Center for Financing, Access, and Cost Trends (CFACT): Publications by Staff

John Paul Sommers

Authors: Baskin R, Sommers J
Title: Comparison of direct, mixed model, and Bayesian metropolitan statistical area estimates for the Insurance Component of the MEPS
Publication: American Statistical Association, Joint Statistical Meetings-Section on Survey Research Methods, pp. 1405-1408 (CD-ROM), Alexandria, VA
Date: August 2008

Authors: Crimmel B, Sommers J
Title: Employer-sponsored health insurance for State and local governments, by Census Division, 2006
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 223. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: October 2008
Abstract: Using data from the Insurance Component of the 2006 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS-IC), this Statistical Brief presents estimates, by census division, of overall enrollment rates, premiums, and contributions for employer-sponsored health insurance provided by State and local governments.

Authors: Crimmel B, Sommers J
Title: Co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurance percentages for employer-sponsored health insurance in the non-federal workforce, by industry classification, 2006
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 219. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: August 2008
Abstract: This statistical brief examines what percent of enrollees pay a deductible and the size of deductibles, what percent pay co-pays and the size of co-pays, and also coinsurance percentages. These values are compared by industry classification for the non-Federal workforce.

Authors: Sommers J, and Crimmel B
Title: Co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurance percentages for employer-sponsored health insurance in the state and local government workforce, by Census Division, 2006
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 218. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: August 2008
Abstract: This statistical brief examines the levels of these deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance for state and local government employees and how they vary by census division. Among the items examined are the percentage of enrollees who paid a deductible and the size of deductibles, what percentage of enrollees paid co-pays and the size of co-pays, and the average coinsurance percentage paid by enrollees.

Authors: Sommers J, Crimmel B
Title: Employer-sponsored health insurance for small employers in the private sector, by industry classification, 2006
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 212. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: July 2008
Abstract: Using data from the Insurance Component of the 2006 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS-IC), this statistical brief presents estimates, by industry classification, on the percentage of employees who worked for small private sector employers (firms with fewer than 50 employees) who offered health insurance and of employees working in such firms who enrolled in offered health insurance plans. The brief also provides estimates on average premiums and the average employee contributions towards premiums for single coverage and for family coverage.

Authors: Crimmel B, Sommers J
Title: Employer-sponsored health insurance for large employers in the private sector, by industry classification, 2006
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 211. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: July 2008
Abstract: Using data from the MEPS-IC, this statistical brief presents estimates, by industry classification, on the percentage of employees who worked for large private sector employers (firms with 50 or more employees) who offered health insurance and of employees working in such firms who enrolled in offered health insurance plans. The brief also provides estimates on average premiums and the average employee contributions towards premiums for single coverage and for family coverage.

Authors: Sommers J, Crimmel B
Title: Offer rates, take-up rates, premiums, and employee contributions for employer-sponsored health insurance in the private sector for the 10 largest metropolitan areas, 2006
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 210. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: July 2008
Abstract: Using data from the MEPS-IC, this statistical brief presents average offer and take-up rates, single and family premiums, and single and family employee contributions for private sector employers in the 10 largest metropolitan areas and compares these values to national averages for the private sector.

Authors: Sommers J, Crimmel B
Title: Co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurance percentages for employer-sponsored health insurance in the private sector, by firm size classification, 2006
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 209. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: July 2008
Abstract: Using data from data from the 2006 MEPS-IC, this statistical brief examines what percentage of enrollees paid a deductible and the size of deductibles, what percentage paid co-pays and the size of the co-pays, and the average coinsurance percentage paid. These values are compared for firms of different employment size.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Prescription drug expenditures in the 10 largest states for persons under age 65, 2005
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 196. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: December 2007
Abstract: Using data from the Household Component of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS-HC), this statistical brief presents estimates for prescription drug expenditures for persons under age 65 in the 10 largest states for the year 2005 and compares these estimates to the national average.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Dental expenditures in the 10 largest states
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 195. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: December 2007
Abstract: This statistical brief presents estimates based on data from the MEPS-HC on the use, costs, and sources of payment for dental expenditures for persons in the community population in 2005 for the 10 largest states and compares the results to the national average for 2005.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Estimates of health care expenditures for the 10 largest states, 2005
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 192. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: December 2007
Abstract: This statistical brief presents variations from the national average in health care expenses for the 10 most populous States in 2005. The brief examines selected measures for the U.S. community population, including 1) the proportion of the population with selected types of expenses, 2) the average amount of expenses, and 3) the distribution of payments for health care across various sources.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurance for employer-sponsored health insurance in the state and local government workforce, by census division, 2005
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 185. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: September 2007
Abstract: Using data from the Insurance Component of the 2005 MEPS, this statistical brief examines the levels of deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance paid by State and local government employees for employer-sponsored health insurance and how they vary by census division. Among the items examined are the percentage of enrollees who paid a deductible and the size of deductibles, what percentage of enrollees paid co-pays and the size of co-pays, and the average coinsurance percentage paid by enrollees.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Employer-sponsored health insurance for state and local governments, by census division, 2005
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 184. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: September 2007
Abstract: Using data from the 2005 MEPS-IC, this statistical brief presents estimates, by census division, of overall enrollment rates, premiums, and contributions for employer-sponsored health insurance provided by State and local governments.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurance percentages for employer-sponsored health insurance in the non-federal workforce, by industry classification, 2005
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 182. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: August 2007
Abstract: Using data from data from the 2005 MEPS-IC, this statistical brief examines what percentage of enrollees paid a deductible and the size of deductibles, what percentage paid co-pays and the size of co-pays, and the average coinsurance percentage paid. These values are compared for employers by industry classification.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurance percentages for employer-sponsored health insurance in the private sector, by firm size classification, 2005
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 181. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: August 2007
Abstract: Using data from data from the 2005 MEPS-IC, this statistical brief examines what percentage of enrollees paid a deductible and the size of deductibles, what percentage paid co-pays and the size of the co-pays, and the average coinsurance percentage paid. These values are compared for firms of different employment size.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Offer rates, take-up rates, premiums, and employee contributions for employer-sponsored health insurance in the private sector for the 10 largest metropolitan areas, 2005
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 178. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: July 2007
Abstract: Using data from the 2005 MEPS-IC, this statistical brief presents average offer and take-up rates, single and family premiums, and single and family employee contributions for private sector employers in the 10 largest metropolitan areas and compares these values to national averages for the private sector.

Authors: Sommers J, Crimmel B
Title: Employer-sponsored health insurance for small employers in the private sector, by industry classification, 2005
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 175. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: July 2007
Abstract: Using data from the 2005 MEPS-IC, this statistical brief presents estimates, by industry classification, on the percentage of employees who worked for small private sector employers (firms with fewer than 50 employees) who offered health insurance and of employees working in such firms who enrolled in offered health insurance plans. The brief also provides estimates on the average employee contributions towards premiums for single coverage and for family coverage.

Authors: Crimmel B, Sommers J
Title: Employer-sponsored health insurance for large employers in the private sector, by industry classification, 2005
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 174. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: July 2007
Abstract: Using data from the MEPS-IC, this statistical brief presents estimates, by industry classification, on the percentage of employees who worked for large private sector employers (firms with 50 or more employees) who offered health insurance and of employees working in such firms who enrolled in offered health insurance plans. The brief also provides estimates on the average employee contributions towards premiums for single coverage and for family coverage.

Author: Sommers J
Title: An analysis of the effects of post-stratification on errors for estimates using the 2003 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Household Component
Publication: MEPS Methodology Report No. 21. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: March 15, 2007
Abstract: This report shows the effects of post-stratification of weights for the 2003 MEPS-HC, using various sets of marginal control totals on two types of variance estimates for a variety of national, regional, and State estimates. The variances estimation methods are a balanced repeated replication (BRR) method, which includes the effects of the raking on the variance, and a Taylor series method, which does not include the effects of raking. It is shown that although the estimates decrease using the BRR method when a limited set of selected controls are added to the raking process, the Taylor series estimates for the same values actually increase.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Updates to the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Insurance Component List Sample Design, 2004
Publication: MEPS Methodology Report No. 18. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: January 30, 2007
Abstract: This report describes changes to the sample design for the Insurance Component of MEPS (MEPS-IC). The paper provides the background of the original sample design and the conditions that now exist that allow for change in this design. The report then describes the new strata and sample allocation scheme for the private sector portion of the sample and how these changes were developed, the changes made in a method used to restrict sample for private sector employers to contain the burden for large employers, and the changes made in the allocation of the survey's government sample. (Previously published as Working Paper #4008, February 2005.)

Author: Sommers J
Title: Additional imputations of employer information for the Insurance Component of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey since 1996
Publication: MEPS Methodology Report No. 17. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: January 30, 2007
Abstract: This report describes the process used to impute values for missing establishment and plan characteristics for the MEPS-IC that are currently imputed but were not imputed for the 1996 Insurance Component. The process involves four types of cases: list sample, private sector; list sample, government; household sample, private sector; and household sample, government. The description includes preparation of the data, selection of the donors, and use of donor and other information to create the item for the recipient. (Previously posted as a Web document, April 2002.)

Author: Sommers J
Title: A comparison of employer-sponsored health insurance characteristics for the private sector for the years 2001 and 2004, by average payroll
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 160. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: January 26, 2007
Abstract: Using data from the MEPS-IC, this statistical brief focuses on changes between 2001 and 2004 in the offer, eligibility, and enrollment rates, and the level of employee contributions for private sector establishments (business location), grouped by the average payroll per employee.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Prescription drug expenditures in the 10 largest states for persons under age 65, 2004
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 158. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: January 10, 2007
Abstract: Using data from the MEPS-HC, this statistical brief presents estimates for prescription drug expenditures for persons under age 65 in the 10 largest States for the year 2004 and compares these estimates to the national average.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Dental expenditures in the 10 largest states, 2004
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 156. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: January 5, 2007
Abstract: This statistical brief presents estimates based on data from the MEPS-HC on the use, costs, and sources of payment for dental expenditures for persons in the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population in 2004 for the 10 largest States and compares the results to the national average for 2004.

Authors: Kearney A, Sommers J
Title: Switching from retrospective to current year data collection in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey—Insurance Component
Publication: American Statistical Association, Joint Statistical Meetings—Section on Business and Economic Statistics, pp. 1033-40 (CD-ROM), Alexandria, VA
Date: 2006

Author: Sommers J
Title: Estimates of health care expenditures for the 10 largest states, 2004
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 151. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: December 18, 2006
Abstract: This statistical brief presents variations from the national average in health care expenses for the 10 most populous States in 2004. The brief examines selected measures for the U.S. community population, including: 1) the proportion of the population with selected types of expenses, 2) the average amount of expenses, and 3) the distribution of payments for health care across various sources.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Offer rates, take-up rates, premiums, and employee contributions for employer-sponsored health Insurance in the Private Sector for the 10 Largest Metropolitan Areas, 2004
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 150. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: December 18, 2006
Abstract: Using data from the 2004 MEPS-IC, this statistical brief presents average offer and take-up rates, single and family premiums, and single and family employee contributions for private sector employers in the 10 largest metropolitan areas and compares these values to national averages for the private sector.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurance percentages for employer-sponsored health insurance in the non-federal workforce, by industry classification, 2004
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 145. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: October 2006
Abstract: Using data from the 2004 MEPS-IC, this statistical brief examines what percentage of enrollees paid a deductible and the size of deductibles, what percentage paid co-pays and the size of co-pays, and the average coinsurance percentage paid. These values are compared for employers by industry classification.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurance percentages for employer-sponsored health insurance in the private sector, by firm size classification, 2004
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 142. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: September 2006
Abstract: Using data from the MEPS-IC, this statistical brief examines what percentage of enrollees paid a deductible and the size of deductibles, what percentage paid co-pays and the size of co-pays, and the average coinsurance percentage paid. These values are compared for firms of different employment size.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Employer-sponsored health insurance for small employers in the private sector, by industry classification, 2004
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 133. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: July 2006
Abstract: Using data from the MEPS-IC, this statistical brief presents estimates, by industry classification, on the percentage of employees who worked for small private sector employers (firms with fewer than 50 employees) who offered health insurance and of employees working in such firms who enrolled in offered health insurance plans. The brief also provides estimates on the average employee contributions toward premiums for single coverage and for family coverage.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Employer-sponsored health insurance for large employers in the private sector, by industry classification, 2004
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 132. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: July 2006
Abstract: Using data from the MEPS-IC, this statistical brief presents estimates, by industry classification, on the percentage of employees who worked for large private sector employers (firms with 50 or more employees) who offered health insurance and of employees working in such firms who enrolled in offered health insurance plans. The brief also provides estimates on the average employee contributions toward premiums for single coverage and for family coverage.

Authors: Kashihara D, Sommers J
Title: Examination of alternative nonresponse adjustments: An application to expenditure data in the Household Component of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS-HC)
Publication: American Statistical Association, Joint Statistical Meetings—Section on Survey Research Methods, pp. 1547-1553 (CD-ROM), Alexandria, VA
Date: 2005

Authors: Baskin R, Sommers J, Ezzati-Rice T
Title: Investigation of the impact of imputation on variance estimation in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS-HC)
Publication: American Statistical Association, Joint Statistical Meetings—Section on Survey Research Methods, pp. 2721-2726 (CD-ROM), Alexandria, VA
Date: 2005

Author: Sommers J
Title: Dental expenditures in the 10 largest states, 2003
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 112. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: January 2006
Abstract: This statistical brief presents estimates based on data from the MEPS-HC on use, costs, and sources of payment for dental expenditures for persons in the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population in 2003 for the 10 largest States and compares these estimates to the national average in 2003.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Prescription drug expenditures in the 10 largest states for persons under age 65, 2003
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 107. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: December 2005
Abstract: Using data from the MEPS-HC, this statistical brief presents estimates for prescription drug expenditures for persons under age 65 in the 10 largest States for the year 2003 and compares these estimates to the national average.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Estimates of health care expenditures for the 10 largest states, 2003
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 106. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: December 2005
Abstract: This statistical brief presents variations from the national average in health care expenses for the 10 most populous States in 2003. The brief examines selected measures for the U.S. community population, including 1) the proportion of the population with selected types of expenses, 2) the average amount of expenses, and 3) the distribution of payments for health care across various sources.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Producing state estimates with the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, Household Component
Publication: MEPS Methodology Report No. 16. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: December 2005
Abstract: This paper describes the results of research using data from the MEPS-HC to produce a selected group of State-level estimates for the 30 states with the largest populations. Three methods of estimation are used. Each method is evaluated using standard measures, and conclusions about the quality of these estimates, along with recommendations, are given.

Authors: Sommers J, Keach R
Title: Employer-sponsored health insurance costs, offer rates, and take-up rates for small employers in the private sector, by industry classification, 2000 and 2003
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 98. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: September 2005
Abstract: Using data from the MEPS-IC for 2000 and 2003, this statistical brief examines health insurance costs for small private sector employers and their enrolled employees as a percentage of payroll, by industry, for the years 2000 and 2003. The brief also shows the percentage of employees who worked at small private sector employers where health insurance was offered in those years and the percentage of these employees who enrolled during those years.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Employer-sponsored health insurance for large employers in the private sector, by industry classification, 2003
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 89. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: July 2005
Abstract: Using data from the 2003 MEPS-IC, this statistical brief presents estimates, by industry classification, on the percentage of employees who worked for large private sector employers (firms with 50 or more employees) who offered health insurance and of employees working in such firms who enrolled in offered health insurance plans. The brief also provides estimates on the average employee contributions towards premiums for single coverage and for family coverage.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Employer-sponsored health insurance for small employers in the private sector, by industry classification, 2003
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 88. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: July 2005
Abstract: Using data from the 2003 MEPS-IC, this statistical brief presents estimates, by industry classification, on the percentage of employees who worked for small private sector employers (firms with fewer than 50 employees) who offered health insurance and of employees working in such firms who enrolled in offered health insurance plans. The brief also provides estimates on the average employee contributions towards premiums for single coverage and for family coverage.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Prescription drug expenditures in the 10 largest states for persons under age 65, 2002
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 79. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: May 2005
Abstract: Using data from the MEPS-HC, this statistical brief presents estimates of prescription drug expenditures for persons under age 65 in the 10 largest states for the year 2002 and compares these estimates to the national average.

Authors: Machlin S, Sommers J
Title: Estimates of health care expenditures for the 10 largest states, 2002
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 69. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: February 2005
Abstract: This statistical brief presents variations from the national average in health care expenses for the 10 most populous States in 2002, the most recent year of expenditure data from the MEPS-HC. The brief specifically examines selected measures for the U.S. community population, including 1) the proportion of the population with selected types of expenses, 2) the average amount of expenses, and 3) the distribution of payments for health care across various sources.

Authors: Baskin R, Wun L, Sommers J, et al.
Title: Investigation of the impact of imputation on variance estimation in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS)
Publication: American Statistical Association, Proceedings of the Section on Survey Research Methods, 3271-7 (CD-ROM), Alexandria, VA
Date: 2004

Authors: Sommers J, Riesz S, Kashihara D
Title: Response propensity weighting for the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey—Insurance Component (MEPS-IC)
Publication: American Statistical Association, Proceedings of the Section on Survey Research Methods, 4410-7 (CD-ROM), Alexandria, VA
Date: 2004

Author: Sommers J
Title: Employer-sponsored health insurance for small employers in the private sector, by Census Division, 2002
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 54. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: 2004
Abstract: Using data from the 2002 MEPS-IC, this statistical brief presents estimates for small private sector employers, by census division, on employer-sponsored health insurance offer and enrollment rates and employee contributions.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Employee copays and deductibles for employer-sponsored health insurance in 1999 and 2002
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 53. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: 2004
Abstract: Using data from the 1999 and 2002 MEPS-IC, this statistical brief examines the values of copays and deductibles for employer-sponsored health insurance. Private sector and public sector (state and local government) employers are examined separately and within each sector by size of employer.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Enrollment rates for employer-sponsored health insurance in the private sector between 1999 and 2002
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 49. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: 2004
Abstract: Using employer-sponsored health insurance data from the 1999 and 2002 MEPS-IC, this statistical brief examines the changes between 1992 and 2002 among current workers in offer, eligibility, and enrollment rates across small (less than 50 employees), medium (50 to 999 employees), and large firms (1,000 or more employees).

Author: Sommers J
Title: Employer-sponsored health insurance characteristics, by average payroll for the private sector, 2002
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 48. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: 2004
Abstract: Based on employer-sponsored health insurance data from 2002 MEPS-IC, this statistical brief compares the offer, eligibility, enrollment rates, and the level of employee contributions for private sector establishments, grouped by the average payroll per employee.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Employer-sponsored health insurance for large employers in the private sector, by industry classification, 2002
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 47. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: 2004
Abstract: Based on data from the MEPS-IC, this statistical brief presents estimates, by industry classification, on the percentage of employees who worked for large private sector employers (firms with 50 or more employees) who offered health insurance and of employees working in such firms who enrolled in offered health insurance plans. The brief also provides estimates on the average employee contributions towards premiums for single coverage and for family coverage.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Employer-sponsored health insurance for small employers in the private sector, by industry classification, 2002
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 46. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: 2004
Abstract: Based on data from the 2002 MEPS-IC, this statistical brief presents estimates, by industry classification, on the percentage of employees who worked for small private sector employers (firms with fewer than 50 employees) who offered health insurance and of employees working in such firms who enrolled in offered health insurance plans. The brief also provides estimates on the average employee contributions towards premiums for single coverage and for family coverage.

Authors: Machlin S, Nixon A, Sommers J
Title: Health care expenditures and percentage uninsured in 10 large metropolitan areas, 2000
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 38. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: 2004
Abstract: Based on data from the 2000 MEPS-HC, this report compares estimates of health care expenses and uninsured rates for the U.S. community population under 65 years of age in 10 large metropolitan areas to national averages. These 10 areas are defined by metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) and include Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington DC.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Employer-sponsored health insurance for small employers in the private sector by census division, 2001
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 30. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: 2004
Abstract: This statistical brief presents and compares offer rates, enrollment rates and employee premium contributions for the year 2001 across geographic areas (Census Division) for private firms with fewer than 50 employees. The data for this brief are derived from the MEPS-IC, an annual survey of employers which collects information about employer-sponsored health insurance.

Authors: Rhoades J, Sommers J
Title: Trends in nursing home expenses, 1987 and 1996
Publication: Health Care Financ Rev 25(1):99-114. AHRQ Pub. No. 04-R023
Date: Fall 2003
Abstract: Available on PubMed®

Author: Sommers J
Title: Estimation of expenditures and enrollments for employer-sponsored health insurance
Publication: MEPS Methodology Report No. 14. AHRQ Pub. No. 03-0009. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: 2003
Abstract: This report gives details of the enrollment and expenditure estimation process in the IC. Parts of this process use very standard statistical estimates. Where the estimation process deviates from standard methods, more detail is provided. The report also discusses changes in the data collected and in the estimators used that have taken place since the first IC survey year.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Employer-sponsored health insurance: Characteristics by average payroll for the private sector in 2001
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 25. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: 2003
Abstract: This analysis of data from the 2001 MEPS-IC examines the offer, eligibility, and enrollment rates and level of employee contributions for private-sector establishments grouped by the average payroll per employee (compensation excluding fringe benefits).

Author: Sommers J
Title: Employer sponsored health insurance for full time employees and retirees: 1998 and 2000
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 17. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: 2003
Abstract: The vast majority of full-time employees in the United States work where health insurance is offered. Availability of employer-sponsored health insurance for retirees, however, is not as widely available. This statistics brief gives data on availability of health insurance and retiree health insurance for full-time employees in the years 1998 and 2000. Of special interest are differences in availability of employer-sponsored health insurance for retirees by economic sector and size of employer. Also of note is the drop in availability of employer-sponsored health in insurance for retirees during the period examined.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Employer-sponsored health insurance for large employers in the private sector, by industry classification: 2000
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 16. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: 2003
Abstract: This statistical brief presents and compares enrollment rates and employee premium contributions for the year 2000 by industry for private firms with 50 or more employees. The data for this brief are derived from the MEPS-IC, an annual survey of employers which collects information about employer-sponsored health insurance.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Employer-sponsored health insurance for small employers in the private sector, by industry classification: 2000
Publication: MEPS Statistical Brief No. 15. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: 2003
Abstract: This statistical brief presents and compares offer rates, enrollment rates and employee premium contributions for the year 2000 by industry for private firms with less than 50 employees. The data for this brief are derived from the MEPS-IC, an annual survey of employers which collects information about employer-sponsored health insurance.

Authors: Riesz S, Sommers J
Title: Small area estimation for the MEPS-Insurance Component (MEPS-IC)
Publication: American Statistical Association, Proceedings of the Section on Survey Research Methods (CD-ROM), Alexandria, VA, pp. 2902-7
Date: 2002

Author: Sommers J
Title: Small group estimation for the MEPS-Insurance Component
Publication: American Statistical Association, Proceedings of the Section on Survey Research Methods (CD-ROM), Alexandria, VA
Date: August 2001

Authors: Rhoades J, Sommers J
Title: Nursing home expenses, 1987 and 1996
Publication: MEPS Chartbook No. 6. AHRQ Pub. No.01-0029. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: 2001
Abstract: This report presents information concerning expenses and sources of payment for nursing homes for 1987 and 1996. A nursing home was defined as having at least three beds, being either certified by Medicare or Medicaid or licensed by a government agency as a nursing home, and providing 24-hour skilled nursing care. Some other surveys, including the National Nursing Home Survey, conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, used a broader definition that does not require the facility to provide round-the-clock nursing care.

Author: Sommers J
Title: Imputation of employer information for the 1996 MEPS Insurance Component
Publication: MEPS Methodology Report No. 10. AHRQ Pub. No. 00-0039. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: 2000
Abstract: MEPS comprises four component surveys. The Insurance Component (IC) is a survey of employers, unions, and other providers of health insurance. The IC has two parts. The household sample is linked to sample persons in the MEPS Household Component. It consists of private- and public-sector employers of MEPS respondents, as well as unions and insurance companies that provide insurance to the respondents. The list sample consists of an independent random sample of private-sector business establishments, governments, and the self-employed with no employees. This report describes the process used to impute values for missing establishment and plan characteristics for the IC in four types of cases: private list sample; government list sample; private sector household sample; and government household sample. The description includes preparation of the data, selection of donors, and the use of donor and other information to create the item for the recipient.

Authors: Rhoades J, Sommers J
Title: Expenses and sources of payment for nursing home residents, 1996
Publication: MEPS Research Findings No. 13. AHRQ Pub. No. 01-0010. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: 2000
Abstract: This report presents estimates of total nursing home expenses during 1996. Data are derived from the 1996 Nursing Home Component of MEPS. Separate estimates are presented for mean expenses per person and per day. The distribution of sources of payment is shown by demographic, financial, and health-status characteristics of nursing home users. Differences in expenses by selected personal characteristics are discussed. Expenses for different types of nursing homes are also shown. In 1996, Medicaid contributed 44 percent to total annual nursing home expenditures, Medicare contributed 19 percent, and out-of-pocket payments contributed 30 percent. People with the shortest nursing home stays had the highest annual expenses per patient day.

Authors: Branscome J, Cooper P, Sommers J, Vistnes J
Title: Private employer-sponsored health insurance: New estimates by State
Publication: Health Aff 19(1):139-47. AHRQ Pub. No. 00-R016
Date: 2000
Abstract: Available on PubMed®

Author: Sommers J
Title: Construction of weights for the 1996 MEPS Insurance Component List Sample
Publication: MEPS Methodology Report No. 8. AHCPR Pub. No. 00-0005. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: 1999
Abstract: MEPS comprises four component surveys. The Insurance Component (IC) collects employment-related health insurance information, such as premiums and types of plans offered. Respondent characteristics—such as size of business, employee characteristics, and type of industry—also are collected. The IC sample comprises a household sample component (linked to the MEPS household survey) and a list sample. The list sample is an independently selected random sample of governments and private-sector establishments. Its purpose is to make national and State estimates of employer insurance characteristics, costs, and the numbers of employees enrolled. This report describes the overall response rates for the list sample and the process used to correct the weights for respondents. The weights are corrected in order to adequately represent nonrespondents and all important subgroups, especially subgroups that may have had different response rates from the average for the survey.

Authors: Sommers J, Bethel J, Broene P
Title: Construction of weights for the 1996 MEPS Nursing Home Component
Publication: MEPS Methodology Report No. 7. AHCPR Pub. No. 99-0045. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: 1999
Abstract: MEPS comprises four component surveys. The Nursing Home Component (NHC) produces national estimates of insurance coverage and the use of services, expenditures, and sources of payment for persons residing in or admitted to nursing homes. The NHC also gathers information on nursing home characteristics—such as facility type, ownership, chain affiliation, certification, facility size, and location—for a nationally representative sample of nursing homes. Building on a previous report, this report completes the description of the statistical methodology used in the MEPS NHC. It completes the reporting of response rates and describes the calculation of weights for the remaining sample units necessary to correct for nonresponse.

Author: Sommers J
Title: List sample design of the 1996 MEPS Insurance Component
Publication: MEPS Methodology Report No. 6. AHCPR Pub. No. 99-0037. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: 1999
Abstract: MEPS comprises four component surveys. The Insurance Component (IC) collects employment-related health insurance information, such as premiums and types of plans offered. Respondent characteristics—such as size of business, employee characteristics, and type of industry—also are collected. This report outlines the process used to allocate and select the MEPS IC list sample, including goals, development of allocation schemes, and selection methods. The list sample is collected from samples developed from three lists that, together, cover almost 100 percent of the employers in the U.S.

Author: Sommers J
Title: A comparison of the effectiveness of two nursing home sample designs
Publication: American Statistical Association, Proceedings of the Section on Survey Research Methods, pp. 238-43
Date: 1998

Authors: Bethel J, Broene P, Sommers J
Title: Sample design of the 1996 MEPS Nursing Home Component
Publication: MEPS Methodology Report No. 4. AHCPR Pub. No. 98-0042. Available on the MEPS Web site
Date: 1998
Abstract: MEPS comprises four component surveys. The Nursing Home Component (NHC) produces national estimates of insurance coverage and the use of services, expenditures, and sources of payment for persons residing in or admitted to nursing homes. The NHC also gathers information on nursing home characteristics—such as facility type, ownership, chain affiliation, certification, facility size, and location—for a nationally representative sample of nursing homes. This report documents the implementation of the sample design for the MEPS-NHC, including the sampling frame, facility selection, and within-facility sample selection through Round 1 of data collection.

Authors: Cohen J, Monheit A, Beauregard K, et al.
Title: The MEPS: A national health information resource
Publication: Inquiry 33:373-89. AHCPR Pub. No. 97-R043
Date: 1996-97
Abstract: Available on PubMed®

Authors: Chapman D, Moriarity C, Sommers J
Title: Should firms be used as sampling units for selecting establishments for the 1997 National Employer Health Insurance Survey?
Publication: American Statistical Association, Proceedings of the Section on Survey Research Methods, pp. 353-8
Date: 1996

---

 Previous Section       CFACT Author Index       Next Section 

---