On April 2, 2012, CMS published its 2013 final rule affecting the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Benefit Programs.  This final rule includes next steps in implementation of the Part D Coverage Gap Discount Program, changes regarding physicians assisting beneficiaries in drug coverage appeals, new authority for CMS to remove consistently poor performing Medicare Advantage and Part D plans from the program, and permitting certain dual eligible special needs plans to offer additional supplemental benefits beyond those that other Medicare Advantage plans may offer.  This final rule is available here.  Tom Dowdell