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 (basic life insurance, Employee Assistance Program, additional well-being benefits) will end on the date of your termination. All elected benefits (medical, dental, vision) will remain active through 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
- Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
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.
Other coverage options (ACA Marketplace)
If your employer coverage is ending, you may be able to sign up for an individual plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace (ACA) using a Special Enrollment Period. In many cases, you have 60 days after your coverage ends to enroll (and sometimes you can enroll in the 60 days before it ends). COBRA is another option, but it works a little differently—so it’s worth comparing your choices so that you don’t end up with a gap in coverage.
One more thing: The 60-day windows for COBRA and Marketplace enrollment are separate, and they’re counted from specific dates (like your coverage end date and/or the date on your COBRA notice). When in doubt, go by the dates listed in your notices and program instructions.
Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
If you have a Health Care FSA, you’ll have a few important timing details to keep in mind after you leave.
You have 90 days from your termination date to submit reimbursement requests for eligible expenses incurred up through your last day of employment. This gives you time to gather receipts and take care of claims at your own pace.
If you choose to enroll in COBRA, you can continue your Health Care FSA through the end of the calendar year. Without COBRA, expenses incurred after your last day at Pandora won’t be eligible for reimbursement. Review your FSA options and make sure you’re getting the full value of the benefits you’ve already earned.
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.
Vacation time
Vacation time
Any unused accrued vacation time will automatically be paid out upon termination.
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Your Health Savings Account is yours to keep. You can continue using your HSA funds for eligible healthcare expenses even after you leave Pandora. For help with keeping, closing, or rolling over your HSA, contact WEX at (866) 451-3399. If you choose to keep your account with WEX, a monthly service fee may apply.
Garner Health
Garner Health
Access to Garner Health (Health Advocate) will end on the last day of the month in which your employment ends. If you already have a case open, you can continue working with Health Advocate to see it through to resolution, even after your termination date.
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Your Dependent Care FSA contributions will stop with your last regular paycheck. Funds will be forfeited upon termination but you can submit reimbursement requests for 30 days past termination to use up the funds that are still in your account.
Life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
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
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
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
401(k) Savings Plan
Your entire 401(k) account balance, including your contributions and Pandora’s matching contributions with Lincoln Financial, 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 Lincoln Financial, 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 and 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 Lincoln Financial
- Roll it over directly to an IRA
- Roll it to another employer’s plan
- Take a distribution (which 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 Lincoln Financial to:
- Continue repayments directly, or
- Pay off the loan within 90 days of your termination
Lincoln Financial will send you instructions outlining your options. For help along the way, contact Lincoln Financial at (800) 234-3500 or visit LincolnFinancial.com/retirement. 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.
Commuter benefits
Commuter benefits
If you have a pending commuter order, it will still be processed as long as your termination date falls after the 10th of the month. You may still be able to use any remaining balance in your commuter account. For details on accessing or spending your remaining funds, contact WEX directly.
Tuition assistance
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
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
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.
Pet insurance
Pet insurance
For full-time employees
Upon leaving Pandora, Wagmo Wellness and/or Insurance plans will end. You cannot continue the plan through Pandora, but you can sign up for a new Wagmo plan directly at any time. Just log into your existing Wagmo account and add a new Wellness or Insurance plan for your pet(s).
You have 30 days from the plan termination date to submit claims for services that occurred during the active plan year. Learn more about your Wagmo benefits if you leave Pandora.
For part-time employees
Because your coverage is employee-paid and not tied to Pandora’s benefits system, there is no impact to your coverage when you leave Pandora.
If you need help accessing your account, updating information, or have any account-specific questions, email support@wagmo.io.
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.
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.