How to Use the Estimator

1. Enter the following information below:
   1. Date of birth
   2. Nicotine status: If you qualify for non-smoker rates (by being smoke and tobacco free for 12 full consecutive months prior to the date you enroll in coverage) select "Non-Smoker." Otherwise, select "Smoker."
   3. Annual base pay: Your annual base salary excluding bonus pay, incentives, commissions and overtime pay as of January 1, 2026. If you are paid on an hourly basis, multiply your hourly rate of pay by the number of hours you expect to work during 2026.
   4. Expected change in in base pay: The expected percentage by which you expect your base pay to increase during 2026 due to merit increases or promotion. If you do not expect your base pay to increase during 2026, select “0%.”
   5. Expected month of base pay change in 2026: The month when you expect your base pay will increase during 2026. For most Merck employees, merit increases occur in April.
2. Click "Submit." The table will populate with your expected 2026 paycheck contributions.
3. You can check how each type of insurance may be impacted by changes during the year by clicking on each tab (Optional Life, AD&D and Optional LTD).