National Medical Care Expenditure Survey, 1977: Health Insurance/Employer Survey Data

The purpose of the National Medical Care Expenditure Survey (NMCES) was to assess the cost and extent of health insurance in the United States. Information on health insurance coverage was obtained in a household survey, then verified and supplemented with information from the Health Insurance/Employer Survey (HIES). Insurance companies, employers, unions, and other organizations identified in the household survey as sources of private insurance coverage were asked to verify reported coverage, to provide information on each subscriber's coverage and its cost, the parties responsible for payment of premiums, and the availability of alternative or optional plans. This release includes two distinct datasets. One contains information for each individual respondent in the NMCES component on private health insurance status as verified in the HIES, and includes data on premiums and sources of premium payment. The other contains information for each individual respondent 65 years or older with private insurance as verified in the HIES, as well as information on the services covered by their private insurance benefits.