Description

HINOAGER is a recoded variable created by the IPUMS NHIS staff, which indicates whether the person did not currently have insurance coverage because he or she was no longer eligible for coverage under a parent's plan due to age (1993 forward) or to leaving school (1997 forward). For 1993 to 1996, a lack of coverage referred to the previous month.

Data Collection Process

Those who were asked their reason for not having insurance did not have coverage through Medicare, Medicaid or some other public health insurance program, military health care, or comprehensive private insurance. For 1993 to 1996 (but not for later years), those who had single services plans only and those who received Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) were not considered uninsured.

For all years, interviewers asked the reason(s) why the person had no insurance and handed the respondent a flashcard with various responses (including "other"). Initially, respondents were prompted to pick all responses that applied; for 2000 forward, they could specify up to five reasons only. The response categories listed on the card changed over time. For 1993 to 1996, HINOAGER includes persons with the response "too old for coverage under family plans"(HINOROLD)." For 1997 forward, it reflects the response "became ineligible because of age/left school (HISTOP4)."

Survey questions

The wording of questions used to collect information for HINOAGER differed between 1993-1996 and 1997 forward.

Comparability

The comparability of HINOAGER is limited somewhat by universe changes, changes in question wording, and differences in data editing.

Universe

Availability

• 1993-2018

Weights

• 1994-2018 : PERWEIGHT
• 1993 : SAMPWEIGHT