A new study by the California Healthcare Foundation suggests that the biggest obstacle facing Medicare may be the general lack of awareness of the program and its various benefits. Apparently this was true even before Medicare Part D. More than 50 percent of Californians polled said they were unaware of other coverage options beyond basic Medicare. Amazingly, given the amount of noise surrounding Part D and the vast sums spent publicizing it, 60 percent say they were unaware that a prescription drug benefit existed. Period. Release