NCHS Data Linkage

Public-Use NCHS-CMS Medicare Feasibility Files

Print
Related Pages

To maximize the use of the restricted-use linked NCHS-CMS Medicare files, NCHS has created publicly available NCHS-CMS Medicare Feasibility Study data files that can be downloaded directly from this website.

The feasibility files provide a limited set of variables that can be used to determine the maximum available sample size for each linked file. These files are especially useful to researchers considering whether to initiate a RDC proposal to analyze the restricted-use linked NCHS-CMS Medicare files.

Each feasibility file is NCHS survey and survey-year specific. The following information is included on each feasibility study file:

  • NCHS survey public-use identifier
  • Survey participant eligibility status for CMS Medicare linkage
  • Final match status
  • Other variables indicating which specific CMS Medicare data files are available for each successfully linked survey participant

The feasibility files were prepared for the initial data release in April 2021, which did not include 2014–2015 fee-for-service claims, prescription drug events, and patient assessments or 2017–2018 Medicare Advantage encounter records. The feasibility files have not been updated with information based on the additional files provided in the April 2024 release. The updated data release has no impact on the use of the feasibility files for estimating maximum available sample size.

It is important to note that the feasibility study files do not contain any specific information about CMS Medicare benefits. Consequently, data users will need to consider external sources to approximate the number of respondents with a specific condition.

For more information about accessing the Medicare restricted-use data, please consult the Restricted-Use NCHS-CMS Medicare Data page.

Data Dictionary and Data Files (2014-2018 linked data)

Data Dictionary and Data Files (1999-2013 linked data)