Listed below are the surveys, censuses and programs that contribute data and other content to Health Insurance. Click on the links to learn more.

The American Community Survey (ACS) is an annual, nationwide survey of more than 3.5 million households in the U.S. The ACS is part of the Decennial Census Program and replaces the long form, which the Census Bureau last used during Census 2000. The survey produces statistics on demographic, social, economic, and other characteristics about our nation's population and housing. ACS 1-year estimates are released in September for the previous calendar year, and 5-year estimates are released in December for the previous five calendar years.

Beginning in 2008, respondents are asked whether each household member is currently covered (by specific types of health coverage) at the time of interview.

The Current Population Survey (CPS) is the primary source of labor force statistics for the population of the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics sponsors the survey, and the U.S. Census Bureau conducts the data each month. The CPS involves a sample of about 60,000 occupied households. Households are in the survey for four consecutive months, out for eight, and then return for another four months before leaving the sample permanently.

The Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC) to the CPS is a survey of about 100,000 addresses (which amounts to about 78,000 households) and includes detailed health insurance questions. The household respondent is asked if anyone in the household had specific types of health coverage during the previous calendar year, and if so, who. Interviews are conducted from February through April, and ask about the prior calendar year.

The U.S. Constitution mandates that a census be taken in the United State every 10 years. This is required in order to determine the number of seats each state is to receive in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Census Bureau collects data on age and sex to support a variety of legislative and program requirements. These data are also used to aid in allocating funds from federal programs and, in particular, from programs targeting specific age groups.

The Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) is a nationally representative, household-based, panel survey that provides information on how the nation’s economic well-being changes over time, including the dynamics of income, employment, household composition, health insurance coverage and government program participation.

SIPP includes questions about whether each household member currently holds health insurance coverage and the specific types of health coverage they have, as well as any changes in health coverage respondents may have had within the period since their last interview.