Description

For persons in families with at least one private health insurance plan, this variable indicates if the plan paid any part of the cost of a mammogram. Interviewers defined (if necessary) a mammogram as "an X-ray taken only of the breasts by a machine that presses the breast against a plate".

Data Collection Process

Details about the characteristics of insurance plans (such as HI1MAM) reflect plans for any family member in the household. In order to determine if the person (rather than someone else in the family) was covered by this plan, analysts should use the variable HI1PCOV (Health Insurance Plan 1: Person's Coverage Status), which indicates whether the person was covered by the plan.

Information was collected on up to four plans per family.

Private health insurance was defined as any type of comprehensive health insurance other than public programs [already covered in the survey], including HMOs. The 1993 Manual noted that single service plans, such as those that pay for eye care, dental, or prescription services, were a form of health insurance. Prior to 1993 and for 1997 forward, single service plans are not considered to be health insurance.

Users are strongly encouraged to review the user notes Insurance Data Collection and Private Insurance Definitions.

Comparability

This variable is comparable over time.

Universe

Availability

• 1993-1994

Weights

• 1994 : PERWEIGHT
• 1993 : SAMPWEIGHT