Under the Medicare Coverage Gap Discount Program, which takes effect January 1, 2011, Medicare beneficiaries in the Part D coverage gap will have access to manufacturer discounts equal to 50% of the negotiated price of applicable drugs (that is, prescription drugs approved or licensed under new drug applications or biologic license applications). In order to participate, manufacturers must sign an agreement with CMS to provide the discount on all of its applicable drugs. CMS has announced that for those manufacturers not participating in the coverage gap discount program in 2011, the deadline for returning the signed agreements and labeler code spreadsheet is January 30, 2011 for the 2012 benefit year.