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eriu: Economic Research Initiative on the Uninsured Initiating and disemminating research to spark new policy discussion on health coverage issues.
2001 All Year Data 2001 Point in Time Data 2001 Ever During Year Data 2002 All Year Data 2002 Point in Time Data 2002 Ever During Year Data  
Fast Facts
 
   
Facts to Consider
 
 
Counting the Uninsured by Reference Period
All Year
Ever in Year
Point in Time
By Data Source
CPS
MEPS
SIPP
By Population
Total Non-Elderly
Adults
Children
Workers
Immigrants
By Additional Characteristics

Income
Education Level
Family Composition

Comparison Tables
CPS-SIPP
CPS-MEPS
Medical Utilization and
Expenditures Tables
 
Notes on Data Sources
and Variables
CPS
MEPS
SIPP
Data Dictionary
 
TABLE 7 - SIPP
The Uninsured: Race/Ethnicity and Education Level
Adult Population (Age 22-64): Ever Uninsured, 2001
EDUCATION
White Non Hispanic
Black Non Hispanic
Asian/Pacific Islander
American Indian/Alaskan Native
Hispanic
All Races/Ethnicities
 
Number (Millions)
Percent
Number (Millions)
Percent
Number (Millions)
Percent
Number (Millions)
Percent
Number (Millions)
Percent
Number (Millions)
Percent
Less than high school
3.3
15.9%
1.4
23.9%
0.2
12.6%
0.1
20.7%
5.3
52.6%
10.4
26.5%
High school only
8.0
38.4%
2.5
41.6%
0.5
27.5%
0.2
39.2%
2.6
26.2%
13.8
35.2%
Some post high school
6.6
31.9%
1.6
27.5%
0.6
30.5%
0.2
28.9%
1.6
16.1%
10.6
27.1%
4-year college degree
or more
2.9
13.8%
0.4
7.0%
0.5
29.3%
0.1
11.2%
0.5
5.0%
4.4
11.2%
TOTAL
20.7
100%
6.0
100%
1.9
100%
0.6
100%
10.1
100%
39.2
100%
 

The SIPP estimates are ERIU tabulations of data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau in the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) 2001 panel, which began in January 2001. The SIPP interviews respondents every four months over a period of roughly 4 years. The 2001 tabulations are based on responses to the first three interviews (waves) of the 2001 panel, covering a 12-month period that corresponds with calendar year 2001 for one of the four rotation groups. Respondents report whether they were covered by specific sources of public or private health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP, other public, employment-based private, other private health insurance). Respondents are considered uninsured if they respond “no” to all of the coverage options; they are not asked directly if they are uninsured. Respondents are considered uninsured if they respond “no” to all of the coverage options; they are not asked directly if they are uninsured. The “point in time” estimate reflects health insurance status in the 12th survey month. The “all year uninsured” estimate includes those without health insurance for all 12 months. The “ever uninsured” includes those reporting no health insurance for at least one month and for as many as 12 months.

For further discussion of issues related to counting the uninsured see "Counting and Characterizing the Uninsured," (Adobe PDF) by Pamela Farley Short, and ERIU Research Highlight 1: A Revolving Door: How Individuals Move In and Out of Health Insurance Coverage (Adobe PDF)

Notes on SIPP Data Source and Variables (PDF)