Merck today launched a resource for consumers designed to provide information on how to navigate government and private programs offering free or discount rate medicines called “The Guide to Affordable Medicine.”The booklet, available in a printed format or for download at MerckHelps.com, includes information on Medicaid and Medicare and Merck’s own prescription assistance program.The guide will be distributed to doctors’ offices throughout the US, local community health organizations and to people who have requested health information from Merck, the drug maker said.“This new resource is designed to help people understand the range of options available to them,” Merck patient assistance program EVP Nancy Wicks said in a statement.