Description

For all persons, this variable indicates whether the respondent was covered by Medicare for any hospital (Part A) or doctor (Part B) bills.

For related variables, please use the IPUMS NHIS search function and drop-down menus.

Comparability

Apart from changes in the universe, MCSUMM has no comparability issues. Changes in survey design (e.g., quarters in which the supplement was collected) may affect raw frequencies, but do not affect comparability of the variable. As always, data users should use the prescribed IHIS weights.

This variable is not comparable with the variables for 1997 forward, which reflects responses edited for accuracy by the NCHS. During the course of data editing, the NCHS discovered many errors in the responses to questions about insurance coverage. This might be shown, for example, by a mismatch between the verbatim name of an insurance plan and the type of insurance coverage the person selected from the categories on the card. Users are also strongly encouraged to review the user note Insurance Data Collection.

Universe

Availability

• 1980, 1982-1984, 1986, 1989

Weights

• 1980, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1989 : PERWEIGHT
• 1983 : SAMPWEIGHT