MEDICARE FOCUS GROUPDiscussion Guide

Objective: Get into the minds and hearts of Medicare patients to gain their reaction to the 2012 Medicare Advantage policy and communication plan. Initial reactions. How will this impact them? What is the best way to communicate this change? What key messages will help minimize challenges? What support do they desire to make enrollment easy?

Warm-Up

Name/ Family / Something of interest

Confidentiality Agreement

Purpose of the group: Discuss attitudes toward current Medicare plans and discuss

upcoming changes

Medicare BackgroundHealthy Medicare: Do you currently have Medicare coverage?

If yes, which plan are you enrolled in?[ Medicare Advantage, Straight Medicare A & B,

Medicare Supplemental, etc.]

How much do you know now about Medicare plans? Rate: 1-5

How do you get your information regarding Medicare programs?

How satisfied are you with the choice of plans? Rate on scale of 1-5?

List any current concerns/problems

What are your thoughts on Medicare Advantage programs? [Helps identify level of

knowledge re: MA programs]Discussion: Review and probe answers

Medicare Advantage 2012 Policy Explanation & Reaction[Share:]Medicare Advantage 2012 Policy LetterFAQ & Info Session FlyerUpdate Medicare Info Session Presentation

Overall reaction?

Anything need clarification?

Probe for positives/negatives/advantages/disadvantages

Conversion Support

How can The Everett Clinic best educate you about this?

What other kind of support would you like the Clinic to provide to make the education

and fall enrollment process easy [What’s reasonable?]

Medicare Advantage Discussion Guide v.1

Communication of the Message What are the most meaningful components of messages you want or need to hear,

including the support ideas we just talked about? [List on Easel]

What is the best way to communicate the message? [Probe: direct mail, info sessions,

etc.

Other thoughts reactions?

Thank and adjourn.

Medicare Advantage Discussion Guide v.1