Number: RL31275
Title: Health Insurance: Federal Data Sources for Analyses of the Uninsured
Authors: Chris L. Peterson and Christine Devere, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: This report outlines the major advantages and limitations of four federally administered surveys - the March Supplemental to the Current Population Survey, the Survey of Income and Program Participation, the National Health Interview Survey, and the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey - in providing estimates of the uninsured population. It begins by describing the characteristics of each of these four surveys. Estimates of the uninsured from these datasets are then presented, followed by a discussion of possible reasons for the variation among the estimates. Finally, the report discusses potential areas in which each data source might be useful to respond to questions of interest to policymakers outlining proposals to reduce the number of uninsured.
Pages: 19
Date: Updated February 7, 2002