The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 made prescription drug coverage available through private drug plans and expanded the role of private insurers, which enhanced the benefits available to beneficiaries but raised questions about how the most vulnerable among them will be affected. Medicare also is developing and testing ways to encourage quality improvement, foster greater coordination of care, promote the use of preventive services, and increase providers' efficiency. The Fund's Program on Medicare's Future provides independent analysis of these and other changes, identifies issues and directions that should be considered, and develops policy options for improving Medicare's ability to provide beneficiaries access to the most effective care. This grant will provide strategic direction for the program, develop new projects, coordinate ongoing work, and direct efforts to disseminate findings to policymakers and the public.