RESOURCE TARGETS UNINSURED

The "Guide to Affordable Medicine,"Merck's new information resource forconsumers, provides information on themany government and private programsthat offer drugs at a discount orfree of cost.

"People without prescription coverageare less likely to use medications and morelikely to stop therapy that could potentiallysave lives, keep them out of the hospital,and allow them to lead more productive,healthier lives," commented Nancy Wicks,executive vice president for the MerckPatient Assistance Program Inc.

Millions of Americans need help payingfor their medication, and many are notaware of programs that are available tohelp them get the medicines they need.The "Guide to Affordable Medicine" helpspatients find the right program for them,determine their enrollment eligibility,understand how to navigate the paperworkand approval process, and answerfrequently asked questions. The resourceincludes both public (eg, Medicaid andMedicare) and private programs, such asprescription assistance and discount programs.For a free copy of the guide, visitwww.merckhelps.com, or call 888-MERCK-38 (888-637-2538).