The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new guidance to Part D plan sponsors to guarantee that Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Part D prescription drug plans will see 50 percent savings on their brand name and some authorized generic drugs when they enter the coverage gap, or donut hole, during 2011.[embed_youtubebr />[embed_youtubebr />Drug manufacturers will have to sign an agreement to participate in the discount program. Discounts will apply when the beneficiary reaches the coverage gap. Eligible beneficiaries will see the discount when they buy their drugs at their local pharmacy counter.[embed_youtubebr />[embed_youtubebr />CMS will host a public meeting on June 1 to discuss and collect public feedback about the draft manufacturer agreement, and to gather feedback about the final Part D guidance released today. As part of the June 1 meeting, CMS is encouraging drug manufacturers, Part D plan sponsors, and representatives from the beneficiary advocacy community to provide input and comments. All stakeholders can [embed_youtubea href=”http://cmsconference.hcmsllc.com/Conf06012010/register.aspx”>register online[embed_youtube/a>.[embed_youtubebr />[embed_youtubebr />ÛÏThe documents we are releasing today facilitate the implementation of the Affordable Care ActÛªs provisions to help Medicare beneficiaries with the high costs of their prescription medicines,Û said CMS Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Medicare Jonathan Blum.