As the first phase of the new Medicare prescription drug law takes effect, the Kaiser Family Foundation commissioned focus groups conducted by Bill McInturff of Public Opinion Strategies and Geoff Garin of Peter D. Hart Research Associates in consultation with Foundation staff. The focus groups were designed to explore what people on Medicare know and think about the discount drug card that went in effect June 1st, and the new benefit that takes effect in 2006. The ten focus groups, conducted in Pittsburgh, Kansas City and Washington, DC, underscore the major public education challenge that lies ahead.

With public education about the new Medicare law underway, the Foundation also has results from a new Kaiser survey showing that 31% of seniors have ever used the Internet, with a vast digital divide. Only 15% of seniors with incomes below $20,000 say they have ever gone online. These findings underscore the importance of using a variety of strategies to reach and educate seniors.

 Report: Reactions to the New Medicare Law, Findings Based on Focus Groups with People on Medicare

 Chartpack: Selected Findings on the New Medicare Prescription Drug Law

 Interview: Pollsters Geoff Garin of Peter D. Hart Research and Bill McInturff of Public Opinion Strategies talk with Foundation Senior Visiting Fellow Jackie Judd, former correspondent with ABC News, about the focus group research they conducted on the new Medicare prescription drug law.