1. HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE & ACCESS IN ALASKA FOCUS GROUP STUDY OF THE UNINSURED Alaska Health Summit December 4, 2006 Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of Alaska Anchorage

2. Focus Groups as a Research Technique Reach people difficult to contact through a telephone survey Target specific groups like low income, homeless, and unemployed Hear about participants’ experiences in their own words Test different concepts Participants develop new ideas while brainstorming Gain understanding of underlying attitudes and assumptions

3. Two Types of Groups: Individuals and Small Businesses Six groups completed 1 ½ to 2 hours in length Complete a brief questionnaire on health insurance Take notes during the session Audio tape and transcribe the session

4. Groups Held With Individuals 1 in Mat-Su (6 participants) 2 in Anchorage (16 participants) 86% currently do not have health insurance 78% have not had health insurance at any time in the past 12 months 48% are currently employed 38% are below the poverty threshold 60% are female

5. Groups Held With Small Businesses (<50 employees) 1 in Mat-Su (8 participants) 2 in Anchorage (8 participants) 50% currently offer health insurance Of those who don’t offer health insurance now, 13% have offered it in the past 75% have fewer than 11 employees 44% are in the service sector