Merck officials on Tuesday announced that the company on April 25 will launch a new prescription drug discount card for all uninsured U.S. residents, the... AP/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. The discount card, which Merck plans to promote beginning in May through print and radio advertisements, will provide savings of 15% to 40% on many prescription drugs manufactured by the company -- such as the anti-cholesterol medication Zocor, the asthma treatment Singulair and the osteoporosis medication Fosamax. In addition, individuals will not have to pay fees or prove that they are uninsured to obtain the discount card. Margaret McGlynn, president of U.S. Human Health for Merck, said the company decided to offer the discount card because many cards currently available have a number of age and income requirements that exclude uninsured residents, many of whom have jobs that do not offer health coverage. McGlynn did not estimate the cost of the discount card or the ads. According to the AP/Gazette, "Merck's card is the latest move from drug makers -- which have faced criticism that their products are too expensive -- to provide some aid to those struggling to buy medicines" (Agovino, AP/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 4/19).

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View drug information on Fosamax; Singulair; Zocor.