Health Insurance

The Census Bureau produces health insurance data from three surveys and one model-based program. Depending on your needs, one data source may be more suitable than another data source. The following is a list of programs from the Census Bureau:

1. CPS ASEC: The Annual Social and Economic Supplement to the Current Population Survey
2. ACS: The American Community Survey
3. SAHIE: The Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program
4. SIPP: The Survey of Income and Program Participation

 

The programs differ in length and detail of the survey questionnaire, the number of households interviewed, the methodology used to collect and process the data, and consequently, in the health insurance estimates produced. As a result, it is important to understand how different surveys and methods produce different results, and when it is appropriate to use each survey or method.