Overview
Dataset Summary
The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) is a nationally representative longitudinal panel survey of healthcare utilization and costs in the United States. MEPS is drawn from a subset of respondents to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and follows overlapping panels of participants for approximately two years.
MEPS collects detailed information on healthcare encounters, expenditures, insurance coverage, and prescription drug use. In addition to household-reported data, information is also obtained from healthcare providers, enhancing the accuracy of utilization and cost estimates.
Caveats
- Many data elements are self-reported and may be subject to recall bias and reporting inaccuracies.
- Certain populations, including institutionalized individuals, are excluded, which may limit generalizability.
- Participation is voluntary, and response rates may influence representativeness.
- Panels are followed for approximately two years, limiting long-term longitudinal analyses.
Examples of Outcomes Examined
- Healthcare encounters and utilization patterns
- Prescription drug use and expenditures
- Out-of-pocket spending
- Insurance coverage dynamics
Topic
Health Systems & Delivery Research, Quality and Outcomes
Resource Type
Dataset
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