Answer:
As of January 1, 2011, the Affordable Care Act went into effect. The Act makes provisions to reduce cost-sharing in the coverage gap for beneficiaries who are not eligible for low-income related subsidy and not enrolled in a qualified retiree prescription drug plan. The Coverage Gap Discount Program provides discounts to Medicare beneficiaries receiving applicable Part D drugs. It also provides Drug Manufacturers to pay a 50% discount on the negotiated price for applicable drugs.