Data Cart

Your data extract

0 variables
0 samples
View Cart
MCAIDPROB
Medicaid coverage probe response

Codes and Frequencies



Can't find the category you are looking for? Try the Detailed codes

Description

For sample adults ages 18-64 and sample children ages 0-17 who have indicated they are uninsured or refused or don't know their type of health insurance (HINONE), MCAIDPROB reports responses to a probe question to verify Medicaid status. Prior to 2019, this variable included all persons with no reported health insurance coverage.

Data Collection Process 

Interviewers first asked, "Are you covered by health insurance or some other kind of health care plan?" Respondents were instructed to "Include health insurance obtained through employment or purchased directly as well as government programs like Medicare and Medicaid that provide medical care or help pay medical bills." Individuals who had answered affirmatively were asked, "What kind of health insurance or health care coverage do you have?" Respondents selected the appropriate response from a card listing various types of insurance coverage:

  • Private health insurance (2004 forward)
  • Private health insurance plan from employer or workplace (1997-2003)
  • Private health insurance plan purchased directly (1997-2003)
  • Private health insurance plan through a State or local government program or community program (1998-2003)
  • Medicare (1997 forward)
  • Medi-Gap (1997 forward)
  • Medicaid (1997 forward)
  • CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) (1999 forward)
  • Military Health Care/VA (1997-2003)
  • Military Health Care (CHAMPUS/TRICARE/CHAMP-VA) (1997 forward)
  • Indian Health Service (1997 forward)
  • State-sponsored health plan (1997 forward)
  • Other government program (1997 forward)
  • Single Service Plan (e.g., dental, vision, prescriptions) (1999 forward)
  • No coverage of any type (2000 forward)

As described in Field Representative's Manual, beginning in 2004 probe questions "were added to reduce potential errors in reporting Medicare and Medicaid status." Persons under 65 with no reported coverage were asked explicitly about Medicaid coverage, and were reclassified, if necessary, based on responses to this question.

Comparability

Prior to 2019, this variable is comparable 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

  • 2006-2018: Persons under age 65 who did not indicate that they had any health insurance coverage when originally asked.
  • 2019-2022: Sample adults 18-64 and sample children 0-17 who have indicated they are uninsured or refused or don't know their type of health insurance (HINONE)

Availability

  • 2006-2022

Weights