Volume 54 | Number 4 | August 2019

Abstract List

Benjamin D. Sommers M.D., Ph.D., Anna L. Goldman MD, MPH, Dennis Lee BA, Arnold M. Epstein MD, MA


Objective

To test whether a change from a telephone to mail and Internet survey in January 2018 affected the sample composition and uninsured estimates in the Gallup‐Sharecare Well‐Being Index.


Data Sources

Gallup‐Sharecare Well‐Being Index (2013‐2018).


Study Design

Regression discontinuity analysis identified changes after the survey redesign in the estimated U.S. uninsured rate (adults 18‐64) and in the sample's demographic composition.


Principal Findings

After the survey redesign, the estimated uninsured rate fell 5.3 percentage points (<0.001), respondents were older and disproportionately white, more likely to have a college degree, and had higher average incomes. These changes were modestly reduced by survey weights.


Conclusions

The shift to a mail survey (with a web option) led to an older, more educated sample with fewer minorities, and a significant break in trend in the estimated uninsured rate.