Two options for including amounts for medical out-of-pocket spending (MOOP) in poverty thresholds like those proposed by the National Research Council are presented. Using an experimental poverty dataset made available to the public by the Bureau of the Census, poverty rates are calculated under each option, with few large differences resulting. Compared to the NRC's proposal, poverty among the aged is lower under both options, but higher than under the current poverty measure. Estimates of amounts for MOOP in the poverty budgets of uninsured families are discussed in an appendix.

Attachments

Table 1. Transfers and Expenses of CPS and SIPP of Sample Persons' Families, 1992 [<1.0 MB]

Table 2. CPS and SIPP Poverty Rates When Each of Various Elements of a New Poverty Measure Are Implemented, 1992 [<1.0 MB]

Table 3. Official and Experimental Poverty Rates, 1992 [<1.0 MB]

Figure 2. Official and Standardized Poverty Rates, 1992 [<1.0 MB]

Table 4. Standardized Child Poverty Rates by Various Characteristics, CPS 1992 [<1.0 MB]

Figure 3. CPS Official and Standardized Experimental Child Poverty Rates, 1992-1996 [<1.0 MB]

Table A-2b [<1.0 MB]

Table A-3 [<1.0 MB]

Table A-4 [<1.0 MB]

Others in Series

Working Paper

Summary of the Content of the 1984 Panel of the SIPP

October 1985

The SIPP was designed to provide data on the income and economic situation of the U.S. population on a continuing basis.

Working Paper

Racial Differences in Health and Health Care Service Utilization

October 1990

The primary goal of this study in to consider the association between socioeconomic status and health among blacks and whites in later life.

Working Paper

Impact of Imputation Strategies for Medical Out-of-Pocket Expenditures

October 2001

The impact of medical out-of-pocket expenses (MOOP) on alternative poverty rates is estimated in this paper.

Related Information

WORKING PAPER

Supplemental Poverty Measure Working Papers

Page Last Revised - October 8, 2021

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