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Cancer support

Routine in-network cancer screenings are covered under Merck’s medical plan at 100%, with no cost to you. If your doctor recommends you get any of the following screenings — colonoscopy, lung CT, mammogram, pap smear, prostate PSA, skin — the first screening of each type will be covered at 100% every calendar year regardless of age.

In-network BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic testing for hereditary breast/Ovarian Cancer Syndrome is covered under Merck’s medical plan at 100%, with no cost to you.

To get started or for more information, contact a Horizon Health Guide at 877-663-7258

Our onsite clinics in the U.S., as well as many around the world, offer vaccinations for HPV. We also conduct vaccination clinics off-site during our National U.S. Sales Meetings to offer the same level of convenience to our field-based employees.

For more information, please refer to Merck’s Health Services — Global Employee Health page.

Since smoking and second-hand smoke are known to cause lung disease, heart conditions and cancer, Merck has the following resources available to you and your eligible family members.

  • Get nicotine replacement therapy products at no cost to you with a prescription from your doctor. Call CVS Caremark at 800-932-7412.
  • Receive free cessation services including classes and nicotine replacement products, if available. Call the Quitline at 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669).

2nd.MD will provide expert second opinions — such as confirming a complex or rare diagnosis, weighing in on a prescribed treatment plan or providing an alternative approach — with medical specialists at leading institutions. When you contact 2nd.MD, a care team member will listen to your situation and schedule a consultation with an expert. With your permission, they’ll even secure your medical records in advance of your consultation.

To get started or for more information, contact a Horizon Health Guide at 877-663-7258, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.

MSK Direct can facilitate access to expert cancer care, guarantee an expedited appointment as fast as clinically appropriate, help you gather all necessary medical records and introduce you to your clinical team at your first appointment. You do not need to be enrolled in the Merck medical plan to take advantage of MSK Direct, and it’s available to your immediate and extended family members. To get started or for more information, visit mskcc.org/merck or call 833-986-1751.

In addition, you have fast access to high-quality cancer care through Dana-Farber, the #1 cancer hospital in New England. Dana-Farber’s dedicated team of experts is there to provide support during your cancer diagnosis, treatment or a second opinion. You do not need to be enrolled in Merck medical plan to take advantage of Dana-Farber Direct Connect. For more information, go to dana-farber.org/merck, call 866-977-DANA (866-977-3262) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET or email DirectConnect@dfci.harvard.edu.

Sick time

Informally known as “sick days,” days one through three of absence are covered under Merck’s short-term disability program (see below). You are responsible to report absences daily to your manager, unless the nature of the disability makes less frequent contact appropriate.

If your illness, injury or medical condition will require you to be absent for more than three consecutive calendar days, inform your manager and contact Sedgwick, Merck’s disability and leave administrator, at 855-231-1038.

For more information, visit Time Away.

Short-term disability (STD)

STD provides salary continuation for up to 26 consecutive weeks if you are certified as disabled by Sedgwick, Merck’s disability and leave administrator. Unless state law stipulates otherwise, you will receive 100% of your base pay for weeks 1-10 of your disability and 70% of your base pay for weeks 11-26.

For more information, visit Time Away.

Long-term disability (LTD)

LTD provides a percentage of your income beginning after 26 consecutive weeks (182 days) for the duration of your disability, generally up to a maximum age of 65, if you are certified as disabled by New York Life. While on LTD, you will receive a percentage of your base pay as determined by the election you made during enrollment. LTD may run concurrent with Workers’ Compensation, if applicable.

For more information, visit Time Away.

Flexible work arrangements (FWAs)

The company’s FWAs policy helps you integrate your work and life responsibilities, take care of yourself and your family and reach your professional goals. Now more than ever, with everything we are juggling at work and at home, FWAs are a valuable benefit. For details, go to Sync > HR > U.S. Flexible Work Arrangements.

Workplace accommodations

The program offers those who need it customized disability workplace accommodation and work-life support so they can contribute to Merck at the highest level of their individual capabilities.

To initiate a confidential request with Sedgwick, Merck’s workplace accommodations administrator, call 855-231-1038 or visit claimlookup.com/merck.

For more information, please go to Sync > HR > Work-Life > Workplace Accommodations.

Lyra mental health support*

Lyra provides fast access to high-quality evidence-based mental health care. The first 12 sessions are free and available to you, your spouse/domestic partner, any of your household members and your dependent children outside the household (up to age 26). Following your online assessment, Lyra creates a care plan for you, designed specifically for your unique needs and lifestyle, including a curated selection of mental health coaches and therapists who are currently taking appointments. With Lyra, you can book an appointment with the provider who works best for you.

Visit merck.lyrahealth.com or call 844-737-9423 to get started.

*Merck medical plan members enrolled in the Merck PPO with Horizon BCBS can continue therapy with their Lyra provider beyond the 12 free sessions, and access medication management, all subject to in-network deductibles and coinsurance. Please note: Guided self-care and coaching are not available beyond the 12 free sessions. Medication management sessions are not included in the 12 free sessions. Lyra’s pricing varies based on the provider and type of service. For details on the in-network deductible and/or coinsurance you will be expected to pay, go to the Medical and prescription drugs section of this site. For questions about Lyra provider session rates, contact the Lyra Care Navigator Team at 844-737-9423 or email them at care@lyrahealth.com.

Patient advocacy

When you’re facing a cancer diagnosis, juggling appointments and making medical decisions can be overwhelming. Your Horizon Health Guide can make it a little easier.

You can feel more empowered to make decisions about your care when you understand the disease and the medical and surgical treatment options for your specific type and stage.

Your Horizon Health Guide will support you as needed, and can provide one-on-one education and counseling for:

  • Understanding a new diagnosis
  • Treatment options, including specialty drugs
  • Nutrition
  • Day-to-day coping, including setting up appointments and preventive care reminders
  • Help with concurrent health issues
  • Custom clinical research options and follow-up
  • Pain management and palliative care
  • Recommendations on Merck programs and services that may help you

To get started or for more information, contact a Horizon Health Guide at 877-663-7258, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.

Financial planning

Fidelity financial planning consultants can assist with everything from basic budgeting to complex financial situations. To speak with a Fidelity advisor, call 800-603-4015.

Life insurance

Merck offers different types — and levels — of life insurance protection for you and your family, including basic life, optional life, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), dependent life and business travel accident insurance.

To review your coverages, as well as review and/or update your beneficiaries, visit netbenefits.com/merck.

Clinical Health Guides are specialty nurse care managers who are ready to support your oncology needs.

Your Clinical Health Guide will support you as needed, and can provide one-on-one education and counseling for:

  • Understanding your treatment plan
  • Managing your medication
  • Getting nutrition support
  • Finding the best clinical resources and solutions

To get started or for more information, contact a Clinical Health Guide at 877-663-7258, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.

Cryopreservation for egg, sperm and embryo is covered for those with a cancer diagnosis, as well as those undergoing treatment that is germline toxic. Please note cryopreservation is subject to the $25,000 fertility lifetime maximum.

To get started or for more information, contact a Horizon Health Guide at 877-663-7258, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.

Your Horizon Health Guide can help you with every day health concerns as well as acute or chronic conditions.

Your Horizon Health Guide will support you as needed, and can provide one-on-one education and counseling for:

  • Understanding a new diagnosis
  • Treatment options, including specialty drugs
  • Nutrition
  • Day-to-day coping, including setting up appointments and preventive care reminders
  • Help with concurrent health issues
  • Recommendations on Merck programs and services that may help you

To get started or for more information, contact a Horizon Health Guide at 877-663-7258, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.

Sick time

Informally known as “sick days,” days one through three of absence are covered under Merck’s short-term disability program (see below). You are responsible to report absences daily to your manager, unless the nature of the disability makes less frequent contact appropriate.

If your illness, injury or medical condition will require you to be absent for more than three consecutive calendar days, inform your manager and contact Sedgwick, Merck’s disability and leave administrator, at 855-231-1038.

For more information, visit Time Away.

Short-term disability (STD)

STD provides salary continuation for up to 26 consecutive weeks if you are certified as disabled by Sedgwick, Merck’s disability and leave administrator. Unless state law stipulates otherwise, you will receive 100% of your base pay for weeks 1-10 of your disability and 70% of your base pay for weeks 11-26.

For more information, visit Time Away.

Long-term disability (LTD)

LTD provides a percentage of your income beginning after 26 consecutive weeks (182 days) for the duration of your disability, generally up to a maximum age of 65, if you are certified as disabled by New York Life. While on LTD, you will receive a percentage of your base pay as determined by the election you made during enrollment. LTD may run concurrent with Workers’ Compensation, if applicable.

For more information, visit Time Away.

Flexible work arrangements (FWAs)

The company’s FWA policy helps you integrate your work and life responsibilities, take care of yourself and your family and reach your professional goals. Now more than ever, with everything we are juggling at work and at home, FWAs are a valuable benefit. For details, go to Sync > HR > U.S. Flexible Work Arrangements.

Workplace accommodations

The program offers those who need it customized disability workplace accommodation and work-life support so they can contribute to Merck at the highest level of their individual capabilities.

To initiate a confidential request with Sedgwick, Merck’s workplace accommodations administrator, call 855-231-1038 or visit claimlookup.com/merck.

For more information, please go to Sync > HR > Work-Life > Workplace Accommodations.

Lyra mental health support*

Lyra provides fast access to high-quality evidence-based mental health care. The first 12 sessions are free and available to you, your spouse/domestic partner, any of your household members and your dependent children outside the household (up to age 26). Following your online assessment, Lyra creates a care plan for you, designed specifically for your unique needs and lifestyle, including a curated selection of mental health coaches and therapists who are currently taking appointments. With Lyra, you can book an appointment with the provider who works best for you.

Visit merck.lyrahealth.com or call 844-737-9423 to get started.

*Merck medical plan members enrolled in the Merck PPO with Horizon BCBS can continue therapy with their Lyra provider beyond the 12 free sessions, and access medication management, all subject to in-network deductibles and coinsurance. Please note: Guided self-care and coaching are not available beyond the 12 free sessions. Medication management sessions are not included in the 12 free sessions. Lyra’s pricing varies based on the provider and type of service. For details on the in-network deductible and/or coinsurance you will be expected to pay, go to the Medical and prescription drugs section of this site. For questions about Lyra provider session rates, contact the Lyra Care Navigator Team at 844-737-9423 or email them at care@lyrahealth.com.

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