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Yes, your right to confidentiality is protected by law. The data collected for MEPS are protected by Federal law under Sections 934(c) and 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 299c-3(c) and 242m(d)] and will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law. Personal identifying information, such as names and addresses, is removed before survey information is released to researchers outside the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 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. 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. A survey representative will contact you to schedule an interview at your convenience. There will be five in-person interviews over the course of about two and one-half years. Generally, one knowledgeable adult household member will answer survey questions for the entire family. Since the survey will ask questions about health care visits, costs, and payment for services, and information about your health care providers, the interview goes more smoothly if you have notes or records of the health care you receive. You can refer to these records during the interview. 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. 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 e-mail us, the address is AlexScott@westat.com. 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 Alex Scott (1-800-945-6377) to report any address or phone changes. |
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