America RX Act allows federal government to negotiate rebates on behalf of low income consumers.

Maine Congressman Mike Michaud Tuesday introduced a bill he says will create a drug plan for Americans who don't have adequate coverage. The Second District Democrat says that the America Rx Act would allow the federal government to negotiate rebates with prescription drug manufacturers for low income individuals who don't have access to discounts.  Participating pharmacies, according Michaud's office, would set discount prices using the manufacturers’ rebates and individuals would see these discounts immediately when they go to their local participating pharmacy.
 
“Negotiation works,” said Michaud in a prepared statement. “The VA already uses this approach in providing affordable medications to our nation’s veterans."

Michaud says the America Rx Program will build upon the recently enacted health insurance reform law, and allow qualified consumers to get drug discounts before the health insurance exchanges are operating in 2014.