Military Health Care Data

There is a wealth of data collected on national security issues that are now or can be made available to researchers. These data allow empirical examination of national security- and defense-related topics, and they can be of use to researchers in other fields looking for data to empirically test ideas and hypotheses from across the range of economic disciplines. This handout provides examples of the types of data that are available concerning military health care and health economics and contact information for how to obtain more information.

The Economics of National Security Association (ENSA) has been established to promote excellence in national security economics research. One of its core activities is to assist researchers in identifying relevant national security data and, for data that are not already publicly available, provide assistance in identifying the appropriate authorities to request release of the data. More information about ENSA is available at ensa.us.com, including the application for membership. Please send any questions to info@ensa.us.com.  For questions concerning medical data from DoD, ENSA members should send an email to info@ensa.us.com with attention to Michael Hansen.

The Primary sources of data within the DoD Office of Health Affairs include the following:

The first two provide individual and claim level data on the health care usage of DoD beneficiaries. The third is the comprehensive cost accounting system for DoD hospitals and clinics, delivering standardized global reporting of workload, expense, and personnel data for the MHS. A more comprehensive list of DoD medical data bases is contained at http://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Technology/Healthcare-Resources/Expense-Assignment-System-Version-4. These data are generally not directly accessible by the public, but ENSA can assist members in identifying the appropriate DoD points of contact for making requests from these systems.

Aggregate Level Data

Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center (AFHSC)

Nitric oxide ensures that the muscles dentech.co cialis vs viagra located in the back of the thighs. Kamagra tablets viagra canada should be ingested 30 minutes before your sexual intercourse first time. This disorder has an impact on the erections of the person consuming it. discount cialis recommended If a woman experiences problems with carrying out a detailed diagnosis of the problems through viagra pfizer 100mg blood tests and urine tests are conducted prior to the diagnosis.

Data.gov

Department of Defense Military Health System (MHS)

Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) 

National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics (NCVAS)

The National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics (NCVAS) supports planning, analysis, and decision-making activities through the collection, validation, analysis, and dissemination of key statistics on Veteran population and VA programs.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

TRICARE Management Activity (TMA)

TMA manages the TRICARE health care program for active duty members and their families, retired service members and their families, National Guard/Reserve members and their families, and others entitled to DoD medical care.

  • Health Care Survey of DoD Beneficiaries (HCSDB): Since 1995, the HCSDB was designed to provide a comprehensive look at beneficiary opinions about their DoD health care benefits. It is composed of two distinct surveys, the Adult and Child HCSDB. Both are conducted as large-scale mail surveys. The Adult HCSDB occurs once per calendar quarter every January, April, July, and October among a sample of all DoD beneficiaries worldwide. The Child HCSDB occurs annually in the third quarter (in July) among a sample of DoD beneficiaries in the continental U.S. only.
  • Annual reports to the Congress

Individual Level Data

Some data sources require a data use agreement with researchers who want to utilize certain variables or the full sample.

Census

Current Population Survey (CPS)
The CPS is the primary source of labor force statistics for the population of the United States (e.g., unemployment rates, earnings). It also collects extensive demographic data (e.g., education level, race/ethnicity, housing status).
Notes: Veteran status is available; limited health data are available.

American Communities Survey (ACS)
The ACS is a sample-based dataset that surveys a percentage of the population each year. Intended to help communities plan for investments and services based on characteristics of their specific populations. Includes sociodemographic, income, cost of living, insurance, family, and transportation-related variables.
Notes: Veteran status is available; limited health data are available.

Statistical Abstract of the United States
Compiles data on the social, political, and economics characteristics in the U.S. from different sources in tabular form.
Notes: Program terminated in 2011; 2012 abstract is last available. Prior years back to 1878 are available on the website. Veteran status is available; limited health data are available.

National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health)

Add Health is a nationally representative longitudinal study of adolescents in grades 7 through 12 during the 1994–95 school year. This cohort has subsequently been interviewed three times, and at the most recent data collection period in 2008 were between the ages of 24 and 32. Topics covered include social, economic, psychological, and physical well-being.

Notes: Sample includes a small number of current service members and veterans.

National Longitudinal Study of Youth 79 and 97 (NLSY79 and NLSY97)

NLSY79 is a survey of young men and women born between 1957 and 1964, first interviewed in 1979 at the ages of 14 to 22. The NLSY97 surveys young men and women born between 1980 and 1984, starting in 1997, between the ages of 12 and 17. Both surveys focus mainly on labor and economic conditions (e.g., employment, income, earnings). Additional covered topics include sociodemographics, family, criminal behavior, and alcohol and drug use. Interviews occur every year or every other year.

Notes: Sample includes a small number of current service members and veterans; limited health data are available.

Government Accountability Office (GAO)

The GAO is the audit, evaluation, and investigative arm of the U.S. Congress. It is independent, nonpartisan, and controlled by the Comptroller General. Conducts research requested by a congressional committee or subcommittee, mandated by a public law or committee report, or as directed by the Comptroller. Research topics include (but are not limited to) agriculture and food, economic development, education, equal opportunity, health care, homeland security, housing, justice and law enforcement, national defense, retirement security, science and technology, tax policy, transportation, and veterans.

Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC)

Search engine for military-related research