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Defining Health Insurance When Estimating Uninsured Populations

Two definitions that are important to consider when interpreting estimates of the uninsured are the definitions of "health insurance" and "uninsured." Key questions that policymakers will want to consider when reviewing data on the uninsured include:

• How is "uninsured" defined? Are respondents categorized as uninsured if they do not have insurance at a particular point in time, during the entire study period, or during a portion of the study period?

• What is defined as "health insurance"? Is single service coverage such as a dental or vision plan considered health insurance? Or, is only comprehensive medical coverage considered health insurance?

The following is an example of how two national surveys differ in this measurement area:

• The Current Population Survey (CPS) considers respondents to be insured if they:
  • Have Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care.
  • Are categorically eligible for Medicaid, regardless of enrollment status.
  • Are children of adults covered by Medicaid.
  • Have single service or supplemental coverage (e.g., dental or vision plans).

• The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) only considers respondents insured if they have comprehensive physician and hospital coverage or coverage by Medicaid.

Related Questions

What led to this?

• How Do Methodological and Research Design Issues Influence Estimates of the Number of Uninsured Children?

What other issues are talked about in this section?

• Time Period Specifications

• What Are Some Demographic Considerations in Reviewing/Generating Estimates?

What other methodological issues are discussed?

• SCHIP Guidance - Methodological Issues

Who presented this material?

• Lisa Dubay