Program Details for Merck

Overview

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Who can use this benefit?

Merck’s Backup Care Program is available to all U.S.-based, active, full-time and part-time employees. Contract employees are not eligible. When you create your backup care account, you may be prompted to provide your Merck employee ID number (WIN) to verify your eligibility.*

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* You can locate your WIN on The Source under Personal Information or in your Workday profile under Job.

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What’s included in this benefit?  

As an eligible Merck employee, you are able to use up to 10 backup care days per dependent per calendar year.

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Important details: 

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• Definition of a day: up to 10 hours of care booked in one day. Care in excess of 10 hours in a day will be counted as two or more backup care days.
• Consecutive day usage: No more than three consecutive days can be booked at a time.
• Types of care: Summer camps are ineligible under the program 
• Personal Network providers: Spouses, domestic partners, dependent children, and other Merck employees are ineligible Personal Network providers. 

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Costs and coverage:

If you use a Personal Network provider, the benefit will reimburse up to $100 per backup care day , which is considered taxable and reported back to Merck for withholding (see tax considerations below). 

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If you use a provider in Wellthy’s Care Network, you are responsible for the following copayments:

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• Facility care: $40 per dependent per day, $80 family maximum
• In-home care: $4 per hour 

If you would like to use funds from a Dependent FSA account, you can pay for the copay and cost of care out-of-pocket, then submit for a reimbursement with Wellthy and submit a claim with your Dependent FSA provider.

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Personal Network Reimbursement: To be eligible for reimbursement after you’ve used a personal network provider, you will be required to submit proof of payment, which includes: who provided the care, the date when care was provided, and the amount paid. Examples of acceptable proof:

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• A receipt provided by a care program
• A screenshot of digital payment (e.g., PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo)
• A photo of a check written out to the care provider

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‍Who can this benefit be used for?

Backup care can be used for your children or adult dependents. Adult dependent is defined as spouse or domestic partner, parent, in-laws or special needs adult child.

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Getting Started

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Activate your Wellthy account

1. You can sign up with your preferred email address and create a password of your choice. 
2. If prompted, verify that you are an eligible employee by providing your Merck employee ID or WIN. 

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Tips for signing up

Have your Merck employee ID or WIN on hand, and if you think you’ll use this benefit at some point, register in advance to save time when you actually need care. Get ahead of emergencies and proactively: 

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• Search Wellthy’s Care Network for providers in your area
• Ask a Backup Care Specialist to search for you
• Add your Personal Network in the system to have on speed dial

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How do I get in touch with Wellthy?

The Wellthy team is ready to support you! 

• You can message our team on our digital platform, which is available 24 hours, 7 days/week
• For backup care requests, Backup Care Specialists are available 24 hours, 7 days/week  
  
  • You can message us directly through the platform or call (877) 588-3917

Wellthy Care Network and Providers

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What kinds of providers will I find in Wellthy’s Care Network?

All types! Wellthy’s Care Network is designed to offer a wide range of solutions tailored to your unique situation. Whether you're looking for convenient local providers, in-home support, enriching activities for your kids (think Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA programs, arts and crafts, and more!), reliable babysitters, nannies, private caregivers, or trusted daycare options (both centers and home-based), Wellthy has you covered. Explore the possibilities and find the perfect fit for your family!

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Please note: Summer camps are not considered eligible for backup care under Merck’s program.

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Will I have options, or will I have to use a certain provider?

You will never be required to use a particular provider for backup care. Wellthy has created a Care Network of different types of vetted options for you to choose from and our Backup Care Specialists are here to help you find the best-fit provider with availability. You can also use your own Personal Network providers (who are not your regular caregivers) for backup care. Please note that spouses, domestic partners, dependent children, and other Merck employees cannot be used as Personal Network providers. Proof of payment and documentation that care took place will be required to receive reimbursement.

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How do I know that the providers in Wellthy’s Care Network are high-quality, safe, and reliable?

Wellthy’s Care Network of backup care options are vetted providers that go through a rigorous screening process. 

• Center-based care: Wellthy verifies state and federal licensing, considers online reviews across multiple platforms and calls providers to confirm best fit.
• Community-based activities and programs: Similar to the above, Wellthy assesses online reviews, contacts providers to ensure good fit, and checks licensing where applicable.
• In-home providers: A thorough review of past experience and comprehensive background checks (criminal, sex offender, SSN trace, global watchlist) is conducted.

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Please note: Wellthy does not directly employ or oversee any provider in the Care Network or within an individual’s Personal Network. Wellthy does not take responsibility for the final selection, whether they are sourced by Wellthy, the family, or through other means.

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If employees use a caregiver or center from their Personal Network, they are fully responsible for all vetting and verifying.

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Costs and Payments

‍How much is backup care?

Merck largely subsidizes the cost of backup care:

• Wellthy Care Network: care in a facility/center is $40 per dependent per day (family maximum of $80 per day). Generally, in-home care is $4 per hour.
• Personal Network: You can be reimbursed up to $100 per day for each dependent receiving care from  providers in your Personal Network. Eligible reimbursements require proof of payment and are considered taxable. See the “Backup Care Allowance” section for more information on how backup care days are used for multiple dependent.  

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If you would like to use funds from a Dependent FSA account, you can pay for the copay and cost of care out-of-pocket, then submit for a reimbursement with Wellthy and submit a claim with your Dependent FSA provider.

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Can I schedule backup care on my own and get reimbursed?

Yes, you can reserve the care on your own, pay the provider, collect a receipt for the payment, and request a reimbursement on the Wellthy platform by completing a reimbursement form, which includes: who provided the care, the date when care was provided, and the amount paid. Examples of acceptable proof include:

• A receipt provided by a care program
• A screenshot of digital payment (e.g., PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo)
• A photo of a check written out to the care provider

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How long will it take to get my reimbursement?

Once the appropriate documentation is submitted, a Backup Care Specialist will review within 1 business day. If approved, you’ll receive your reimbursement within 5–7 business days.

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How long do I have to submit for reimbursement?

You have 30 days from the date of care to submit your reimbursement request. Be sure to allow enough time for your request to be reviewed, approved, and processed before the deadline.

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Tax Considerations

Wellthy will report to Merck the amount of money reimbursed to employees for Personal Network care through this program (care that is not provided through Wellthy’s network of in-home and in-center providers). These types of reimbursement amounts are taxable and your pay will be subject to imputed income. For questions regarding how your tax withholding was calculated, please contact: ADP at (866) 637-2543 option 2, then follow prompts for payroll. 

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To view the number of backup care days you’ve used, visit your Backup Care Dashboard. There, you can see your total days used per year. In the "Care Events" section, you can click on past events to view a summary of the care provided, including the date and time, care recipients, provider details, and a breakdown of costs.

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It may be that you are able to claim federal, state or local tax credits relating to the childcare expenses covered by the income imputed by your employer. Please note that Wellthy is not qualified to provide personal tax advice. For guidance on your specific tax situation, we recommend consulting a tax advisor.

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Backup Care Allowance

What if I use up all of my backup care days for the year and I need more?

If you’ve used all your backup care days, you can still access Wellthy’s Care Network to find and book care—you’ll just pay the full cost out of pocket. Wellthy’s Backup Care Specialists will still be available to help you search for care and coordinate everything, even if you used all your days for the year.

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If I have backup care days left over at the end of the year, can I roll them over to the next year?

No, unused backup care days do not roll over. You’ll receive a new set of days each calendar year based on Merck’s program. 

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What if my spouse/partner and I work for the same company?

You and your partner are both eligible for your individual allowance. Each employee would need to set up their profile within the Wellthy platform.

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How can I use my days across multiple loved ones?

You can use your backup care days flexibly, whether you're caring for your children or an adult dependent. When booking backup care for multiple loved ones Wellthy will apply backup care days to each dependent separately. 

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Here are some examples of how it works for both Wellthy network and Personal network providers:

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Backup care for one eligible child + one adult loved one:

• Care for child only = one backup care day
• Care for adult only = one backup care day
• Care for both on the same day with the same in-home provider = two backup care days
• Care for both on the same day with different providers (e.g., daycare + in-home aide) = two backup care days

Backup care for two eligible children

• In-home care for two children with one caregiver = two backup care days 
• In-center care (including in-home daycares) at the same care facility for two children = two backup care days (care facility charges per child)
• In-center care (including in-home daycares) for two children at two different centers = two backup care days
• Care only for one child = one backup care day

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Please note that these are examples, and Wellty network provider requirements may vary. Wellthy will always provide clear, upfront information so you know exactly how many days will be deducted for your backup care request.

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Cancellation Policy

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Note: Cancellation policies vary per provider. Wellthy will provide clear expectations around each of the providers cancellation policies when booking care so you know in advance.

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If you need to cancel care more than 24 hours before the scheduled care start time

As long as the cancellation occurs within the provider’s cancellation policy, you can ask your Backup Care Specialist to cancel or contact the provider directly to cancel. 

• You will not be charged a backup care day use.
• You will be refunded for your copay if already charged. 
• In some cases, providers may request payment in advance of care to hold the spot. Wellthy will provide clear expectations around each of the providers cancellation policies when booking care so you know in advance. 
• Backup Care Specialists will request a refund from the provider; however, a refund is not guaranteed.

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If you need to cancel care less than 24 hours before the scheduled care start time

You can ask your Backup Care Specialist to cancel or contact the provider directly to cancel.

• You will be charged for one backup care day.
• You will be charged your copay and you will not be eligible to receive a refund.
• In some cases, providers may request payment in advance of care to hold the spot. Wellthy will provide clear expectations around each of the providers cancellation policies when booking care so you know in advance.

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What if the provider cancels my confirmed reservation?

Your Backup Care Specialist will make every effort to secure care for you promptly. In these situations, we encourage you to leverage your own Personal Network for added support.

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If care was not secured after the cancellation:

• You will not be charged for a backup care day.
• You will not be charged your copay. 
• All payments will be refunded back according to the type of payment made.

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FAQs 

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Can Wellthy’s Backup Care Specialists find and schedule backup care for me?

Yes! Backup Care Specialists are here to help you find and secure care when you need care. They can also proactively help you build a list of potential options for when the time comes — this is called building your Backup Care Circle. Backup Care Specialists are available 24 hours, 7 days/week. You can message us directly through the platform or call (877) 588-3917.

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What’s a Backup Care Circle?

A Backup Care Circle is like a ‘speed dial’ of your family, friends, preferred and vetted providers. It’s a great planning tool you can turn to when you have to schedule an urgent or planned backup care need.

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How do I build a Backup Care Circle?

On your dashboard, click “Build your Backup Care Circle.” From there you will be given options to add your own providers (family, friend, neighbor, babysitter, etc.) or choose from Wellthy’s Care Network.

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What happens if I don’t have a Backup Care Circle when I need to schedule care?

You can either explore Wellthy’s Care Network by clicking “Find Providers” and scheduling care on your own. Or, you can enlist the help of a Backup Care Specialist by clicking “Schedule Care” and they will help you find safe and reliable providers in your area.

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Can I provide feedback about my care experience using Wellthy’s Care Network?

Once the care event is completed, connect with your Backup Care Specialist for any immediate feedback you would like to share. You will also receive a Wellthy survey by email.

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Is backup care only for when I am at work?

Yes, backup care helps you cover unexpected gaps in your regular care, allowing you to come to work without needing to use your sick leave or vacation time.

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Can I utilize backup care for my loved one who has different abilities (e.g., neurodivergence, physical limitations, etc.)?

Yes, Wellthy can help locate appropriate options for your loved one with diverse needs.

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If my child is sick, can I use backup care?

Yes, you can use backup care when your child is sick, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Most group care settings, like daycare centers, programs, and clinics, won’t accept children who are minorly ill or have an injury (e.g., fever above 100°F, a mild cold, cough, sniffles, or a minor injury) 
• In-home care can be a great option as long as the caregiver understands your child is mildly ill and the caregiver is comfortable with your child’s condition.

In these moments your Personal Network providers are also great options. We encourage families to tap into your Personal Network and proactively build their Backup Care Circle when possible. Don’t forget, Backup Care Specialists are here to help you build a reliable backup care plan for your family!

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