CHIP reporting in the CPS

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Survey Methodology
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• The Current Population Survey (CPS) is a primary source for health insurance data in the United States.
• Accurate data on the Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is crucial for understanding healthcare access and informing policy decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy and reliability of Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage data collected by the Current Population Survey (CPS).
• To determine the usability of CPS CHIP data for health policy analysis.

Main Methods:

• Linked Medicaid Statistical Information System (MSIS) data (2000-2004) with Current Population Survey (CPS) data (2001-2004).
• Compared self-reported health insurance status in the CPS with official enrollment records from MSIS.
• Utilized the Census Bureau's secure data analysis facilities for data linkage.

Main Results:

• Reporting of CHIP coverage in the CPS is significantly unreliable, with only 10-30% of individuals with CHIP (and not Medicaid) accurately reporting their coverage.
• A substantial number of CHIP beneficiaries incorrectly report having Medicaid coverage.
• While a combined Medicaid-CHIP measure shows smaller errors, it remains substantial.

Conclusions:

• The quality of CHIP data within the CPS is insufficient for robust health policy analysis.
• Researchers are advised to consider using a composite measure of Medicaid and CHIP coverage when analyzing CPS data.
• Alternative data sources or improved survey methodologies may be needed for accurate assessment of CHIP enrollment.