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.

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