Full year data files vary in structure depending on the nature of file content. Files are produced at the person, event, condition and job level. These files contain minimum data elements and are intended to give analysts an early glimpse of what the full year estimates will likely be. Special topic files are based on data collected in supplements to the MEPS on an intermittent basis, such as questions pertaining to access to care, and are released periodically as data becomes available. The MEPS data files are distributed on CD-ROMs or on floppy discs.
Select files are also available for downloading.
AHRQ also issues periodic data reports as well as research publications to the public. Variables released on the MEPS Household Component files are organized by concept, analysis level, and by file number. Other variables are available at the event level and can be found on the HC Data Items by Public Use File Number for 1996 Event Files . The Data Center is now open. See the Center for Cost and Financing Studies Data Center .