Federal Register #0935-0118

AHRQ Seeks Public Comment on Revisions to Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and CMS 1135 Waiver Process

This opportunity involves a proposed revision to the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey—Household Component (MEPS-HC) and Medical Provider Component (MEPS-MPC) by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). - Government Buyer: - Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) (for the 1135 Waiver Process) - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are named, as this is an information collection and survey revision, not a procurement of products or services. - Products/Services Requested: - MEPS-HC Data Collection: Annual survey of approximately 10,350 households, collecting data on healthcare use, expenditures, insurance coverage, and health status through multiple interview rounds and questionnaires (Core Interview, Adult SAQ, PSAQ, validation interviews). - MEPS-MPC Data Collection: Annual survey of approximately 56,370 medical providers and pharmacies, collecting detailed expenditure and payment data related to MEPS-HC respondents (event forms, screening calls). - 1135 Waiver Request Automated Process: Revision to the information collection process for timely waivers during emergencies to ensure continued access to Medicare and Medicaid services. - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Use of computer-assisted interviewing technologies and validation procedures for survey responses. - Revision includes minor changes to survey questions, removal of certain items (e.g., birth control counseling, gender, sexual orientation), and addition of new questions (e.g., exercise, sleep, diet, technology use). - Public comment is requested on the necessity, burden, and quality of the proposed information collection. - No products or commercial services are being procured; this is a request for approval and public input on information collection revisions.

Description

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) intends to request Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to revise the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey--Household Component (MEPS-HC), OMB No. 0935-0118. This large-scale survey collects data on healthcare use, expenditures, insurance coverage, and health status of the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population. The revision includes minor changes to survey questions, removal of some items, and addition of new questions related to exercise, sleep, diet, and technology use. The survey data are vital for healthcare policy analysis and economic modeling. Public comments are invited until April 30, 2026.

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