packet, making it easy to review alongside your other coverage options.

Every situation is different. Explore these programs and see whether they can help support you during your next chapter.

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Contacts and resources

Related content
New to Pandora
Your 2026 Contributions
Changing Your Benefits