Value, 2004

The Urban Institute

June 2004

Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data on medical expenditures and conditions are used as a major component of the Urban Institute's Health Insurance Reform Simulation Model (HIRSM). The model simulates the behavioral choices of insurers, employers, and individuals under the current system and under various reform alternatives, allowing analysts to predict the coverage consequences of various policies.

This information is used to estimate premiums for individuals purchasing coverage together in the same risk pools, and to simulate the premium effects of changes to health insurance risk pools under reforms of various types. It can also model the effects of reforms affecting private insurance markets and public programs.

Designed to simulate the coverage, cost, and tax implications of health insurance coverage expansion proposals and other reforms to the health insurance system, HIRSM uses nationally representative MEPS data on workers and those outside the labor market.

The Urban Institute publishes studies, reports, and books on topics of public consideration. The HIRSM report using the MEPS data can be seen at: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/410867_HIRSM_Report.pdf [PDF file, 1 MB; Plugin Software Help].

Impact Case Study Identifier: CFACT 04-01
AHRQ Product: Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS)
Topic(s): Cost, Quality
Scope: National

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