Codes and Frequencies
Description
VACAREYR indicates whether, during the past 12 months, the sample adult (or, prior to 2019, person) had received medical care at a Veteran's Health Administration facility or received any other care paid for by the VA.
The Field Representative's Manuals for 1977-1978 includes a "Note" to interviewers that "the important thing to remember . . . is the receipt of health care paid for by these programs, not whether or not the person is eligible for the care or has coverage."
Comparability
Please see the Universe tab for changes in the universe between 1977-1978 and 2019.
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
- 1977-1978: All persons.
- 2019-2020: Sample adults age 18+ who have ever served in the armed forces and did not receive care at a VA facility or care paid for by the VA in the past 12 months and did not report VA health care when asked about insurance.
- 2021-2023: Sample adults 18+ who have ever served in the armed forces
Availability
- 1977-1978, 2019-2023
Weights
- 1977-1978 : PERWEIGHT
- 2019-2023 : SAMPWEIGHT