You may enroll in individual coverage and receive financial support if you’re eligible for subsidized retiree medical coverage and:

• a Merck retiree who is Medicare-eligible and age 65 or older; or
• an eligible dependent who is Medicare-eligible and age 65 or older; and
• enroll in a medical and prescription drug plan through Alight Retiree Health Solutions.

If you’re a retiree or eligible dependent that is eligible for subsidized retiree medical but are not age 65 or Medicare-eligible, you may continue to enroll in the current Merck Group Retiree Medical Plan until you’re Medicare-eligible and age 65.

Once you retire and meet the eligibility requirements of Merck, you’re entitled to a Special Enrollment Period providing you an opportunity to enroll in individual Medicare. The Special Enrollment Period, defined by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), allows for two full months (based on your last day of group coverage) to enroll in new coverage. It’s important to plan for this change so you don’t have a gap in health care coverage.

You’ll need to make an active election during your Special Enrollment Period for medical and prescription drug coverage through Alight Retiree Health Solutions to receive the financial support from Merck. Keep in mind that you’ll need to enroll in Original Medicare Parts A and B before you can enroll in Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement. See additional information below in the Next Steps section.

Alight offers a vast selection of Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Prescription Drug, Dental and Vision plans from national and regional insurance carriers you know and trust.

The information below will help you understand Original Medicare, products available in the Medicare marketplace and special provisions available to Merck retirees and eligible dependents.

As you approach your retirement date or become eligible for Medicare by turning 65, you’ll receive a pre-scheduled appointment with a licensed Benefits Advisor, details regarding your Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) plus a Medicare Guide. Alight requires you to confirm your appointment online or by phone at least five days before your scheduled call, or reschedule for a more convenient time. If you do not confirm your appointment in advance, it will be cancelled. Your confirmation gives Alight permission to call you as required by CMS.

You’ll need to enroll in Original Medicare Parts A and B. If you have questions about Original Medicare and enrolling, see Original Medicare: An Overview or call Alight Retiree Health Solutions at 1-844-868-6229 (TTY 711) Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Be sure to have your Medicare card handy during your appointment so Alight can verify that you have coverage through Medicare Parts A and B. The Benefits Advisor will need your Medicare number and effective dates to enroll you.

Your appointment letter will include your personal Alight ID number to access Alight's website, which has tools and information you’ll need to help narrow down your plan options. Go online to:

      1.  Activate your Alight account.
      2.  Enter the names of your preferred doctors, clinics and hospitals.
      3.  Enter your prescription drugs, including the name of each medication, dosage and how often you take it.
      4.  Check out personalized plan comparisons and recommendations based on your needs.
      5. Save plans you wish to consider.

You don’t have to wait to learn more about Medicare, your coverage options or to get started. Call Alight Retiree Health Solutions today at 1-844-868-6229 (TTY 711).