Frequently Asked Questions

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Who participates?
Families and individuals in scientifically selected communities in 49 states of the U.S. participate in MEPS. Participants are chosen to represent the country as a whole and include individuals and families from a wide variety of ages, incomes, geographic settings and racial/ethnic backgrounds.
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How was I selected?
You were selected because your household had participated in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) the year before your entry into MEPS. The NHIS interview was conducted by a representative of the U.S. Census Bureau.
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How do I know this is a legitimate survey?
The U.S. Public Health Service chose Westat, a nationally recognized survey research organization located in metropolitan Washington, DC, to manage the collection of study information. Westat employs over 500 professionally trained interviewers who conduct MEPS interviews throughout the country. Each interviewer has received in-depth training and wears a MEPS picture identification badge.
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Is my information going to be confidential?
Each interviewer and all individuals involved with the study sign a notarized statement of confidentiality. The information you provide will be used only for research and cannot be used for any other purpose. Survey results are reported in summary fashion and are combined with the information from other households participating in the survey. The confidentiality of personal information is protected by federal law [Federal Statute, Section 903(c) and Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 299a-1 (c).and 242m(d)]. This law prohibits release of personal information outside the public health agencies sponsoring the survey or their contractors without first obtaining the permission of the individual who gave the information.
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What is meant by a "panel"?
A panel is a sample of households scientifically selected to participate in the study over a period of time. Each year a new panel or sample of households throughout the country is introduced into the study. The new sample is made up of households that participated in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) the previous year. Information is collected about each household's medical use and expenses over a two-year period beginning with January 1st of the year the household enters the study and ending December 31st of the following year.
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What is involved in participating?
A survey representative will contact you to schedule an interview at your convenience. You will be interviewed every five to six months starting in the spring of the first year you participate. There will be five in-person interviews over the course of about two and one-half years. Information will be collected for all eligible family members. Generally, one knowledgeable adult household member will answer survey questions for the entire family. The length of the interview will vary depending on the family size and the nature of the family's health experiences. On average the interview will take one to one and a half hours The interviewer will use a laptop computer to ask you questions about your and your family's health care experiences.
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What kinds of questions will be asked?
The study will collect information about you and your family on the following topics: The age, race, and sex of each family member; health conditions; current health status; visits to health care providers (doctors, dentists, hospitals, etc.); charges and payments for health care; medications; employment; and health insurance. For more detailed information on the types of questions asked, see Survey Questionnaires—Household Component. ^top

Why is it so important for me to participate?
Your household has been selected to represent thousands of other households like yours across the country. We cannot replace you if you do not participate, and households like yours may not be adequately represented in the study. By participating in MEPS, you are performing a valuable public service to help policymakers better understand America's health care needs and how best to meet them.
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Whom do I contact if I have questions?
A toll free hotline number has been established for you to call: 1-800-945-6377. A survey representative will answer your questions or requests for additional information. Field staff located in your geographic area will also be able to assist you. If you have received a business card from a regional supervisor, you may contact him/her directly (also on a toll-free line). If you prefer to email us, the address is AlexScott@westat.com.
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What if I move?
If your address or telephone number changes, please complete and return the Change of Address card mailed to you with other study materials. No postage is necessary. You may also call the Hotline (1-800-945-6377) to report any address or phone changes.
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