HUSKY Focus Groups - What Parents Are Saying

METHODOLOGY

Four focus groups were conducted at different locations around Connecticut. Fifty-four adults participated in total, representing 104 children. Ages of the participants ranged from 17 to 59 years. Nineteen each were African American and Hispanic, 15 Caucasian and 1 Asian. Forty-four were women and ten were men. Six participants required translation. Family incomes varied from zero to 346% of the federal poverty level, averaging just below the poverty level (94.5%).

In all but two cases, participants were parents or caretakers of children who were either uninsured or had recently applied or enrolled in HUSKY. The other two participants were 17 years old and applying for themselves. Participants were recruited through the generous assistance of local community-based organizations - a child care center, a child advocacy organization, a school resource center and a community health center.

Groups varied from two to three hours. Parents were asked to complete a questionnaire (Appendix B) upon arriving at the site. The questionnaire was available in English and Spanish. Two groups required Spanish translators. Child care, transportation and food were provided at each group. Participants were compensated for their time. The questions asked at each group are listed in Appendix C.

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