Description

For persons who were covered by any form of health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, Indian Health Insurance, private health insurance, or health insurance through military coverage) in the previous month, this variable indicates if there was any time that they did not have ANY health insurance in past 12 months.

Individuals who answered affirmatively were asked for the length of time without coverage (HINOLAPYMO) and the main reason why they were without coverage (HINOLAPYREA).

Comparability

Apart from changes in the universe, there are 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 IPUMS NHIS weights.

This variable is not directly comparable with variables for 1997 that indicate no coverage in the past 12 months (HINOTYR). For 1997 forward, single service plans were not considered to be health insurance. For 1993 to 1996, single service plans were considered to be a form of health insurance.

Universe

Availability

• 1993-1996

Weights

• 1994-1996 : PERWEIGHT
• 1993 : SAMPWEIGHT