HIP1COST is a 5-digit-numeric variable.

00000: Not in Universe
20000: $20,000 or more (1999-2018)
40000: $40,000 or more (2019-forward)
99997: Refused
99998: Not ascertained
99999: Don't know

Description

For sample adults and sample children (and, prior to 2019, persons) who were covered by a private insurance plan that was paid for by the person or a family member living in the household, ("2" for HIP1SELF), HIP1COST indicates the amount spent for insurance premiums, including payroll deductions. Respondents provided the amount in dollars spent on premiums (as a continuous measure) and the time period (month, week, etc). The IPUMS NHIS recode for HIP1COST also indicates whether the amount reported was more than $20,000 (code "20000"), for 1999-2018, or more than $40,000 (code "40000"), for 2019 forward.

For 1999 to 2001, interviewers asked respondents for the amount paid on premiums in the past 12 months (e.g., "During the PAST 12 MONTHS, how much did {you/your family} spend for health insurance premiums for {plan name}?"). For 2002 forward, respondents were asked how much they (or their family} currently spend for health insurance premiums for each plan and could then specify the time period for the expenditure (e.g., once a week, a month or yearly). For 2002 forward, responses were recoded to indicate annual expenditure.

In general, the definition and measurement of private health insurance for 1999 forward remained consistent. Single service plans or plans which paid only for accidents were not considered private insurance. Users are strongly encouraged to refer to HIPRIVATEE for more information on the change in measurement of private insurance over time.

Comparability

The top-code for HIP1COST changed over time. From 1999-2018, the topcoded value was $20,000. From 2019 forward, the topcoded value was $40,000.

This variable is mostly comparable over time, though there were slight differences in the recall period, as mentioned in the variable description. For 1999 to 2001, the question inquired about the amount paid on premiums in the past 12 months (e.g., "During the PAST 12 MONTHS, how much did {you/your family} spend for health insurance premiums for {plan name}?"). For 2002 forward, respondents could specify the amount and the time period, for example, $100 each month.

Users may also want to note that the survey explicitly indicated that the universe for this variable is respondents who indicated that they or someone in the family pays for the insurance plan ("2" in HIP1SELF). For 2004 forward, this referred to the respondent or family member living in the household, whereas the term "living in the household" was not explicitly used for HIP1SELF in 1997-2003.

This variable is not directly comparable with HI1FAMPPAY (amount spent by family on premium last month) available for 1992 to 1996. In addition to changes in the universe and definition of private insurance for 1992 to 1996, the responses for HI1FAMPPAY were not edited by the NCHS to verify accuracy of coverage of private insurance.

The NHIS questionnaire was substantially redesigned in 2019 to introduce a different data collection structure and new content. For more information on changes in terminology, universes, and data collection methods beginning in 2019, please see the user note.

Universe

Availability

• 1999-2023

Weights

• 1999-2018 : PERWEIGHT
• 2019-2023 : SAMPWEIGHT