Source: Potential Role of the New Medicare Drug Law in the 2004 Election: February 2004
Now, I’d like to ask you a question about a story that has been in the news recently. If you’re not sure of the answer, that’s okay. Just tell me and I’ll go to the next question. You may have heard news about recent debates in Congress on a bill that would add a prescription drug benefit to Medicare. To the best of your knowledge, has this bill been passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush, or not?
Total
Ages 18-64
Ages 65+
Yes, has been passed
23%
21%
32%
No, has not been passed
24
24
27
Don’t know
53
55
41
As you may know, President (George W.) Bush and the U.S. (United States) Congress recently approved a new Medicare law that includes some coverage of prescription drug costs for seniors. How well would you say you understand this new law? Would you say you understand it very well, somewhat well, not too well, or not well at all?
Total
Ages 18-64
Ages 65+
Very well
7%
5%
15%
Somewhat well
26
26
24
Not too well
34
34
39
Not well at all
30
32
21
Don’t know/Refused
3
3
1
Given what you know about it, in general, do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of this new Medicare law?
Total
Ages 18-64
Ages 65+
Favorable
25%
27%
17%
Unfavorable
38
34
55
Neither/neutral (vol.)
13
14
9
Don’t know/Refused
24
25
19
Survey by Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, Harvard School of Public Health. Methodology: Fieldwork conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates, February 5-8, 2004 and based on telephone interviews with a national adult sample of 1,201.