What You Need to Know for 2024

Check out your applicable 2024 annual enrollment newsletter for details about 2024 benefits:

• For U.S. expatriate employees on international assignment
• For third country nationals and employees on international assignment in the U.S.

For details about your Cigna coverage, please review the summary plan description (SPD) at onlinespd.com or contact Cigna Global customer service at 800-441-2668 (U.S.) toll free or 302-797-3100 (collect call charges accepted).

Take note of the following plan changes for 2024:

Medical and Dental Contributions

• We consolidated employee contributions for part-time and full-time colleagues. So, if you are a part-time employee you’ll pay the same contribution amounts as your full-time colleagues in 2024.
• Contributions for medical coverage have increased.
• Contributions for dental coverage have decreased.

Medical Plan Updates

Fertility Benefits

You no longer need a diagnosis of infertility to qualify for fertility benefits.

Cancer Tests and Screenings

Breast Cancer (BRCA) gene tests are covered at 100% under preventive care. Additionally, the following cancer tests and screenings are no longer subject to age or frequency limits and are covered at 100% under preventive care:

• Lung and skin cancer screenings
• PAP smear and mammograms when prescribed by a doctor
• All other cancer screenings for high-risk individuals or those with family history

The list of cancer screenings covered at 100% has expanded. Please note that cancer screenings that have been traditionally covered by the Cigna Global plan at 100% as preventive care continue to be covered.

Enhanced Travel Benefit for Medical Procedures in the U.S.

• The plan covers transportation and lodging costs in the U.S. if your qualifying medical procedure is unavailable in-network within 100 miles of your primary U.S. residence. For members temporarily residing in or visiting the U.S., the travel benefit may apply.
• Transportation and lodging expenses are reimbursable up to a maximum of $3,000 per member per calendar year. Lodging expenses are reimbursable up to $50 per night per person (maximum $100 per night).

For details on the travel benefit and qualifying medical procedures, please review the summary plan description (SPD) at onlinespd.com or contact Cigna Global customer service at 800-441-2668 (U.S.) toll free or 302-797-3100 (collect call charges accepted).

Vision Benefit Enhancements

The following are 2024 vision benefit updates in the Cigna medical plan:

• One annual vision exam previously covered at 80% every 24 consecutive months is now covered at 100% every 12 months under preventive care.
• Hardware coverage (e.g., lenses and frames or contacts) is now covered up to $200 maximum per member every 12 months. Note: The hardware coverage benefit works on a 12-month cycle. For example, if you utilize coverage in March of a given year, you will not be able to use it before March of the following year.

Click here for more information about vision coverage through Cigna.

Note for U.S. expats on international assignment: You will receive enhanced exam and hardware coverage under the Cigna Global medical plan. You will not be asked to make employee contributions for such coverage. You may also choose to enroll in vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP). Employee contributions will continue to apply. Be sure to compare benefits under Cigna with those under VSP before making your enrollment decisions. For more information about VSP, review the open access costs at benefitsatmerck.com > Vision.

Dental Plan Updates

• Calendar year maximum has increased from $2,000 to $2,500 (combined in- and out-of-network)¹
• Lifetime maximum for orthodontia has increased from $1,500 to $2,500. The orthodontia lifetime maximum does not count towards the calendar year maximum above.

¹ For diagnostic and preventive care; basic tooth restoration, endodontics, periodontics; major restorations, bridgework and dentures; and implants.

Life Insurance Beneficiary Change

It’s important to ensure your beneficiary designations are up to date.

Go to netbenefits.com/merck to the “Your Profile” tab and then click “Beneficiaries.” If you have questions, call the Benefits Service Center.

For 2024, we’ve changed the way life insurance benefits are paid when there is no named beneficiary. If you pass away and do not have a beneficiary on file, life insurance benefits will be paid based on the hierarchy below:

1. Your surviving child(ren) in equal shares
2. Your surviving parent(s) in equal shares
3. Your surviving spouse/domestic partner
4. Your surviving sibling(s) in equal shares
5. Your estate

For more details, please refer to the life insurance SPD at onlinespd.com. Please also note that payment of life insurance proceeds outside the U.S. is subject to applicable law.

For U.S Expats on International Assignment Only:

Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• For 2024, the contribution limit has increased to $3,050.
• The maximum rollover amount from 2024 to 2025 has increased to $610. The rollover amount for 2023 to 2024 is $570.