CMS is anticipating Congressional action to avert the negative update for the 2012 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. CMS is extending the 2012 Annual Participation Enrollment Period through February 14, 2012. The enrollment period now runs November 14, 2011 through February 14, 2012. The effective date for any participation status change during the extension, however, remains January 1, 2012, and will be enforced for the entire year. Contractors will accept and process any participation elections or withdrawals made during the extended enrollment period that are post-marked on or before February 14, 2012.