Codes and Frequencies
An 'X' indicates the category is available for that sample
Code | Label |
24
|
23
|
22
|
21
|
20
|
19
|
18
|
17
|
16
|
15
|
14
|
13
|
12
|
11
|
10
|
09
|
08
|
07
|
06
|
05
|
04
|
03
|
02
|
01
|
00
|
Code | Label |
99
|
98
|
97
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | NIU | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | 0 | NIU | X | X | X |
1 | Not mentioned | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | 1 | Not mentioned | X | X | X |
2 | Mentioned | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | 2 | Mentioned | X | X | X |
7 | Unknown-refused | X | · | · | · | · | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | 7 | Unknown-refused | X | X | X |
8 | Unknown-not ascertained | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | X | X | · | · | X | X | X | X | 8 | Unknown-not ascertained | X | X | · |
9 | Unknown-don't know | X | X | X | X | · | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | 9 | Unknown-don't know | X | X | X |
Can't find the category you are looking for? Try the Detailed codes
Description
For sample adults and sample children (and, prior to 2019, persons) without health insurance coverage, HISTOP4 indicates if a reason for not having coverage is the person's coverage stopped due to ineligibility because of the person's age or the person was no longer enrolled in school.
Respondents were handed a card listing possible reasons for no insurance and were asked to specify up to five reason(s) or could specify 'other'. Beginning in 2019, interviewers read the possible reasons instead of handing the respondent a card. For all years, individuals with single service plans were asked for reasons for no insurance, because single service plans were not considered to be insurance plans.
Please see the Comparability tab for important information on changes to the universe and response categories over time.
Comparability
In 1997 and 2019 forward, this question was only asked of persons who had no insurance and had been without insurance for less than 3 years. For 1998 and 1999, the question was asked of persons without health insurance coverage or for whom it is unknown whether they were without health insurance. For 2000-2018, the universe includes all persons without health insurance coverage or whose only health insurance coverage is a single service plan. For 1997-2018, the universe restriction is based on initial responses about insurance coverage and does not reflect any back-editing done by NCHS NHIS staff. Beginning in 2019, the universe restriction is based on the back-edited variables. Please see HIPRIVATEE for details on how back-editing is performed.
Changes to the list of reasons that persons could provide for not having insurance coverage may affect this variable over time. It is possible that persons would be less likely to select this option when the list of other possible reasons for lack of insurance changes. Please see the Survey Text and Codes tabs for more information on response categories available over time.
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
- 1997: Persons without health insurance coverage for less than 3 years.
- 1998-1999: Persons without health insurance coverage or for whom it is unknown whether they were without health insurance.
- 2000-2018: Persons without health insurance coverage or whose only health insurance coverage is a single service plan.
- 2019-2024: Sample adults age 18+ and sample children age 0-17 without health insurance for less than 3 years.
Availability
- 1997-2024
Survey Text
2024 | 2017 | 2010 | 2003 |
2023 | 2016 | 2009 | 2002 |
2022 | 2015 | 2008 | 2001 |
2021 | 2014 | 2007 | 2000 |
2020 | 2013 | 2006 | 1999 |
2019 | 2012 | 2005 | 1998 |
2018 | 2011 | 2004 | 1997 |
Variable: HISTOPAGE_A
Interview Module: Adult
Content Type: Annual Core
Question text:
You became ineligible because of your age or because you left school?
2 - No
7 - Refused
9 - Don't Know
Variable: HISTOPAGE_C
Interview Module: Child
Content Type: Annual Core
Question text:
^HeShe_C became ineligible because of ^hisher_C age or because ^heshe_C left school?
Instruction:
Fill ALIAS of HHSTAT_C=1
Instruction:
if GEN.SEX_FINAL[PX_C]=1 fill "his"; else if GEN.SEX_FINAL[PX_C]=2 fill "her";
else if GEN.SEX_FINAL[PX_C] in (blank,DK,RF): fill "their"
Instruction:
If SEX_FINAL_C=1 fill "He" else if SEX_FINAL_C=2 fill "She"
elseif SEX_FINAL_C =blank: fill "They"
2 - No
7 - Refused
9 - Don't Know
Variable: HISTOPAGE_A
Interview Module: Adult
Content Type: Annual Core
Question text:
You became ineligible because of your age or because you left school?
2 - No
7 - Refused
9 - Don't Know
Variable: HISTOPAGE_A
Interview Module: Adult
Content Type: Annual Core
Question text:
You became ineligible because of your age or because you left school?
2 - No
7 - Refused
9 - Don't Know
Variable: HISTOPAGE_C
Interview Module: Child
Content Type: Annual Core
Question text:
^HeShe_C became ineligible because of ^hisher_C age or because ^heshe_C left school?
Instruction:
Fill ALIAS of HHSTAT_C=1
Instruction:
if GEN.SEX_FINAL[PX_C]=1 fill "his"; else if GEN.SEX_FINAL[PX_C]=2 fill "her";
else if GEN.SEX_FINAL[PX_C] in (blank,DK,RF): fill "their"
Instruction:
If SEX_FINAL_C=1 fill "He" else if SEX_FINAL_C=2 fill "She"
elseif SEX_FINAL_C =blank: fill "They"
2 - No
7 - Refused
9 - Don't Know
Variable: HISTOPAGE_A
Interview Module: Adult
Content Type: Annual Core
Question text:
You became ineligible because of your age or because you left school?
2 - No
7 - Refused
9 - Don't Know
Variable: HISTOPAGE_C
Interview Module: Child
Content Type: Annual Core
Question text:
^HeShe_C became ineligible because of ^hisher_C age or because ^heshe_C left school?
Instruction:
Fill ALIAS of HHSTAT_C=1
Instruction:
if GEN.SEX_FINAL[PX_C]=1 fill "his"; else if GEN.SEX_FINAL[PX_C]=2 fill "her";
else if GEN.SEX_FINAL[PX_C] in (blank,DK,RF): fill "their"
Instruction:
If SEX_FINAL_C=1 fill "He" else if SEX_FINAL_C=2 fill "She"
elseif SEX_FINAL_C =blank: fill "They"
2 - No
7 - Refused
9 - Don't Know
Variable: HISTOPAGE_A
Interview Module: Adult
Content Type: Annual Core
Question Text:
Read if necessary: Are you no longer enrolled in your last health care plan because...
2 No
7 Refused
9 Do not Know
Variable: HISTOPAGE_C
Interview Module: Child
Content Type: Annual Core
Question Text:
*Read if necessary: Is ^SCNAME no longer enrolled in ^hisher_C last health care plan because...
^SCNAME
Instruction Fill ALIAS of HHSTAT_C=1
^hisher_C
Instruction if GEN.SEX_FINAL[PX_C]=1 fill "his";
else if GEN.SEX_FINAL[PX_C]=2 fill "her";
else if GEN.SEX_FINAL[PX_C] in (blank,DK,RF): fill "their"
^HeShe_C
Instruction If SEX_FINAL_C=1 fill "He" else if SEX_FINAL_C=2 fill "She" elseif SEX_FINAL_C =blank: fill "They"
2 No
7 Refused
9 Do not Know
Question Text:
* Enter up to 5 reasons, separate with commas.
02 Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
03 Became ineligible because of age/left school
04 Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
05 Cost is too high
06 Insurance company refused coverage
07 Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
08 Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
09 Lost Medicaid (other)
10 Other (specify)
97 Refused
99 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
(10) [go to HISTOPOT]
Question Text:
* Enter up to 5 reasons, separate with commas.
02 Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
03 Became ineligible because of age/left school
04 Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
05 Cost is too high
06 Insurance company refused coverage
07 Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
08 Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
09 Lost Medicaid (other)
10 Other (specify)
97 Refused
99 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
(10) [go to HISTOPOT]
Question Text:
* Enter up to 5 reasons, separate with commas.
02 Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
03 Became ineligible because of age/left school
04 Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
05 Cost is too high
06 Insurance company refused coverage
07 Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
08 Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
09 Lost Medicaid (other)
10 Other (specify)
97 Refused
99 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
(10) [go to HISTOPOT]
Question Text:
* Enter up to 5 reasons, separate with commas.
02 Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
03 Became ineligible because of age/left school
04 Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
05 Cost is too high
06 Insurance company refused coverage
07 Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
08 Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
09 Lost Medicaid (other)
10 Other (specify)
97 Refused
99 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
(10) [go to HISTOPOT]
Question Text:
* Enter up to 5 reasons, separate with commas.
02 Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
03 Became ineligible because of age/left school
04 Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
05 Cost is too high
06 Insurance company refused coverage
07 Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
08 Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
09 Lost Medicaid (other)
10 Other (specify)
97 Refused
99 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
(10) [go to HISTOPOT]
Question Text:
* Enter up to 5 reasons, separate with commas.
02 Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
03 Became ineligible because of age/left school
04 Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
05 Cost is too high
06 Insurance company refused coverage
07 Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
08 Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
09 Lost Medicaid (other)
10 Other (specify)
97 Refused
99 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
(10) [go to HISTOPOT]
Question Text:
* Enter up to 5 reasons, separate with commas.
02 Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
03 Became ineligible because of age/left school
04 Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
05 Cost is too high
06 Insurance company refused coverage
07 Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
08 Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
09 Lost Medicaid (other)
10 Other (specify)
97 Refused
99 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
(10) [go to HISTOPOT]
Question Text:
7 Refused
9 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
Question Text:
* Enter up to 5 reasons, separate with commas.
02 Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
03 Became ineligible because of age/left school
04 Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
05 Cost is too high
06 Insurance company refused coverage
07 Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
08 Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
09 Lost Medicaid (other)
10 Other (specify)
97 Refused
99 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
(10) [go to HISTOPOT]
Question Text:
7 Refused
9 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
Question Text:
* Enter up to 5 reasons, separate with commas.
02 Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
03 Became ineligible because of age/left school
04 Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
05 Cost is too high
06 Insurance company refused coverage
07 Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
08 Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
09 Lost Medicaid (other)
10 Other (specify)
97 Refused
99 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
(10) [go to HISTOPOT]
Question Text:
7 Refused
9 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
Question Text:
* Enter up to 5 reasons, separate with commas.
02 Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
03 Became ineligible because of age/left school
04 Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
05 Cost is too high
06 Insurance company refused coverage
07 Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
08 Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
09 Lost Medicaid (other)
10 Other (specify)
97 Refused
99 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
(10) [go to HISTOPOT]
Question Text:
7 Refused
9 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
Question Text:
* Enter up to 5 reasons, separate with commas.
02 Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
03 Became ineligible because of age/left school
04 Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
05 Cost is too high
06 Insurance company refused coverage
07 Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
08 Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
09 Lost Medicaid (other)
10 Other (specify)
97 Refused
99 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
(10) [go to HISTOPOT]
Question Text:
7 Refused
9 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
Question Text:
* Enter up to 5 reasons, separate with commas.
02 Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
03 Became ineligible because of age/left school
04 Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
05 Cost is too high
06 Insurance company refused coverage
07 Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
08 Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
09 Lost Medicaid (other)
10 Other (specify)
97 Refused
99 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
(10) [go to HISTOPOT]
Question Text:
7 Refused
9 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
Question Text:
* Enter up to 5 reasons, separate with commas.
02 Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
03 Became ineligible because of age/left school
04 Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
05 Cost is too high
06 Insurance company refused coverage
07 Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
08 Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
09 Lost Medicaid (other)
10 Other (specify)
97 Refused
99 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
(10) [go to HISTOPOT]
Question Text:
7 Refused
9 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
Question Text:
* Enter up to 5 reasons, separate with commas.
02 Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
03 Became ineligible because of age/left school
04 Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
05 Cost is too high
06 Insurance company refused coverage
07 Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
08 Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
09 Lost Medicaid (other)
10 Other (specify)
97 Refused
99 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
(10) [go to HISTOPOT]
Question Text:
7 Refused
9 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
Question Text:
* Enter up to 5 reasons, separate with commas.
02 Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
03 Became ineligible because of age/left school
04 Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
05 Cost is too high
06 Insurance company refused coverage
07 Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
08 Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
09 Lost Medicaid (other)
10 Other (specify)
97 Refused
99 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
(10) [go to HISTOPOT]
Question Text:
7 Refused
9 Don't know
Skip Instructions:
Which of these are reasons {you/subject name} stopped being covered or {do/does} not have health insurance?
FR: ENTER UP TO 5 REASONS. ENTER (N) FOR NO MORE.
1. Person in family with health insurance lost job or changed employers
3. Became ineligible because of age/left school
2. Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
4. Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
5. Cost is too high
6. Insurance company refused coverage
7. Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
8. Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
9. Lost Medicaid (other)
10. Other (specify)
(2) Got divorced or separated / death of spouse or parent
(3) Became ineligible because of age/left school
(4) Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
(5) Cost is too high
(6) Insurance company refused coverage
(7) Medicaid / Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
(8) Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
(9) Lost Medicaid (other)
(10) Other (specify) @SPC
(97) Refused
(99) Don't know (other)
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
(Go to FHI.320)
Which of these are reasons {you/subject name} stopped being covered or {do/does} not have health insurance?
FR: ENTER UP TO 5 REASONS. ENTER (N) FOR NO MORE.
1. Person in family with health insurance lost job or changed employers
3. Became ineligible because of age/left school
2. Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
4. Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
5. Cost is too high
6. Insurance company refused coverage
7. Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
8. Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
9. Lost Medicaid (other)
10. Other (specify)
(2) Got divorced or separated / death of spouse or parent
(3) Became ineligible because of age/left school
(4) Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
(5) Cost is too high
(6) Insurance company refused coverage
(7) Medicaid / Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
(8) Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
(9) Lost Medicaid (other)
(10) Other (specify) @SPC
(97) Refused
(99) Don't know (other)
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
(Go to FHI.320)
Which of these are reasons {you/subject name} stopped being covered or {do/does} not have health insurance?
FR: ENTER UP TO 5 REASONS. ENTER (N) FOR NO MORE.
1. Person in family with health insurance lost job or changed employers
3. Became ineligible because of age/left school
2. Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
4. Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
5. Cost is too high
6. Insurance company refused coverage
7. Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
8. Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
9. Lost Medicaid (other)
10. Other (specify)
(2) Got divorced or separated / death of spouse or parent
(3) Became ineligible because of age/left school
(4) Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
(5) Cost is too high
(6) Insurance company refused coverage
(7) Medicaid / Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
(8) Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
(9) Lost Medicaid (other)
(10) Other (specify) @SPC
(97) Refused
(99) Don't know (other)
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
(Go to FHI.320)
Which of these are reasons {you/subject name} stopped being covered or {do/does} not have health insurance?
FR: ENTER UP TO 5 REASONS. ENTER (N) FOR NO MORE.
1. Person in family with health insurance lost job or changed employers
3. Became ineligible because of age/left school
2. Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
4. Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
5. Cost is too high
6. Insurance company refused coverage
7. Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
8. Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
9. Lost Medicaid (other)
10. Other (specify)
(2) Got divorced or separated / death of spouse or parent
(3) Became ineligible because of age/left school
(4) Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
(5) Cost is too high
(6) Insurance company refused coverage
(7) Medicaid / Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
(8) Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
(9) Lost Medicaid (other)
(10) Other (specify) @SPC
(97) Refused
(99) Don't know (other)
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
(Go to FHI.320)
Which of these are reasons {you/subject name} stopped being covered or {do/does} not have health insurance?
FR: ENTER UP TO 5 REASONS. ENTER (N) FOR NO MORE.
1. Person in family with health insurance lost job or changed employers
3. Became ineligible because of age/left school
2. Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
4. Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
5. Cost is too high
6. Insurance company refused coverage
7. Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
8. Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
9. Lost Medicaid (other)
10. Other (specify)
(2) Got divorced or separated / death of spouse or parent
(3) Became ineligible because of age/left school
(4) Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
(5) Cost is too high
(6) Insurance company refused coverage
(7) Medicaid / Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
(8) Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
(9) Lost Medicaid (other)
(10) Other (specify) @SPC
(97) Refused
(99) Don't know (other)
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
(Go to FHI.320)
Which of these are reasons {you/subject name} stopped being covered or {do/does} not have health insurance?
FR: ENTER UP TO 5 REASONS. ENTER (N) FOR NO MORE.
1. Person in family with health insurance lost job or changed employers
3. Became ineligible because of age/left school
2. Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
4. Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
5. Cost is too high
6. Insurance company refused coverage
7. Medicaid/Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
8. Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
9. Lost Medicaid (other)
10. Other (specify)
(2) Got divorced or separated / death of spouse or parent
(3) Became ineligible because of age/left school
(4) Employer does not offer coverage/or not eligible for coverage
(5) Cost is too high
(6) Insurance company refused coverage
(7) Medicaid / Medical plan stopped after pregnancy
(8) Lost Medicaid/Medical plan because of new job or increase in income
(9) Lost Medicaid (other)
(10) Other (specify) @SPC
(97) Refused
(99) Don't know (other)
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
(Go to FHI.320)
FR: HAND CARD F11. ENTER UP TO 5 REASONS. ENTER 'N' FOR NO MORE.
2. Spouse/parent lost job or changed employers
3. Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
4. Became ineligible because of age/left school
5. Employer stopped offering coverage
6. Cut back to part-time/became temporary employee
7. Benefits from employer/former employer ran out
8. Couldn't afford to pay premiums
9. Insurance plan raised cost of premiums
10. Insurance company refused coverage
11. Other
(2) Spouse/parent lost job or changed employers
(3) Got divorced or separated/death of spouse or parent
(4) Became ineligible because of age/left school
(5) Employer stopped offering coverage
(6) Cut back to part-time/became temporary employee
(7) Benefits from employer/former employer ran out
(8) Couldn't afford to pay premiums
(9) Insurance plan raised cost of premiums
(10) Insurance company refused coverage
(11) Other (specify) @SPC
(97) Refused
(99) DK
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
(Goto FHI.320)
Weights
- 1997-2018 : PERWEIGHT
- 2019-2024 : SAMPWEIGHT