Description

For persons who were covered by four private insurance plans, the fourth of which was paid for by the person or a family member living in the household, (HIP4SELF="2"), this variable 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 HIP4COST also indicates whether the amount reported was more than $20,000 dollars (code "20000").

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, 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

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.

This variable is not directly comparable with HI4FAMPPAY (amount spent by family on premium last month) available for 1993 to 1996. In addition to changes in the universe and definition of private insurance for 1993 to 1996, the responses for HI4FAMPPAY were not edited by the NCHS to verify accuracy of coverage of private insurance.

Universe

Availability

• 1999-2003

Weights

• 1999-2003 : PERWEIGHT