Common use of Demographic Variables Clause in Contracts

Demographic Variables. These variables provide information about the demographic characteristics of each person. As noted below, some variables have edited and imputed values. Values of most demographic variables on this file are obtained during each round of the MEPS interview. These variables describe data for Panel 5, Round 3 and Panel 6, Round 1, as well as a number of characteristics that are not round specific. Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. The data for new RU members (persons who were not members of the RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS Round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the following way. The person’s first name was used to assign sex, if obvious. If the person’s first name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. If neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, sex was randomly assigned. Age Date of birth and age for each RU member were asked or verified during each MEPS interview (XXXXX, XXXXX, AGE13X). If date of birth was available, age was calculated based on the difference between date of birth and date of interview. Inconsistencies between the calculated age and the age reported during the CAPI interview were reviewed and resolved. For purposes of confidentiality, the variable AGE13X was top coded at 90 years, and DOBYY bottom coded at 1911. When date of birth was not provided but age was (from either the MEPS or the NHIS data), the month and year of birth were assigned randomly from among the possible valid options. For any cases still not accounted for, age was imputed using (1) the mean age difference between MEPS participants with certain family relationships (where available) or (2) the mean age value for MEPS participants. For example, a mother’s age is imputed as her child’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS mothers and their children, or a wife’s age is imputed as the husband’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS wives and husbands. Race, Race/Ethnicity, Hispanic Ethnicity, and Hispanic Ethnicity Group Race (RACEX) and Hispanic ethnicity (HISPANX) were asked for each RU member during the MEPS interview. If this information was not obtained in Round 1, the questions were asked in subsequent Rounds. When race and/or ethnicity was not reported in the interview, values for these variables were obtained based on the following priority order. When available, they were obtained from the originally collected NHIS data. If not ascertained, the race, and/or ethnicity were assigned based on relationship to other members of the DU using a priority ordering that gave precedence to blood relatives in the immediate family. The variable RACETHNX indicating both race and ethnicity (e.g., with categories such as “Hispanic” and “black but not Hispanic”) reflects the imputations done for RACEX and HISPANX. The specific Hispanic ethnicity group is given in the unedited variable HISPCAT. Note: starting with Panel 5 Round 3 and Panel 6 Round 1, the questions asking about race and ethnicity were modified to allow coding of multiple races and multiple Hispanic places of origin or ancestry. If more than one race was recorded, then a follow-up question asked which race “best” represents the person’s racial background. Thus, persons new to MEPS in Panel 5 Round 3 and all persons part of Panel 6 Round 1 used the new source questions in constructing RACEX, HISPANX and HISPCAT. Those persons who participated in MEPS in Panel 5 Round 1 or 2 used the old questions and method of construction of the race and ethnicity variables. The ranges of RACEX, HISPANX, and RACETHNX delivered in this public use file remain the same as in previous point in time data files. HISPCAT was modified to collapse persons coded with multiple sources of national origin or ancestry into the “Other Latin American/Other Spanish” category. The range for HISPCAT was expanded to include “91 Other”.

Demographic Variables. These variables provide information about the demographic characteristics of each person. As noted below, some variables have edited and imputed values. Values of most demographic variables on this file are obtained during each round of the MEPS interview. These variables describe data for Panel 5, 7 Round 3 and Panel 6, 8 Round 1, as well as a number of characteristics that are not round specific. Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. The data for new RU members (persons who were not members of the RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS Round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the following way. The person’s first name was used to assign sex, if obvious. If the person’s first name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. If neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, sex was randomly assigned. Age Date of birth and age for each RU member were asked or verified during each MEPS interview (AGE13X, XXXXX, XXXXX, AGE13X). If date of birth was available, age was calculated based on the difference between date of birth and date of interview. Inconsistencies between the calculated age and the age reported during the CAPI interview were reviewed and resolved. For purposes of confidentiality, the variable AGE13X was top coded at 90 85 years, and DOBYY bottom coded at 19111918. When date of birth was not provided but age was (from either the MEPS or the NHIS data), the month and year of birth were assigned randomly from among the possible valid options. For any cases still not accounted for, age was imputed using (1) the mean age difference between MEPS participants with certain family relationships (where available) or (2) the mean age value for MEPS participants. For example, a mother’s age is imputed as her child’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS mothers and their children, or a wife’s age is imputed as the husband’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS wives and husbands. Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. The data for new RU members (persons who were not members of the RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the following way. The person’s first name was used to assign sex, if obvious. If the person’s first name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. If neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, sex was randomly assigned. Race, Race/Ethnicity, Hispanic Ethnicity, and Hispanic Ethnicity Group Race The race (RACEX) and ), Hispanic ethnicity (HISPANX) and the Hispanic ethnic background (HISPCAT) questions were asked for each RU member during the MEPS interview. If this the race and ethnicity information was not obtained in Round 1, the questions were asked in subsequent Roundsrounds. When In Panel 7 Round 3 and Panel 8 Round 1, a revised CAPI design was implemented. All eligible Panel 7 Round 3 and Panel 8 Round 1 persons were asked the revised race and/or and ethnicity questions. The specifications for determining race and ethnicity were changed from the 2002 point in time PUF. Changes include a new range for RACEX (the meaning of the values is different from 2002 point in time PUF and a category for “more than one race reported” was added); a new range for HISPCAT (the meaning of the values is different from the 2002 point in time PUF); a new range for the variable indicating combined race and ethnicity (RACETHNX) with the new category “Asian and no other race reported and is not reported Hispanic” along with the modified meanings for other values. In addition, beginning with the 2003 point in the interviewtime PUF, values there are new variables indicating “Asian among races reported” (RACEAX); “Black among races reported” (RACEBX); and “White among races reported” (RACEWX.) Values for these variables were obtained based on the following priority order. When If available, they data collected under the new Panel 7 Round 3/Panel 8 Round 1 design were used to determine race and ethnicity. For Panel 7, if the data were not available under the new design, but were obtained under the design implemented in Panel 7 Rounds 1 and 2, then this data were used. If race and/or ethnicity were not reported in the interview, then data obtained from the originally collected NHIS datadata were used. If still not ascertained, the race, and/or ethnicity were assigned based on relationship to other members of the DU using a priority ordering that gave precedence to blood relatives in the immediate family. The variable RACETHNX indicating both family (this approach was used on # persons to set race and ethnicity (e.g.# persons to set ethnicity). RACETHNX, with categories such as “Hispanic” RACEAX, RACEBX, and “black but not Hispanic”) reflects RACEWX reflect the imputations done for RACEX and HISPANX. The specific Hispanic ethnicity group Marital Status and Spouse ID Current marital status was collected and/or updated during each round of the MEPS interview. This information was obtained in RE13 and RE97 and is given reported as MARRY13X. Persons under the age of 16 were coded as 6 “under 16 - inapplicable”. In instances where there were discrepancies between the marital status of two individuals within a family, other person-level variables were reviewed to determine the edited marital status for each individual. For example, in Panel 7 Round 3, when one spouse was reported as married and the other spouse reported as widowed, the data were reviewed to determine if one partner should be coded as 8 “widowed in round”. Four edits were performed to ensure some consistency across rounds for the Panel 7 Round 3 data. First, a person could not be coded as “Never Married” after previously being coded as any other marital status (e.g., “Widowed”). Second, a person could not be coded as “Under 16 - Inapplicable” after being previously coded as any other marital status. Third, a person could not be coded as “Married in round” after being coded as “Married” in the unedited round immediately preceding. Fourth, a person could not be coded as an “in round” code (e.g., “widowed in round”) in two subsequent rounds. The person identifier for each individual’s spouse is reported in SPOUID13. The variable HISPCATis set to the PID (within each family) of the person identified as the spouse during the round. Note: starting with Panel 5 Round 3 and Panel 6 Round 1If no spouse was identified in the household, the questions asking about race and ethnicity were modified to allow coding variable was coded as 995 “no spouse in house”. Those with unknown marital status are coded as 996 “marital status unknown”. Persons under the age of multiple races and multiple Hispanic places of origin or ancestry16 are coded as 997 “Less than 16 years old”. The SPOUIN13 variable indicates whether a person’s spouse was present in the RU during the round. If more than one race the person had no spouse in the household, the value was recordedcoded as 2. For persons under the age of 16 the value was coded as 3. The SPOUID13 and SPOUIN13 variables were obtained from RE76 and RE77, then where the respondent was asked to identify how each pair of persons in the household was related. Analysts should note that this information was collected in a follow-up question set of questions separate from the questions that asked which race “best” represents about marital status. While editing was performed to ensure that SPOUID13 and SPOUIN13 are consistent within each round, there was no consistency check between these variables and marital status in a given round. Apparent discrepancies between marital status and spouse information may be due to any of the person’s racial backgroundfollowing causes: • Ambiguity as to when during a round a change in marital status occurred. Thus, persons new to MEPS in Panel 5 Round 3 and This is a result of relationship information being asked for all persons part living in the household at any time during the round, while marital status is asked as of Panel 6 Round 1 used the new source questions interview date (e.g., If one spouse died during the reference period, the surviving spouse’s marital status would be “widowed in constructing RACEXround”, HISPANX but SPOUIN13 and HISPCAT. Those SPOUID13 for the same round would indicate that a spouse was present); • Valid discrepancies in the case of persons who participated in MEPS in Panel 5 Round 1 are married but not living with their spouse, or 2 used the old questions and method of construction separating but still living together; or • Discrepancies which cannot be explained by either of the race and ethnicity variables. The ranges of RACEX, HISPANX, and RACETHNX delivered in this public use file remain the same as in previous point in time data files. HISPCAT was modified to collapse persons coded with multiple sources of national origin or ancestry into the “Other Latin American/Other Spanish” category. The range for HISPCAT was expanded to include “91 Other”reasons.

Demographic Variables. These variables provide information about the demographic characteristics of each person. As noted below, some variables have edited and imputed values. Values of most demographic variables on this file are obtained during each round of the MEPS interview. These variables describe data for Panel 5, 17 Round 3 and Panel 6, 18 Round 1, as well as a number of characteristics that are not round specific. Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. The data for new RU members (persons who were not members of the RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS Round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the following way. The person’s first name was used to assign sex, if obvious. If the person’s first name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. If neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, sex was randomly assigned. Age Date of birth and age for each RU member were asked or verified during each MEPS interview (AGE13X, XXXXX, XXXXX, AGE13X). If date of birth was available, age was calculated based on the difference between date of birth and date of interview. Inconsistencies between the calculated age and the age reported during the CAPI interview were reviewed and resolved. For purposes of confidentiality, the variable AGE13X was top top-coded at 90 85 years, and DOBYY bottom coded at 19111928. When date of birth was not provided but age was (from either the MEPS or the NHIS data), the month and year of birth were assigned randomly from among the possible valid options. For any cases still not accounted for, age was imputed using (1) the mean age difference between MEPS participants with certain family relationships (where available) or (2) the mean age value for MEPS participants. For example, a mother’s age is imputed as her child’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS mothers and their children, or a wife’s age is imputed as the husband’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS wives and husbands. Race, Race/Ethnicity, Hispanic Ethnicity, and Hispanic Ethnicity Group Race (RACEX) and Hispanic ethnicity (HISPANX) were asked for Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. If this information was The data for new RU members (persons who were not obtained in Round 1, the questions were asked in subsequent Rounds. When race and/or ethnicity was not reported in the interview, values for these variables were obtained based on the following priority order. When available, they were obtained from the originally collected NHIS data. If not ascertained, the race, and/or ethnicity were assigned based on relationship to other members of the DU using a priority ordering that gave precedence to blood relatives RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the immediate familyfollowing way. The variable RACETHNX indicating both race and ethnicity (e.g.person’s first name was used to assign sex, with categories such as “Hispanic” and “black but not Hispanic”) reflects the imputations done for RACEX and HISPANX. The specific Hispanic ethnicity group is given in the unedited variable HISPCAT. Note: starting with Panel 5 Round 3 and Panel 6 Round 1, the questions asking about race and ethnicity were modified to allow coding of multiple races and multiple Hispanic places of origin or ancestryif obvious. If more than one race was recorded, then a follow-up question asked which race “best” represents the person’s racial backgroundfirst name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. ThusIf neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, persons new to MEPS in Panel 5 Round 3 and all persons part of Panel 6 Round 1 used the new source questions in constructing RACEX, HISPANX and HISPCAT. Those persons who participated in MEPS in Panel 5 Round 1 or 2 used the old questions and method of construction of the race and ethnicity variables. The ranges of RACEX, HISPANX, and RACETHNX delivered in this public use file remain the same as in previous point in time data files. HISPCAT sex was modified to collapse persons coded with multiple sources of national origin or ancestry into the “Other Latin American/Other Spanish” category. The range for HISPCAT was expanded to include “91 Other”randomly assigned.

Demographic Variables. These variables provide information about the demographic characteristics of each person. As noted below, some variables have edited and imputed values. Values of most demographic variables on this file are obtained during each round of the MEPS interview. These variables describe data for Panel 5, 14 Round 3 and Panel 6, 15 Round 1, as well as a number of characteristics that are not round specific. Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. The data for new RU members (persons who were not members of the RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS Round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the following way. The person’s first name was used to assign sex, if obvious. If the person’s first name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. If neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, sex was randomly assigned. Age Date of birth and age for each RU member were asked or verified during each MEPS interview (AGE13X, XXXXX, XXXXX, AGE13X). If date of birth was available, age was calculated based on the difference between date of birth and date of interview. Inconsistencies between the calculated age and the age reported during the CAPI interview were reviewed and resolved. For purposes of confidentiality, the variable AGE13X was top coded at 90 85 years, and DOBYY bottom coded at 19111925. When date of birth was not provided but age was (from either the MEPS or the NHIS data), the month and year of birth were assigned randomly from among the possible valid options. For any cases still not accounted for, age was imputed using (1) the mean age difference between MEPS participants with certain family relationships (where available) or (2) the mean age value for MEPS participants. For example, a mother’s age is imputed as her child’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS mothers and their children, or a wife’s age is imputed as the husband’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS wives and husbands. Race, Race/Ethnicity, Hispanic Ethnicity, and Hispanic Ethnicity Group Race (RACEX) and Hispanic ethnicity (HISPANX) were asked for Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. If this information was The data for new RU members (persons who were not obtained in Round 1, the questions were asked in subsequent Rounds. When race and/or ethnicity was not reported in the interview, values for these variables were obtained based on the following priority order. When available, they were obtained from the originally collected NHIS data. If not ascertained, the race, and/or ethnicity were assigned based on relationship to other members of the DU using a priority ordering that gave precedence to blood relatives RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the immediate familyfollowing way. The variable RACETHNX indicating both race and ethnicity (e.g.person’s first name was used to assign sex, with categories such as “Hispanic” and “black but not Hispanic”) reflects the imputations done for RACEX and HISPANX. The specific Hispanic ethnicity group is given in the unedited variable HISPCAT. Note: starting with Panel 5 Round 3 and Panel 6 Round 1, the questions asking about race and ethnicity were modified to allow coding of multiple races and multiple Hispanic places of origin or ancestryif obvious. If more than one race was recorded, then a follow-up question asked which race “best” represents the person’s racial backgroundfirst name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. ThusIf neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, persons new to MEPS in Panel 5 Round 3 and all persons part of Panel 6 Round 1 used the new source questions in constructing RACEX, HISPANX and HISPCAT. Those persons who participated in MEPS in Panel 5 Round 1 or 2 used the old questions and method of construction of the race and ethnicity variables. The ranges of RACEX, HISPANX, and RACETHNX delivered in this public use file remain the same as in previous point in time data files. HISPCAT sex was modified to collapse persons coded with multiple sources of national origin or ancestry into the “Other Latin American/Other Spanish” category. The range for HISPCAT was expanded to include “91 Other”randomly assigned.

Demographic Variables. These variables provide information about the demographic characteristics of each person. As noted below, some variables have edited and imputed values. Values of most demographic variables on this file are obtained during each round of the MEPS interview. These variables describe data for Panel 5, 10 Round 3 and Panel 6, 11 Round 1, as well as a number of characteristics that are not round specific. Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. The data for new RU members (persons who were not members of the RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS Round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the following way. The person’s first name was used to assign sex, if obvious. If the person’s first name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. If neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, sex was randomly assigned. Age Date of birth and age for each RU member were asked or verified during each MEPS interview (AGE13X, XXXXX, XXXXX, AGE13X). If date of birth was available, age was calculated based on the difference between date of birth and date of interview. Inconsistencies between the calculated age and the age reported during the CAPI interview were reviewed and resolved. For purposes of confidentiality, the variable AGE13X was top coded at 90 85 years, and DOBYY bottom coded at 19111921. When date of birth was not provided but age was (from either the MEPS or the NHIS data), the month and year of birth were assigned randomly from among the possible valid options. For any cases still not accounted for, age was imputed using (1) the mean age difference between MEPS participants with certain family relationships (where available) or (2) the mean age value for MEPS participants. For example, a mother’s age is imputed as her child’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS mothers and their children, or a wife’s age is imputed as the husband’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS wives and husbands. Race, Race/Ethnicity, Hispanic Ethnicity, and Hispanic Ethnicity Group Race (RACEX) and Hispanic ethnicity (HISPANX) were asked for Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. If this information was The data for new RU members (persons who were not obtained in Round 1, the questions were asked in subsequent Rounds. When race and/or ethnicity was not reported in the interview, values for these variables were obtained based on the following priority order. When available, they were obtained from the originally collected NHIS data. If not ascertained, the race, and/or ethnicity were assigned based on relationship to other members of the DU using a priority ordering that gave precedence to blood relatives RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the immediate familyfollowing way. The variable RACETHNX indicating both race and ethnicity (e.g.person’s first name was used to assign sex, with categories such as “Hispanic” and “black but not Hispanic”) reflects the imputations done for RACEX and HISPANX. The specific Hispanic ethnicity group is given in the unedited variable HISPCAT. Note: starting with Panel 5 Round 3 and Panel 6 Round 1, the questions asking about race and ethnicity were modified to allow coding of multiple races and multiple Hispanic places of origin or ancestryif obvious. If more than one race was recorded, then a follow-up question asked which race “best” represents the person’s racial backgroundfirst name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. ThusIf neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, persons new to MEPS in Panel 5 Round 3 and all persons part of Panel 6 Round 1 used the new source questions in constructing RACEX, HISPANX and HISPCAT. Those persons who participated in MEPS in Panel 5 Round 1 or 2 used the old questions and method of construction of the race and ethnicity variables. The ranges of RACEX, HISPANX, and RACETHNX delivered in this public use file remain the same as in previous point in time data files. HISPCAT sex was modified to collapse persons coded with multiple sources of national origin or ancestry into the “Other Latin American/Other Spanish” category. The range for HISPCAT was expanded to include “91 Other”randomly assigned.

Demographic Variables. These variables provide information about the demographic characteristics of each person. As noted below, some variables have edited and imputed values. Values of most demographic variables on this file are obtained during each round of the MEPS interview. These variables describe data for Panel 5, 6 Round 3 and Panel 6, 7 Round 1, as well as a number of characteristics that are not round specific. Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. The data for new RU members (persons who were not members of the RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS Round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the following way. The person’s first name was used to assign sex, if obvious. If the person’s first name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. If neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, sex was randomly assigned. Age Date of birth and age for each RU member were asked or verified during each MEPS interview (AGE13X, XXXXX, XXXXX, AGE13X). If date of birth was available, age was calculated based on the difference between date of birth and date of interview. Inconsistencies between the calculated age and the age reported during the CAPI interview were reviewed and resolved. For purposes of confidentiality, the variable AGE13X was top coded at 90 years, and DOBYY bottom coded at 19111912. When date of birth was not provided but age was (from either the MEPS or the NHIS data), the month and year of birth were assigned randomly from among the possible valid options. For any cases still not accounted for, age was imputed using (1) the mean age difference between MEPS participants with certain family relationships (where available) or (2) the mean age value for MEPS participants. For example, a mother’s age is imputed as her child’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS mothers and their children, or a wife’s age is imputed as the husband’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS wives and husbands. Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. The data for new RU members (persons who were not members of the RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the following way. The person’s first name was used to assign sex, if obvious. If the person’s first name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. If neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, sex was randomly assigned. Race, Race/Ethnicity, Hispanic Ethnicity, and Hispanic Ethnicity Group Race (RACEX) and Hispanic ethnicity (HISPANX) were asked for each RU member during the MEPS interview. If this information was not obtained in Round 1, the questions were asked in subsequent Roundsrounds. When race and/or ethnicity was not reported in the interview, values for these variables were obtained based on the following priority order. When available, they were obtained from the originally collected NHIS data. If not ascertained, the race, race and/or ethnicity were assigned based on relationship to other members of the DU using a priority ordering that gave precedence to blood relatives in the immediate family. The variable RACETHNX indicating both race and ethnicity (e.g., with categories such as “Hispanic” and “black but not Hispanic”) reflects the imputations done for RACEX and HISPANX. The specific Hispanic ethnicity group is given in the unedited variable HISPCAT. Note: starting with Panel 5 Round 3 and Panel 6 Round 1, the questions asking about race and ethnicity were modified to allow coding of multiple races and multiple Hispanic places of origin or ancestry. If more than one race was recorded, then a follow-up question asked which race “best” represents the person’s racial background. Thus, persons new to MEPS in Panel 5 Round 3 and all persons part of Panel 6 Round 1 used the new source questions in constructing RACEX, HISPANX and HISPCAT. Those persons who participated in MEPS in Panel 5 Round 1 or 2 used the old questions and method of construction of the race and ethnicity variables. The ranges of RACEX, HISPANX, and RACETHNX delivered in this public use file remain the same as in previous point in time data files. HISPCAT was modified to collapse persons coded with multiple sources of national origin or ancestry into the “Other Latin American/Other Spanish” category. The range for HISPCAT was expanded to include “91 Other”. Marital Status and Spouse ID Current marital status was collected and/or updated during each round of the MEPS interview. This information was obtained in RE13 and RE97 and is reported as MARRY13X. Persons under the age of 16 were coded as 6 “under 16 - inapplicable”. In instances where there were discrepancies between the marital status of two individuals within a family, other person-level variables were reviewed to determine the edited marital status for each individual. For example, in Panel 6 Round 3, when one spouse was reported as married and the other spouse reported as widowed, the data were reviewed to determine if one partner should be coded as 8 “widowed in round”. Four edits were performed to ensure some consistency across rounds for the Panel 6 Round 3 data. First, a person could not be coded as “Never Married” after previously being coded as any other marital status (e.g., “Widowed”). Second, a person could not be coded as “Under 16 - Inapplicable” after being previously coded as any other marital status. Third, a person could not be coded as “Married in round” after being coded as “Married” in the round immediately preceding. Fourth, a person could not be coded as an “in round” code (e.g., “widowed in round”) in two subsequent rounds. The person identifier for each individual’s spouse is reported in SPOUID13. The variable is set to the PID (within each family) of the person identified as the spouse during the round. If no spouse was identified in the household, the variable was coded as 995 “no spouse in house”. Those with unknown marital status are coded as 996 “marital status unknown”. Persons under the age of 16 are coded as 997 “Less than 16 years old”. The SPOUIN13 variable indicates whether a person’s spouse was present in the RU during the round. If the person had no spouse in the household, the value was coded as 2. For persons under the age of 16 the value was coded as 3. The SPOUID13 and SPOUIN13 variables were obtained from RE76 and RE77, where the respondent was asked to identify how each pair of persons in the household was related. Analysts should note that this information was collected in a set of questions separate from the questions that asked about marital status. While editing was performed to ensure that SPOUID13 and SPOUIN13 are consistent within each round, there was no consistency check between these variables and marital status in a given round. Apparent discrepancies between marital status and spouse information may be due to any of the following causes: • Ambiguity as to when during a round a change in marital status occurred. This is a result of relationship information being asked for all persons living in the household at any time during the round, while marital status is asked as of the interview date (e.g., If one spouse died during the reference period, the surviving spouse’s marital status would be “widowed in round”, but SPOUIN13 and SPOUID13 for the same round would indicate that a spouse was present); • Valid discrepancies in the case of persons who are married but not living with their spouse, or separating but still living together; or • Discrepancies which cannot be explained by either of the previous reasons.

Demographic Variables. These variables provide information about the demographic characteristics of each person. As noted below, some variables have edited and imputed values. Values of most demographic variables on this file are obtained during each round of the MEPS interview. These variables describe data for Panel 5, 13 Round 3 and Panel 6, 14 Round 1, as well as a number of characteristics that are not round specific. Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. The data for new RU members (persons who were not members of the RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS Round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the following way. The person’s first name was used to assign sex, if obvious. If the person’s first name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. If neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, sex was randomly assigned. Age Date of birth and age for each RU member were asked or verified during each MEPS interview (AGE13X, XXXXX, XXXXX, AGE13X). If date of birth was available, age was calculated based on the difference between date of birth and date of interview. Inconsistencies between the calculated age and the age reported during the CAPI interview were reviewed and resolved. For purposes of confidentiality, the variable AGE13X was top coded at 90 85 years, and DOBYY bottom coded at 19111924. When date of birth was not provided but age was (from either the MEPS or the NHIS data), the month and year of birth were assigned randomly from among the possible valid options. For any cases still not accounted for, age was imputed using (1) the mean age difference between MEPS participants with certain family relationships (where available) or (2) the mean age value for MEPS participants. For example, a mother’s age is imputed as her child’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS mothers and their children, or a wife’s age is imputed as the husband’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS wives and husbands. Race, Race/Ethnicity, Hispanic Ethnicity, and Hispanic Ethnicity Group Race (RACEX) and Hispanic ethnicity (HISPANX) were asked for Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. If this information was The data for new RU members (persons who were not obtained in Round 1, the questions were asked in subsequent Rounds. When race and/or ethnicity was not reported in the interview, values for these variables were obtained based on the following priority order. When available, they were obtained from the originally collected NHIS data. If not ascertained, the race, and/or ethnicity were assigned based on relationship to other members of the DU using a priority ordering that gave precedence to blood relatives RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the immediate familyfollowing way. The variable RACETHNX indicating both race and ethnicity (e.g.person’s first name was used to assign sex, with categories such as “Hispanic” and “black but not Hispanic”) reflects the imputations done for RACEX and HISPANX. The specific Hispanic ethnicity group is given in the unedited variable HISPCAT. Note: starting with Panel 5 Round 3 and Panel 6 Round 1, the questions asking about race and ethnicity were modified to allow coding of multiple races and multiple Hispanic places of origin or ancestryif obvious. If more than one race was recorded, then a follow-up question asked which race “best” represents the person’s racial backgroundfirst name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. ThusIf neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, persons new to MEPS in Panel 5 Round 3 and all persons part of Panel 6 Round 1 used the new source questions in constructing RACEX, HISPANX and HISPCAT. Those persons who participated in MEPS in Panel 5 Round 1 or 2 used the old questions and method of construction of the race and ethnicity variables. The ranges of RACEX, HISPANX, and RACETHNX delivered in this public use file remain the same as in previous point in time data files. HISPCAT sex was modified to collapse persons coded with multiple sources of national origin or ancestry into the “Other Latin American/Other Spanish” category. The range for HISPCAT was expanded to include “91 Other”randomly assigned.

Demographic Variables. These variables provide information about the demographic characteristics of each person. As noted below, some variables have edited and imputed values. Values of most demographic variables on this file are obtained during each round of the MEPS interview. These variables describe data for Panel 5, 19 Round 3 and Panel 6, 20 Round 1, as well as a number of characteristics that are not round round-specific. Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. The data for new RU members (persons who were not members of the RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS Round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the following way. The person’s first name was used to assign sex, if obvious. If the person’s first name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. If neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, sex was randomly assigned. Age Date of birth and age for each RU member were asked or verified during each MEPS interview (AGE13X, XXXXX, XXXXX, AGE13X). If date of birth was available, age was calculated based on the difference between date of birth and date of interview. Inconsistencies between the calculated age and the age reported during the CAPI interview were reviewed and resolved. For purposes of confidentiality, the variable AGE13X was top top-coded at 90 85 years, and DOBYY bottom coded at 19111930. When date of birth was not provided but age was (from either the MEPS or the NHIS data), the month and year of birth were assigned randomly from among the possible valid options. For any cases still not accounted for, age was imputed using (1) the mean age difference between MEPS participants with certain family relationships (where available) or (2) the mean age value for MEPS participants. For example, a mother’s age is imputed as her child’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS mothers and their children, or a wife’s age is imputed as the husband’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS wives and husbands. Race, Race/Ethnicity, Hispanic Ethnicity, and Hispanic Ethnicity Group Race (RACEX) and Hispanic ethnicity (HISPANX) were asked for Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. If this information was The data for new RU members (persons who were not obtained in Round 1, the questions were asked in subsequent Rounds. When race and/or ethnicity was not reported in the interview, values for these variables were obtained based on the following priority order. When available, they were obtained from the originally collected NHIS data. If not ascertained, the race, and/or ethnicity were assigned based on relationship to other members of the DU using a priority ordering that gave precedence to blood relatives RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the immediate familyfollowing way. The variable RACETHNX indicating both race and ethnicity (e.g.person’s first name was used to assign sex, with categories such as “Hispanic” and “black but not Hispanic”) reflects the imputations done for RACEX and HISPANX. The specific Hispanic ethnicity group is given in the unedited variable HISPCAT. Note: starting with Panel 5 Round 3 and Panel 6 Round 1, the questions asking about race and ethnicity were modified to allow coding of multiple races and multiple Hispanic places of origin or ancestryif obvious. If more than one race was recorded, then a follow-up question asked which race “best” represents the person’s racial backgroundfirst name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. ThusIf neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, persons new to MEPS in Panel 5 Round 3 and all persons part of Panel 6 Round 1 used the new source questions in constructing RACEX, HISPANX and HISPCAT. Those persons who participated in MEPS in Panel 5 Round 1 or 2 used the old questions and method of construction of the race and ethnicity variables. The ranges of RACEX, HISPANX, and RACETHNX delivered in this public use file remain the same as in previous point in time data files. HISPCAT sex was modified to collapse persons coded with multiple sources of national origin or ancestry into the “Other Latin American/Other Spanish” category. The range for HISPCAT was expanded to include “91 Other”randomly assigned.

Demographic Variables. These variables provide information about the demographic characteristics of each person. As noted below, some variables have edited and imputed values. Values of most demographic variables on this file are obtained during each round of the MEPS interview. These variables describe data for Panel 5, 15 Round 3 and Panel 6, 16 Round 1, as well as a number of characteristics that are not round specific. Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. The data for new RU members (persons who were not members of the RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS Round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the following way. The person’s first name was used to assign sex, if obvious. If the person’s first name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. If neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, sex was randomly assigned. Age Date of birth and age for each RU member were asked or verified during each MEPS interview (AGE13X, XXXXX, XXXXX, AGE13X). If date of birth was available, age was calculated based on the difference between date of birth and date of interview. Inconsistencies between the calculated age and the age reported during the CAPI interview were reviewed and resolved. For purposes of confidentiality, the variable AGE13X was top coded at 90 85 years, and DOBYY bottom coded at 19111926. When date of birth was not provided but age was (from either the MEPS or the NHIS data), the month and year of birth were assigned randomly from among the possible valid options. For any cases still not accounted for, age was imputed using (1) the mean age difference between MEPS participants with certain family relationships (where available) or (2) the mean age value for MEPS participants. For example, a mother’s age is imputed as her child’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS mothers and their children, or a wife’s age is imputed as the husband’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS wives and husbands. Race, Race/Ethnicity, Hispanic Ethnicity, and Hispanic Ethnicity Group Race (RACEX) and Hispanic ethnicity (HISPANX) were asked for Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. If this information was The data for new RU members (persons who were not obtained in Round 1, the questions were asked in subsequent Rounds. When race and/or ethnicity was not reported in the interview, values for these variables were obtained based on the following priority order. When available, they were obtained from the originally collected NHIS data. If not ascertained, the race, and/or ethnicity were assigned based on relationship to other members of the DU using a priority ordering that gave precedence to blood relatives RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the immediate familyfollowing way. The variable RACETHNX indicating both race and ethnicity (e.g.person’s first name was used to assign sex, with categories such as “Hispanic” and “black but not Hispanic”) reflects the imputations done for RACEX and HISPANX. The specific Hispanic ethnicity group is given in the unedited variable HISPCAT. Note: starting with Panel 5 Round 3 and Panel 6 Round 1, the questions asking about race and ethnicity were modified to allow coding of multiple races and multiple Hispanic places of origin or ancestryif obvious. If more than one race was recorded, then a follow-up question asked which race “best” represents the person’s racial backgroundfirst name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. ThusIf neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, persons new to MEPS in Panel 5 Round 3 and all persons part of Panel 6 Round 1 used the new source questions in constructing RACEX, HISPANX and HISPCAT. Those persons who participated in MEPS in Panel 5 Round 1 or 2 used the old questions and method of construction of the race and ethnicity variables. The ranges of RACEX, HISPANX, and RACETHNX delivered in this public use file remain the same as in previous point in time data files. HISPCAT sex was modified to collapse persons coded with multiple sources of national origin or ancestry into the “Other Latin American/Other Spanish” category. The range for HISPCAT was expanded to include “91 Other”randomly assigned.

Demographic Variables. These variables provide information about the demographic characteristics of each person. As noted below, some variables have edited and imputed values. Values of most demographic variables on this file are obtained during each round of the MEPS interview. These variables describe data for Panel 5, 18 Round 3 and Panel 6, 19 Round 1, as well as a number of characteristics that are not round round-specific. Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. The data for new RU members (persons who were not members of the RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS Round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the following way. The person’s first name was used to assign sex, if obvious. If the person’s first name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. If neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, sex was randomly assigned. Age Date of birth and age for each RU member were asked or verified during each MEPS interview (AGE13X, XXXXX, XXXXX, AGE13X). If date of birth was available, age was calculated based on the difference between date of birth and date of interview. Inconsistencies between the calculated age and the age reported during the CAPI interview were reviewed and resolved. For purposes of confidentiality, the variable AGE13X was top top-coded at 90 85 years, and DOBYY bottom coded at 19111929. When date of birth was not provided but age was (from either the MEPS or the NHIS data), the month and year of birth were assigned randomly from among the possible valid options. For any cases still not accounted for, age was imputed using (1) the mean age difference between MEPS participants with certain family relationships (where available) or (2) the mean age value for MEPS participants. For example, a mother’s age is imputed as her child’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS mothers and their children, or a wife’s age is imputed as the husband’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS wives and husbands. Race, Race/Ethnicity, Hispanic Ethnicity, and Hispanic Ethnicity Group Race (RACEX) and Hispanic ethnicity (HISPANX) were asked for Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. If this information was The data for new RU members (persons who were not obtained in Round 1, the questions were asked in subsequent Rounds. When race and/or ethnicity was not reported in the interview, values for these variables were obtained based on the following priority order. When available, they were obtained from the originally collected NHIS data. If not ascertained, the race, and/or ethnicity were assigned based on relationship to other members of the DU using a priority ordering that gave precedence to blood relatives RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the immediate familyfollowing way. The variable RACETHNX indicating both race and ethnicity (e.g.person’s first name was used to assign sex, with categories such as “Hispanic” and “black but not Hispanic”) reflects the imputations done for RACEX and HISPANX. The specific Hispanic ethnicity group is given in the unedited variable HISPCAT. Note: starting with Panel 5 Round 3 and Panel 6 Round 1, the questions asking about race and ethnicity were modified to allow coding of multiple races and multiple Hispanic places of origin or ancestryif obvious. If more than one race was recorded, then a follow-up question asked which race “best” represents the person’s racial backgroundfirst name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. ThusIf neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, persons new to MEPS in Panel 5 Round 3 and all persons part of Panel 6 Round 1 used the new source questions in constructing RACEX, HISPANX and HISPCAT. Those persons who participated in MEPS in Panel 5 Round 1 or 2 used the old questions and method of construction of the race and ethnicity variables. The ranges of RACEX, HISPANX, and RACETHNX delivered in this public use file remain the same as in previous point in time data files. HISPCAT sex was modified to collapse persons coded with multiple sources of national origin or ancestry into the “Other Latin American/Other Spanish” category. The range for HISPCAT was expanded to include “91 Other”randomly assigned.

Demographic Variables. These variables provide information about the demographic characteristics of each person. As noted below, some variables have edited and imputed values. Values of most demographic variables on this file are obtained during each round of the MEPS interview. These variables describe data for Panel 5, 16 Round 3 and Panel 6, 17 Round 1, as well as a number of characteristics that are not round specific. Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. The data for new RU members (persons who were not members of the RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS Round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the following way. The person’s first name was used to assign sex, if obvious. If the person’s first name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. If neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, sex was randomly assigned. Age Date of birth and age for each RU member were asked or verified during each MEPS interview (AGE13X, XXXXX, XXXXX, AGE13X). If date of birth was available, age was calculated based on the difference between date of birth and date of interview. Inconsistencies between the calculated age and the age reported during the CAPI interview were reviewed and resolved. For purposes of confidentiality, the variable AGE13X was top coded at 90 85 years, and DOBYY bottom coded at 19111927. When date of birth was not provided but age was (from either the MEPS or the NHIS data), the month and year of birth were assigned randomly from among the possible valid options. For any cases still not accounted for, age was imputed using (1) the mean age difference between MEPS participants with certain family relationships (where available) or (2) the mean age value for MEPS participants. For example, a mother’s age is imputed as her child’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS mothers and their children, or a wife’s age is imputed as the husband’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS wives and husbands. Race, Race/Ethnicity, Hispanic Ethnicity, and Hispanic Ethnicity Group Race (RACEX) and Hispanic ethnicity (HISPANX) were asked for Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. If this information was The data for new RU members (persons who were not obtained in Round 1, the questions were asked in subsequent Rounds. When race and/or ethnicity was not reported in the interview, values for these variables were obtained based on the following priority order. When available, they were obtained from the originally collected NHIS data. If not ascertained, the race, and/or ethnicity were assigned based on relationship to other members of the DU using a priority ordering that gave precedence to blood relatives RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the immediate familyfollowing way. The variable RACETHNX indicating both race and ethnicity (e.g.person’s first name was used to assign sex, with categories such as “Hispanic” and “black but not Hispanic”) reflects the imputations done for RACEX and HISPANX. The specific Hispanic ethnicity group is given in the unedited variable HISPCAT. Note: starting with Panel 5 Round 3 and Panel 6 Round 1, the questions asking about race and ethnicity were modified to allow coding of multiple races and multiple Hispanic places of origin or ancestryif obvious. If more than one race was recorded, then a follow-up question asked which race “best” represents the person’s racial backgroundfirst name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. ThusIf neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, persons new to MEPS in Panel 5 Round 3 and all persons part of Panel 6 Round 1 used the new source questions in constructing RACEX, HISPANX and HISPCAT. Those persons who participated in MEPS in Panel 5 Round 1 or 2 used the old questions and method of construction of the race and ethnicity variables. The ranges of RACEX, HISPANX, and RACETHNX delivered in this public use file remain the same as in previous point in time data files. HISPCAT sex was modified to collapse persons coded with multiple sources of national origin or ancestry into the “Other Latin American/Other Spanish” category. The range for HISPCAT was expanded to include “91 Other”randomly assigned.

Demographic Variables. These variables provide information about the demographic characteristics of each person. As noted below, some variables have edited and imputed values. Values of most demographic variables on this file are obtained during each round of the MEPS interview. These variables describe data for Panel 5, 12 Round 3 and Panel 6, 13 Round 1, as well as a number of characteristics that are not round specific. Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. The data for new RU members (persons who were not members of the RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS Round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the following way. The person’s first name was used to assign sex, if obvious. If the person’s first name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. If neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, sex was randomly assigned. Age Date of birth and age for each RU member were asked or verified during each MEPS interview (AGE13X, XXXXX, XXXXX, AGE13X). If date of birth was available, age was calculated based on the difference between date of birth and date of interview. Inconsistencies between the calculated age and the age reported during the CAPI interview were reviewed and resolved. For purposes of confidentiality, the variable AGE13X was top coded at 90 85 years, and DOBYY bottom coded at 19111923. When date of birth was not provided but age was (from either the MEPS or the NHIS data), the month and year of birth were assigned randomly from among the possible valid options. For any cases still not accounted for, age was imputed using (1) the mean age difference between MEPS participants with certain family relationships (where available) or (2) the mean age value for MEPS participants. For example, a mother’s age is imputed as her child’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS mothers and their children, or a wife’s age is imputed as the husband’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS wives and husbands. Race, Race/Ethnicity, Hispanic Ethnicity, and Hispanic Ethnicity Group Race (RACEX) and Hispanic ethnicity (HISPANX) were asked for Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. If this information was The data for new RU members (persons who were not obtained in Round 1, the questions were asked in subsequent Rounds. When race and/or ethnicity was not reported in the interview, values for these variables were obtained based on the following priority order. When available, they were obtained from the originally collected NHIS data. If not ascertained, the race, and/or ethnicity were assigned based on relationship to other members of the DU using a priority ordering that gave precedence to blood relatives RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the immediate familyfollowing way. The variable RACETHNX indicating both race and ethnicity (e.g.person’s first name was used to assign sex, with categories such as “Hispanic” and “black but not Hispanic”) reflects the imputations done for RACEX and HISPANX. The specific Hispanic ethnicity group is given in the unedited variable HISPCAT. Note: starting with Panel 5 Round 3 and Panel 6 Round 1, the questions asking about race and ethnicity were modified to allow coding of multiple races and multiple Hispanic places of origin or ancestryif obvious. If more than one race was recorded, then a follow-up question asked which race “best” represents the person’s racial backgroundfirst name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. ThusIf neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, persons new to MEPS in Panel 5 Round 3 and all persons part of Panel 6 Round 1 used the new source questions in constructing RACEX, HISPANX and HISPCAT. Those persons who participated in MEPS in Panel 5 Round 1 or 2 used the old questions and method of construction of the race and ethnicity variables. The ranges of RACEX, HISPANX, and RACETHNX delivered in this public use file remain the same as in previous point in time data files. HISPCAT sex was modified to collapse persons coded with multiple sources of national origin or ancestry into the “Other Latin American/Other Spanish” category. The range for HISPCAT was expanded to include “91 Other”randomly assigned.

Demographic Variables. These variables provide information about the demographic characteristics of each person. As noted below, some variables have edited and imputed values. Values of most demographic variables on this file are obtained during each round of the MEPS interview. These variables describe data for Panel 5, 8 Round 3 and Panel 6, 9 Round 1, as well as a number of characteristics that are not round specific. Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. The data for new RU members (persons who were not members of the RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS Round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the following way. The person’s first name was used to assign sex, if obvious. If the person’s first name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. If neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, sex was randomly assigned. Age Date of birth and age for each RU member were asked or verified during each MEPS interview (AGE13X, XXXXX, XXXXX, AGE13X). If date of birth was available, age was calculated based on the difference between date of birth and date of interview. Inconsistencies between the calculated age and the age reported during the CAPI interview were reviewed and resolved. For purposes of confidentiality, the variable AGE13X was top coded at 90 85 years, and DOBYY bottom coded at 19111919. When date of birth was not provided but age was (from either the MEPS or the NHIS data), the month and year of birth were assigned randomly from among the possible valid options. For any cases still not accounted for, age was imputed using (1) the mean age difference between MEPS participants with certain family relationships (where available) or (2) the mean age value for MEPS participants. For example, a mother’s age is imputed as her child’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS mothers and their children, or a wife’s age is imputed as the husband’s age plus the mean age difference between MEPS wives and husbands. Sex The variable SEX contains data on the sex of each RU member (SEX), as determined during the NHIS interview; it was verified and, if necessary, corrected during each MEPS interview. The data for new RU members (persons who were not members of the RU at the time of the NHIS interview) were also obtained during each MEPS round. When sex of the RU member was not available from the NHIS interview and was not ascertained during one of the subsequent MEPS interviews, it was assigned in the following way. The person’s first name was used to assign sex, if obvious. If the person’s first name provided no indication of gender, then family relationships were reviewed. If neither of these approaches made it possible to determine the individual’s sex, sex was randomly assigned. Race, Race/Ethnicity, Hispanic Ethnicity, and Hispanic Ethnicity Group Race The race (RACEX) and ), Hispanic ethnicity (HISPANX) and the Hispanic ethnic background (HISPCAT) questions were asked for each RU member during the MEPS interview. If this the race and ethnicity information was not obtained in Round 1, the questions were asked in subsequent Roundsrounds. When race and/or ethnicity was not reported in the interview, values for these variables were obtained based on the following priority order. When available, they were obtained from the originally collected NHIS data. If not ascertained, the race, and/or ethnicity were assigned based on relationship to other members of the DU using a priority ordering that gave precedence to blood relatives in the immediate family. The variable RACETHNX indicating both race and ethnicity (e.g., with categories such as “Hispanic” and “black but not Hispanic”) reflects the imputations done for RACEX and HISPANX. The specific Hispanic ethnicity group is given in the unedited variable HISPCAT. Note: starting with The variables indicating “Asian among races reported” (RACEAX); “Black among races reported” (RACEBX); and “White among races reported” (RACEWX) also reflect the editing work done for constructing RACEX. RACETHNX, RACEAX, RACEBX, and RACEWX reflect the imputations done for RACEX and HISPANX. Marital Status and Spouse ID Current marital status was collected and/or updated during each round of the MEPS interview. This information was obtained in RE13 and RE97 and is reported as MARRY13X. Persons under the age of 16 were coded as 6 “Under 16 - Inapplicable”. In instances where there were discrepancies between the marital statuses of two individuals within a family, other person-level variables were reviewed to determine the edited marital status for each individual. For example, in Panel 5 8 Round 3, when one spouse was reported as married and the other spouse reported as widowed, the data were reviewed to determine if one partner should be coded as 8 “Widowed in Round”. Four edits were performed to ensure some consistency across rounds for the Panel 8 Round 3 and Panel 6 Round 1data. First, a person could not be coded as “Never Married” after previously being coded as any other marital status (e.g., “Widowed”). Second, a person could not be coded as “Under 16 - Inapplicable” after being previously coded as any other marital status. Third, a person could not be coded as “Married in Round” after being coded as “Married” in the round immediately preceding. Fourth, a person could not be coded as an “in Round” code (e.g., “Widowed in Round”) in two subsequent rounds. The person identifier for each individual’s spouse is reported in SPOUID13. The variable is set to the PID (within each family) of the person identified as the spouse during the round. If no spouse was identified in the household, the questions asking about race and ethnicity were modified to allow coding variable was coded as 995 “no spouse in house”. Those with unknown marital status are coded as 996 “marital status unknown”. Persons under the age of multiple races and multiple Hispanic places of origin or ancestry16 are coded as 997 “Less than 16 years old”. The SPOUIN13 variable indicates whether a person’s spouse was present in the RU during the round. If more than one race the person had no spouse in the household, the value was recordedcoded as 2. For persons under the age of 16 the value was coded as 3. The SPOUID13 and SPOUIN13 variables were obtained from RE76 and RE77, then where the respondent was asked to identify how each pair of persons in the household was related. Analysts should note that this information was collected in a follow-up question set of questions separate from the questions that asked which race “best” represents about marital status. While editing was performed to ensure that SPOUID13 and SPOUIN13 are consistent within each round, there was no consistency check between these variables and marital status in a given round. Apparent discrepancies between marital status and spouse information may be due to any of the person’s racial backgroundfollowing causes: • Ambiguity as to when during a round a change in marital status occurred. Thus, persons new to MEPS in Panel 5 Round 3 and This is a result of relationship information being asked for all persons part living in the household at any time during the round, while marital status is asked as of Panel 6 Round 1 used the new source questions interview date (e.g., If one spouse died during the reference period, the surviving spouse’s marital status would be “widowed in constructing RACEXround”, HISPANX but SPOUIN13 and HISPCAT. Those SPOUID13 for the same round would indicate that a spouse was present); • Valid discrepancies in the case of persons who participated in MEPS in Panel 5 Round 1 are married but not living with their spouse, or 2 used the old questions and method of construction separating but still living together; or • Discrepancies which cannot be explained by either of the race and ethnicity variables. The ranges of RACEX, HISPANX, and RACETHNX delivered in this public use file remain the same as in previous point in time data files. HISPCAT was modified to collapse persons coded with multiple sources of national origin or ancestry into the “Other Latin American/Other Spanish” category. The range for HISPCAT was expanded to include “91 Other”reasons.