Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

This section answers the most frequently asked questions about the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Other sections answer additional questions about survey coverage and forms. If you don't find answers to all your survey questions, please contact us.

• General

Questions and Answers - by Category

1.  What is the purpose of this Study?
2.  What will happen to the data collected in this Study?
3.  Last year this survey requested data for 2006; now you are asking for 2008 data. Why?
4.  Doesn't the government already have this information? I keep reading about survey data on health insurance benefits.
5.  How was our company chosen? / Who is asked to participate?
6.  We have no health insurance. Why talk to us?
7.  Why don't you call some other business?
8.  What's in this for my business? / Responding to your survey isn't going to help my business.
9.  Our company policy is that we don't respond to surveys unless they are required by law. / Is this mandatory?
10.  Will my answers be kept confidential?
11.  Is this survey authorized by law?
12.  Who is the survey sponsor? / Where can I get information about AHRQ? / Where can I get a copy of the results from this survey?
13.  What does the OMB approval number mean?
14.  Is this an annual survey?
15.  What value/benefit will a small business get from participating in this study?
16.  I'm the owner of a small business, and I don't have any employees. What should I do?
17.  Can I use a pen/pencil?