Codes

This variable is not available for any of the currently selected samples.

Description

HIOTHER indicates whether the respondent was covered, either as a policyholder or a dependent, by health insurance other than an employment-based group plan, Medicaid, Medicare, or CHAMPUS and other military health insurance, during the previous calendar year. Those with only accident or disability insurance were also specifically excluded.

After collecting information about employment-based coverage and the aforementioned government insurance plans, interviewers asked whether anyone in the household had any other health insurance plan during the previous calendar year and, if yes, who else in the household (i.e., the policyholder's spouse, children, and/or others) was covered by such insurance. The Census Bureau edited the data to allocate "yes" responses in HIOTHER not only to the insurance policyholder but also to the co-resident persons identified as being covered by such "other" insurance.

According to the glossary for the Census Bureau's public use files for the ASEC CPS, "Additional questions [i.e., questions in addition to queries about coverage via employment-based group plans, Medicaid, Medicare, or CHAMPUS and other military health insurance] were asked to determine if sample persons were covered by any other type of health insurance plan. These items are intended to measure retirees covered by continuing employer provided coverage and persons who purchased coverage on their own." Some respondents might, however, have had additional types of health insurance in mind when they reported "other" insurance coverage, such as the Indian Health Service or a state-specific Medicaid program. The exact meaning of "other" health insurance is thus somewhat ambiguous.

Comparability

User Note: For a set of variables that addresses many of the comparability issues in the CPS health insurance measures, see the summary health insurance variables created by the University of Minnesota's State Health Access Data Assistance Center.

This variable is comparable over time.

As noted, "other" insurance coverage in HIOTHER is defined relative to coverage via employment-based group plans, Medicaid, Medicare, and CHAMPUS or other military health insurance. For 1980-1987, insurance coverage via these sources is reported in COVERGH, HIMCAIDLY, HIMCARELY, and HICHAMP, respectively. For these variables, as well, the Census Bureau edited the data to allocate coverage to dependents as well as policyholders; users should consult the variable descriptions for further details.

Universe

Flags

Unharmonized Variables

• UH_COVHI_A1