Guest Author - Bonnie Sayers

I have viewed with interest the television advertisements for the MERCK Patient Assistance Programs. Out of curiosity I went to the website to obtain more information.

I received the application in a timely manner and have now reviewed it carefully. At the present time the MERCK Patient Assistance Program does not pertain to my famiy. However it is possible that at some point in time I may have a need for this program. In order to qualify for the program you need to meet the following criteria:

1. Reside in the United States
2. Have a prescription for a Merck medicine
3. The prescribing Doctor must be licensed in the U.S.
4. You have no insurance - all other options have been exhausted
5. You cannot afford to pay for the medication.


The income requirements are to have a household income less than $19,140 for an individual, $25,550 for couples and $38,700 for a family of four. It is possible for an exception to be made if your income falls above these amounts. The Doctor can make the exception if there are special circumstances that apply to your situation.

You do not have to be a U.S. Citizen, legal residents are welcome to apply. Once you have met these requirements you need to follow three steps to submit your application.

The application needs to be signed by you and your Doctor. You will need to supply your Social Security Number on the application. Three prescriptions can be listed on one application. The Doctor will need to specify if there is to be 1, 2 or 3 refills on this medication. The Doctor needs to include their area of specialty and license number on the application.

Allergies, medical conditions and current medications taken by the patient are in the area for the Doctor to check off and explain, if necessary. Medicines can be sent directly to your home unless the Doctor wants your prescriptions sent to their office for you to pick them up. It will take two to three weeks to review an application for the MERCK Patient Assistance Program.

The MERCK Patient Assistance Program is private and confidential. You can get up to one year of MERCK medicines free of charge. MERCK reserves the right to change or cancel the program at any time.

It does state that residents of California cannot apply over the telephone for the MERCK Patient Assistance Program The options are through the mail or at www.merckuninsured.com. If your spouse is also enrolling for the program they will need to submit a separate application. For questions contact them at 1-800-506-3725. They also have the MERCK Prescription Discount Program Instant Savings Certificate

I was intrigued by the Singulair commercials since I have asthma and use an inhaler. I tried to get more information at the MERCK site but had to answer so many questions before I could get the data mailed to me that I closed the window and might try calling for this information.

The absolute best free medical data online is the MERCK Manual. I utilized this site all the time and then made the purchase. I use the Manual on a daily basis. The Merck Manual of Medical Information, Second Edition: The World's Most Widely Used Medical Reference - Now In Everyday Language is available at Amazon.

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