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 Healthcare.
- 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 [http://www.meps.ahcpr.gov] )
only considers respondents insured if they have comprehensive physician
and hospital coverage or coverage by Medicaid.
Related
Questions
What led
to this?
What other
issues are talked about in this section?
What other
methodological issues are discussed?
Who presented this
material?
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