Revised Materials

0960-0747 revised documents.pdf

Accelerated Benefits Demonstration Project

Revised Materials

OMB: 0960-0747

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MEMORANDUM

TO:

Christopher Silanskis and Robert Weathers

FROM:

AB Project Team

P.O. Box 2393
Princeton, NJ 08543-2393
Telephone (609) 799-3535
Fax (609) 799-0005
www.mathematica-mpr.com

DATE: 2/25/2008

ABD - 016
SUBJECT:

Accelerated Benefits Baseline Questionnaire Changes

The current version of the Accelerated Benefits baseline questionnaire, highlighting changes
made between the version that was submitted with the OMB package and the current version, is
attached for your information (see Attachment 1). In addition to showing the changes discussed
during our briefing with OMB on January 10, 2008, changes that were made as a result of
pretesting, CATI testing, and interviewer feedback are also highlighted. The vast majority of
changes made to the questionnaire reflect the following:
• All wording appropriate for proxy respondents was removed.
• Valid values and edit checks were added.
• Skip logic was added.
• Programmer checks were added.
• Minor wording changes were made.
• Probes were incorporated into some questions.
• Coding of some items was moved to after the interview was completed to facilitate
interviewing and reduce burden.
These changes, along with our rationale for implementing each of them, are summarized in
Attachment 2, “Summary of Changes to the AB Baseline Questionnaire”.
Current versions of the advance letter, notification materials, frequently asked questions
(FAQs), and Understanding of Benefits forms which will be sent to sample members are also
included as attachments to this memo.
The revised burden estimate for the baseline interview is presented in Table 1. The burden
estimate has been revised to eliminate the focus groups and pilot survey, which were dropped
from the design, and to show the two phases of baseline data collection. The revised table shows
the expected number of participants to both phases of the baseline survey, the number of
screening and full interviews expected, hours per response, and the total response burden
associated with each data collection effort.

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

MEMO TO:
FROM:
DATE:
PAGE:

Christopher Silanskis and Robert Weathers
AB Project Team
2/25/2008
2
TABLE 1
REVISED RESPONSE BURDEN

Data Collection Point

Number of
Respondents

Responses per
Respondent

Hours per
Response

Total Response
Burden (Hours)

Phase 1 Baseline Screener

284

1

0.17

48

Phase 1 Baseline Interview

66

1

0.66

44

Phase 2 Baseline Screener

16,673

1

0.17

2,834

Phase 2 Baseline Interview

1,934

1

0.66

1,276

480

1

0.5

240

19,437

1

NA

4,442

Early Use Survey/
Six-Month Followup Survey
Total

We are seeking 2,000 total responses to the baseline survey and 480 responses to the sixmonth follow-up survey. We will screen 16,957 respondents to achieve our baseline enrollment
goals. We estimate 0.17 hours per completed screener and 0.66 hours per completed baseline
interview. Respondents will incur no monetary costs for completing the interview.
Please let us know if you have any questions about any of these materials or information.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Baseline Questionnaire Comparison Documents
2. Summary of Changes to the AB Baseline Questionnaire
3. Advance Mailing
4. Notification Materials – AB Health Plan
5. Notification Materials – AB Health Plan Plus
6. Notification Materials – Control Group
7. POMCO Welcome Letters

ATTACHMENT 1
BASELINE QUESTIONNAIRE COMPARISON DOCUMENTS

SECTION B: HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE AND CONSENT
(All)

B1.

First, I’d like to ask about different types of health insurance coverage you might have. Are you
currently covered by
PROBE: MedicaidMedicaid? Medicaid is a program that pays for the health care of persons in
need. In your state, you may also hear it called {STATEMED FROM (NAME’s) CURRENT
STATE}. Your Medicaid looks like {DESCRIBE STATE CARD}.
YES ................................................................................... 01
NO ..................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................... d
REFUSED ......................................................................... r

(All)

B2.

Are you currently covered byMedicare?
PROBE: MedicareMedicare?

Medicare is the health insurance plan for people 65 years old and
older or for people with certain disabilities. The Medicare card is red, white and blue and says
“Medicare Health Insurance” in the white section across the top.

YES ................................................................................... 01 (B4)
NO ..................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................... d
REFUSED ......................................................................... r

(B2=00, d or r)

B3.

Are you currently covered by a Medi-Gap plan? A Medi-Gap plan pays for costs not covered by
Medicare.
PROBE: A Medi-Gap plan pays for costs not covered by Medicare.

YES ................................................................................... 01
NO ..................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................... d
REFUSED ......................................................................... r

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(All)

B4.

Are you currently covered by military health care, through Armed Forces retirement benefits, the
VA, TRICARE, CHAMPUS, or CHAMP-VA?
PROBE:

TRICARE is a managed health care program for active duty and retired members of
the uniformed services, their families and survivors. CHAMPUS is a health care
program for dependents of active or retired military personnel. CHAMP-VA is health
insurance for dependents or survivors of disabled veterans.
YES ................................................................................... 01
NO ..................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................... d
REFUSED ......................................................................... r

(All)

B5.

Are you currently covered by a plan from the Indian Health Service?
YES ................................................................................... 01
NO ..................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................... d
REFUSED ......................................................................... r

(All)

B6.

Are you currently covered by Workers Compensation?
PROBE: Workers Compensation provides wage replacement benefits, medical treatment,
vocational rehabilitation, and other benefits to workers or their dependents who are
injured at work or acquire an occupational disease.
YES ................................................................................... 01
NO ..................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................... d
REFUSED ......................................................................... r

(All)

B7.

Are you currently covered by a COBRA plan?
PROBE: COBRA (The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) gives workers and
their families who lose health benefits the right to continue health benefits provided by
their former employer’s group plan for a limited period of time.
YES ................................................................................... 01
NO ..................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................... d
REFUSED ......................................................................... r

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(All)

B8.

Are you currently covered by a state government program other than Medicaid?
YES ................................................................................... 01
NO ..................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................... d
REFUSED ......................................................................... r

(All)

B9.

Not counting COBRA, dental, optical, or prescription plans, are you currently covered by private
health insurance, for example, private insurance that you get through a former employer, a family
member, or that you purchase on your own?
YES ................................................................................... 01
NO ..................................................................................... 00 (B12)
DON’T KNOW ................................................................... d (B12)
REFUSED ......................................................................... r (B12)

(B9=01)

B10.

Is your private health insurance provided through your current or former employer or through your
spouse or partner’s current or former employer?
YOUR EMPLOYER ........................................................... 01 (B13)
SPOUSE/PARTNER’S EMPLOYER................................. 02 (B13)
NO, NOT PROVIDED BY CURRENT OR
FORMER EMPLOYER................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................... d
REFUSED ......................................................................... r

(B9=01)

B11.

Is your private health insurance paid for by you, a family member, by both you and a family
member, or by someone else?
PAID BY YOU ...................................................................
PAID BY FAMILY MEMBER(S) ........................................
PAID BY YOU AND FAMILY MEMBER............................
SOMEONE ELSE..............................................................
DON’T KNOW ...................................................................
REFUSED .........................................................................

DRAFT

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01
02
03
04
d
r

(B13)
(B13)
(B13)
(B13)
(B13)

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(B11=04)

B11_Other. Who or what is the other source?
 __________________________________________________
DON’T KNOW ...................................................................
REFUSED .........................................................................

d
r

GO TO B13

(B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, AND B9 =00, d, or r)

B12.

Let me confirm. Do you have any health insurance coverage to help pay for services from
hospitals or doctors? This kind of health insurance covers doctor visits, trips to the emergency
room, and hospital stays.
YES ................................................................................... 01
NO ..................................................................................... 00 (B15) ELIGIBLE
DON’T KNOW ................................................................... d (B15) INELIGIBLE
REFUSED ......................................................................... r (B15) INELIGIBLE

(B12=01)

B12a. What kind of health insurance coverage do you have? Do you have . .
PROBE: Anything else?
INTERVIEWER: DO NOT ACCEPT LIMITED COVERAGE PLANS LIKE DENTAL ONLY,
PRESCRIPTION ONLY, ETC.
CODE ALL THAT APPLY
Medicaid, ........................................................................... 01
Medicare,........................................................................... 02
Medi-Gap,.......................................................................... 03
VA/TRICARE/CHAMPUS/CHAMP-VA,............................. 04
Indian Health Service, ....................................................... 05
Worker’s Compensation,................................................... 06
COBRA,............................................................................. 07
State Government Program, ............................................. 08
Private health insurance purchased on own, .................... 09
Private health insurance purchased through employer,.... 10
Private health insurance through your spouse/partner’s
plan, or ........................................................................... 11
Some other kind of health insurance ................................ 12
DON’T KNOW ................................................................... d
REFUSED ......................................................................... r

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(B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9 OR B12=01) OR (B12a=ANSWER)

B13.

Does someone from your health plan such as a nurse or caseworker call or visit you on a regular
basis to check on your condition?
YES ................................................................................... 01
NO ..................................................................................... 00 (B16)
DON’T KNOW ................................................................... d (B16)
REFUSED ......................................................................... r (B16)

(B13=01)

B14.

How often does someone from your health plan call or visit you? Would you say . . .
once per week, ..................................................................
twice per month, ................................................................
once per month, ................................................................
once every 3 months, or....................................................
some other schedule? .......................................................
DON’T KNOW ...................................................................
REFUSED .........................................................................

01
02
03
04
05
d
r

(B16)
(B16)
(B16)
(B16)
(B16)
(B16)

(B14=05)

B14_Other. What is the other schedule?
PROBE: Your best estimate is fine.
| | | TIMES PER
(01-12)
CODE ONE
WEEK ...............................................................................
MONTH ............................................................................
QUARTER........................................................................
YEAR................................................................................
OTHER (SPECIFY) ..........................................................

01
02
03
04
05

DON’T KNOW ..................................................................
REFUSED ........................................................................

d
r

GO TO B16

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(B12=d, r, OR 00)

B15.

In what month and year did you last have health insurance coverage?
PROGRAMMER: ALLOW ANY YEAR TO BE ENTERED.
PROGRAMMER: ADD PROMPT: IF YEAR IS BEFORE, 1990, SAY, I want to be sure I
recorded your answer correctly. Did you say [fill YEAR]?
| | | | | | | |
MONTH
YEAR
(01-12)
(1990-2009)
NEVER HAD INSURANCE .............................................. 00 (B16)
DON’T KNOW .................................................................. d
REFUSED ........................................................................ r

(B15=DATE, d OR r)

B15a. When you had insurance {in FILL MONTH/YEAR/the last time} what kind of insurance did you
have? Did you have . . .
PROBE: Anything else?
INTERVIEWER: DO NOT ACCEPT LIMITED COVERAGE PLANS LIKE DENTAL ONLY,
PRESCRIPTION ONLY, ETC.
READ LIST IF NECESSARY
CODE ALL THAT APPLY
Medicaid, ........................................................................... 01
Medicare,........................................................................... 02
Medi-Gap,.......................................................................... 03
VA/TRICARE/CHAMPUS/CHAMP-VA,............................. 04
Indian Health Service, ....................................................... 05
Worker’s Compensation,................................................... 06
COBRA,............................................................................. 07
State Government Program, ............................................. 08
Private health insurance purchased on own, .................... 09
Private health insurance purchased through employer,.... 10
Private health insurance through your spouse/partner’s
plan, or ........................................................................... 11
Some other kind of health insurance?............................... 12
DON’T KNOW ................................................................... d
REFUSED ......................................................................... r

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(All)

B16.

Sometimes people have (IF INSURED “additional”) health plans that cover specific health needs
like prescription drugs or dental care. These next questions are about these kinds of limited
coverage plans.
Do you have Medicare Part D coverage for prescription drugs?
IF NEEDED:

Medicare Part D is prescription drug insurance coverage that is provided by
private companies and available to everyone with Medicare.
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(All)

B16a. IF ANY OF B1 TO B9=01, OR B12=01, OR B16=01 SAY:
Not counting the health plan(s) that you already told me about, do you have a separate insurance
plan that helps pay for prescription medications?
IF B12=00, SAY:
(Although you don’t currently have coverage that helps pay for services from hospitals or doctors)
do you have insurance that helps pay for prescription medications?
PROBE: Do not include Medi-Gap or Medicare Part D plans here.
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(All)

B17.

IF ANY OF B1 TO B9=01, OR B12=01:
Not counting the health plan(s) that you already told me about, do you have coverage for dental
care?
IF B12=00, SAY:
(Although you don’t currently have coverage that helps pay for services from hospitals or doctors)
do you have coverage for dental care?

YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

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(All)

B18.

IF ANY OF B1 TO B9=01, OR B12=01 SAY:
Not counting the health plan(s) that you already told me about, do you have optical coverage for
eyeglasses or contact lenses?
IF B12=00, SAY:
(Although you don’t currently have coverage that helps pay for services from hospitals or doctors)
do you have optical coverage for eyeglasses or contact lenses?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(All)

ELIG_ck. PROGRAMMER: DO ANY OF QUESTIONS B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9=01, OR
DOES B12=01, d or r?
TURN OFF RECORDER IF INELIGIBLE
YES ................................................................................. 01 (END1)
NO ................................................................................... 00 (B19)
CONSENT
B19.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, [Mr./Ms.] {LAST NAME}. Based on your
answers, you can take part in the Accelerated Benefits research study or AB for short. I would
like to tell you a little more about this. Please stop me at any time if you have a question.
The purpose of the study is to learn if receiving a generous health care benefit and other services
improves the health and ability of people with disabilities to return to work, if they choose to do so.
The Social Security Administration is paying for the study.
If you agree to participate in the AB study, you will be placed into one of three groups. One group
will be given health benefits. A second group will be given the same health benefits and will also
be offered services to help them meet their health needs and make it easier for them to return to
work, if they choose to do so. The third group will not get any extra benefits. Picking which group
you are in will be done randomly, like flipping a coin. You will have the same chance of being
assigned to any of the three groups as everyone else in the study.
Do you have any questions about what I’ve read so far?
YES ................................................................................. 01 (B19a)
NO ................................................................................... 00 (B20)

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(B19=01)

B19a. INTERVIEWER: ASK IF NECESSARY: What is your question?
INTERVIEWER: ENTER VERBATIM QUESTION

(All)

B20.

Being in the study will not change any of the rules that determine whether you receive Disability
Insurance cash benefits. If you agree to be in this study, we will conduct a 30 minute interview
with you now for which you will receive $25. We may also contact you in about six months and
then again in about a year and a half to find out about your health and the care you are receiving.
You will receive $25 for each of the interviews you complete. You can refuse to answer any
question. This will not affect your ability to take part in AB.
If you are selected to receive the AB health benefits, they could be very valuable to you. You will
be able to use up to $100,000 in health care services. The AB health benefits will cover
treatments that could help improve your health so that you can enjoy more independence and an
increased level of activity.
If you are assigned to one of the groups that receives the AB health benefits, we will send you a
description of the study and the benefits in writing. We will give your information to the
organizations that will be managing the health benefits and services. Someone from POMCO,
the organization managing your health benefits, will be available to answer any questions you
might have about the benefits package. You will be able to use these health benefits until you
become eligible for Medicare.
Do you have any questions at this time?
YES ................................................................................. 01 (B20a)
NO ................................................................................... 00 (B21)

(B20=01)

B20a. INTERVIEWER: ASK IF NECESSARY: What is your question?
INTERVIEWER: ENTER VERBATIM QUESTION


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B21.

In addition to your answers during our interviews, if you agree to be in the study, we will get
information from administrative records about your benefits and your earnings from work. We will
also get information about your use of health care and other services from the organizations
providing AB services. We will get the information for up to ten years.
Only members of the study team will have access to your information. The study team includes
researchers at MDRC and Mathematica, and at the Social Security Administration’s Office of
Program Development and Research.
The information collected as part of this study will be used for research purposes only and will be
kept private and confidential to the extent provided by law. The Social Security Administration will
never use your information to determine your eligibility for Social Security benefits, the amount of
benefits you receive, or your eligibility for Medicare. Your name will never appear in any public
document.
Taking part in the study is up to you, and it does not require you to do anything. If you agree to be
in the study, you do not have to use the health benefits or any other services that are offered.
Being in the study will not change any Social Security program rules that determine whether you
receive Social Security benefits.
You may leave the study at any time, but if you leave the study, you will no longer receive the AB
health care benefits. We will use any information we collect while you are in the study.
If you have any questions about the program or your rights as a participant, you may contact
program staff at 1-866-907-1936.
Do you have any questions now?
YES ................................................................................. 01 (B21a)
NO ................................................................................... 00 (B22)

(B21=01)

B21a. INTERVIEWER: ASK IF NECESSARY: What is your question?
INTERVIEWER: ENTER VERBATIM QUESTION

(All)

B22.

Do you understand everything I have read to you?
YES ................................................................................. 01 (B23)
NO ................................................................................... 00 (B22a)

(B22=01)

B22a. INTERVIEWER: ASK IF NECESSARY: What questions can I answer for you?
INTERVIEWER: ENTER VERBATIM QUESTION


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B23.

Do you agree to be in the study?
YES ................................................................................. 01 (C1)
NO ................................................................................... 00

(B23=00)

B24.

Please remember that by agreeing to be in the study today you are only agreeing to be randomly
assigned to one of the three study groups. If you are assigned to one of the groups that receives
health benefits, you do not have to use those benefits. Being in the study will not change any of
the rules that determine whether you receive Disability Insurance cash benefits. Your information
will be kept confidential. Your participation in this study is very important because it will allow SSA
to learn how to better serve individuals with a disability. You will receive $25 for completing the
interview. Will you reconsider your decision?
YES, I WILL PARTICIPATE ............................................ 01 (C1)
NO, I WILL NOT PARTICIPATE ..................................... 00

(B24=00)

B25.

I’d like to mail you some information about the study so that you can take some more time to
review it and reconsider whether you would like to participate. I will check back with you in about
a week to see if you have any questions. The materials I send will also include a toll free number
you can call to get answers to any questions you may have before I call you again. Please let me
confirm your mailing address. RECORD ADDRESS INFORMATION. Thank you very much for
your time.
GO TO THANKS
STATUS AS 831

(B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, OR B12=01, d, OR r)

>END1< Thank you very much for your time. Those are all the questions I have. Based on the
information that you provided, you are not eligible for the AB Program. Best wishes to you.
IF ASKED WHY: At this time, the AB program is only for persons who do not currently have
health insurance.

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STATE MEDICAID PROGRAM NAMES
STATE

PROGRAM NAME

STATE

PROGRAM NAME

Alabama

Alabama Medicaid

Nebraska

Nebraska Medical Assistance Program

Alaska

Alaska Medicaid

Nevada

HIWA (Health Insurance for Work
Enhancement)

Arizona

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
(AHCCCS)

New Hampshire

Medicaid

Arkansas

Arkansas Medical Assistance/ /Connect Care

New Jersey

New Jersey FamilyCare

California

Medi-Cal

New Mexico

SALUD/Molina/Lovelace/Presbyterian

Colorado

Medicaid

New York

New York Medicaid CHOICE/Family Health
Plus

Connecticut

CT Medicaid

North Carolina

Carolina ACCESS

Delaware

Diamond State Health Plan

North Dakota

Medicaid

District of
Columbia

Medical Assistance (MA)

Ohio

Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD)
Program/Covered Families and Children
(CFC) Program

Florida

MediPass

Oklahoma

SoonerCare

Georgia

Georgia Better Health Care

Oregon

Oregon Health Plan

Hawaii

Hawaii Medicaid:FFS (fee for Service) and MedQUEST

Pennsylvania

HealthChoices/Lancaster Community Health
Plan'

Idaho

Idaho Medicaid Access Card

Rhode Island

RIte Care

Illinois

Family Care/Medical Assistance/MediPlan

South Carolina

Partners for Health

Indiana

Hoosier Healthwise

South Dakota

Medicaid/Medical Assistance

Iowa

Medical Assistance

Tennessee

TennCare

Kansas

MediKan, HealthWave

Texas

Texas Health Steps (THSteps) (STEPs)

Kentucky

KYHealthChoices/Kentucky Patient Access and
Care System(KenPAC)

Utah

Utah Medical Assistance Program (UMAP)

Louisiana

CommunityCARE Program/LaMedicaid

Vermont

Vermont Health Access Plan (VHAP)

Maine

MaineCare

Maryland

HealthChoice Program

Massachusetts

MassHealth

Virginia

Medicaid/Medallion/Medallion II

Michigan

PROGRAMMER: HIDE SENTENCE “In your
state” FOR MICHIGAN RESPONDENTS

Washington

Healthy Options/medical coupons

Community Choice Michigan, Great Lakes Health
Plan, Health Plan of Michigan, HealthPlus
Partners, M-CAID, McLaren Health Plan, Midwest
Health Plan, Molina Health Care, OmniCare
Health Plan, PHP-MM Family Care, Priority Health
Government Programs, Total Health Care, UP
Health Plan
Minnesota

Medical Assistance (MA)

West Virginia

West Virginia Physician Assured Access
System (PAAS)/Mountain Health Trust-(MHT)

Mississippi

Mississippi Medicaid

Wisconsin

Badger Care/Medical Assistance

Missouri

Missouri Medicaid

Wyoming

Medicaid

Montana

Montana Medicaid/PASSPORT to Health

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SECTION C: HEALTH AND FUNCTIONAL STATUS
(All)

C1.

Now I willLet’s

continue with the survey.interview. The next questions are about your health.

In general, would you say your health is…
excellent, .........................................................................
very good,........................................................................
good, ...............................................................................
fair, or ..............................................................................
poor? ...............................................................................
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

01
02
03
04
05
d
r

(All)

C2ft.

How tall are you?
INTERVIEWER: ENTER FEET ON THIS SCREEN AND INCHES ON THE NEXT.
| | FEET
(3-8)
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

d (C3)
r (C3)

(C2ft>3)

C2in.

PROBE: ROUND TO NEAREST WHOLE NUMBER (E.G., ENTER 6 FOR 5 ½ INCHES).
INTERVIEWER: ENTER INCHES ON THIS SCREEN.
|

|

| INCHES
(0-12)

(00-11)
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

d
r

(All)

C3.

How much do you weigh?
|

|

|

|

(50-999)POUNDS

(050-997)
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

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(All)
C4.

What physical, mental, or sensory disability is the main reason {you/(NAME)} applied for disability benefits?
PROBE 1: What do doctors call {your/(NAME’s)} health condition?
PROBE 2: What causes this condition?
RECORD VERBATIM RESPONSE.

(All)
C5.

{Do you/Does (NAME)} have any other physical, mental or sensory conditions that make {you/him/her} eligible for
disability benefits?
YES......................................................................... 01
NO........................................................................... 00 (C7)
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d (C7)

REFUSED...............................................................

r (C7)

(C5=01)
C6.

What are those conditions?
PROBE 1: What do doctors call {your/(NAME’s)} health condition?
PROBE 2: What causes this condition?
INTERVIEWER: RECORD VERBATIM RESPONSE.
CONDITION 1
CONDITION 2
CONDITION 3

NO C4, C4a, C4b, C5 OR C6 THIS VERSION.
(All)

C7.

Do you use a wheelchair, scooter, walker, crutches or cane to move around?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
UNABLE TO DO ............................................................. 02
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(IF NOT CONDUCTING INTERVIEW OVER TTY OR TTD)

C8.

Some people use things to help hear or speak, such as a hearing aid, American sign language or
ASL, TTY or TTD, or speech recognition software. Do you use anything like this?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

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Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

(All)

C8a.

Some people use things to help them read, hear or speak, such as large print or Braille,a screen reader,
or a screen reader. Do
you use anything like this?
hearing aid, American sign language or ASL, TTY or TTD, or speech recognition software.

YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
UNABLE TO DO ............................................................. 02
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(C8 OR C8a =01)

C9.

What do you use?
CODE ALL THAT APPLY
LARGE PRINT OR BRAILLE .......................................... 01
SCREEN READER ......................................................... 02
ADAPTED COMPUTER KEYBOARD ............................ 03
HEARING AID OR HEARING DEVICE .......................... 04
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) ............................ 05
TTD/TTY.......................................................................... 06
SPEECH RECOGNITION SOFTWARE ......................... 07
OTHER (SPECIFY)......................................................... 08
___________________________________________
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

SF6D:3A
(All)
C10a.C9a.

These next questions are about activities and whether {you need/he/she needs} help from others with
might do during a typical day.

these activities.you

{Do you/Does (NAME)} need help or supervision from others with bathing or showering?
YES......................................................................... 01
NO........................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

(All)
C10b.

{Do you/Does (NAME)} need help or supervision from others with dressing?
YES......................................................................... 01
NO........................................................................... 00

DRAFT

DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

18

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

(All)
C10c.

{Do you/Does (NAME)} need help or supervision from others with preparing meals?
YES......................................................................... 01
NO........................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

(All)
C10d.

{Do you/Does (NAME)} need help or supervision from others with eating?

YES ................................................................................. 01
NO......................................................................................................... 00

How much does your health now limit your participation in vigorous activities, such as running,
lifting heavy objects, or participating in strenuous sports? Would you say that you are limited a
lot, limited a little, or not limited at all?
LIMITED A LOT............................................................... 01
LIMITED A LITTLE.......................................................... 02
NOT LIMITED AT ALL .................................................... 03
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

SF6D:3B

(All)
C9b.

How much does your health now limit your participation in moderate activities, such as moving a
table, pushing a vacuum cleaner, bowling or playing golf?
PROBE AS NEEDED: Would you say that you are limited a lot, limited a little, or not limited at
all?
LIMITED A LOT............................................................... 01
LIMITED A LITTLE.......................................................... 02
NOT LIMITED AT ALL .................................................... 03
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(SF6D:3J
(All)

C9c.

How much does your health now limit you from bathing or dressing yourself?
PROBE AS NEEDED: Would you say that you are limited a lot, limited a little, or not limited at
all?
LIMITED A LOT............................................................... 01
LIMITED A LITTLE.......................................................... 02
NOT LIMITED AT ALL .................................................... 03
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

DRAFT

19

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

(All)

C10b. Now, please tell me whether you need help from others with these other activities that you might
do during a typical day.
C10e.

Do you need help or supervision from others with using the toilet?preparing meals?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(All)
C10f.

{Do you/Does (NAME)}C10c.

Do you need help or supervision from others with using the

telephone?eating?

YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r
(All)
C10g.

{Do you/Does (NAME)} need help or supervision from others with using public transportation or riding in an automobile?
YES......................................................................... 01
NO........................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

(All)
C10h.

{Do you/Does (NAME)} need help or supervision from others to get in and out of bed or chairs?
YES......................................................................... 01
NO........................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

(All)
C10i............................................................................... {Do you/Does (NAME)} have difficulty walking?
(All)

C10d. (Do you need help or supervision from others) with using the toilet?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

DRAFT

20

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

(All)

C10e. (Do you need help or supervision from others) with using the telephone?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
UNABLE TO DO ............................................................. 02
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r
(All)
C10j.

{Do you/Does (NAME)} need help or supervision from others to get around inside the home?
YES......................................................................... 01
NO........................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

(All)
C10k.

{Do you/Does (NAME)} need help or supervision from others with taking medication?
YES......................................................................... 01
NO........................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

(All)
C10l............................... {Do you/Does (NAME)} have difficulty lifting or carrying a 10 pound package?
(C7 NE 02)

C10f.

Do you need help or supervision from others with using public transportation?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(C7 NE 02)

C10g. (Do you need help or supervision from others) with riding as a passenger in a car?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

DRAFT

21

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

(All)
C10m.

{Do you/Does (NAME)} have difficulty climbing stairs?

(All)

C10h. (Do you need help or supervision from others) to get in and out of bed or a chair?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
UNABLE TO DO ............................................................. 02
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(C7 NE 02)

C10i.

Do you need help or supervision from others to get around inside the home?
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
UNABLE TO DO ............................................................. 02
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r
(All)
C10n.

{Do you/Does (NAME)} have difficulty standing for long periods of time?
YES......................................................................... 01
NO........................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

(All)

C11a.

Now, please think about the past 4 weeks. During the past 4 weeks, how much difficulty did {you/(NAME)} have doing
{your/his/her} daily work, both at home and away from home, because of {your/his/her} physical health? Would you
say . . .
None, ..................................................................... 01
A little, .................................................................... 02
Some, ..................................................................... 03
A lot, or.................................................................... 04
Could {you/he/she} not do daily work? ................... 05

DRAFT

DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

22

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

(All)
C11b.

How much bodily pain {have you/has NAME} had in the past 4 weeks? Would you say . . .
None, ..................................................................... 01
A little, .................................................................... 02
Some, or ................................................................ 03
A lot? ...................................................................... 04
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

(All)
C11c.

During the past 4 weeks, how much energy did {you/(NAME)} have? Would you say . . .
None, ..................................................................... 01
A little, .................................................................... 02
Some, or ................................................................ 03
A lot? ...................................................................... 04
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

(All)
C11d.

During the past 4 weeks, how much did {your/(NAME’s)} physical health or emotional problems limit {your/his/her} usual
social activities with family or friends? Would you say . . .
None, ..................................................................... 01
A little, .................................................................... 02
Some, ..................................................................... 03
A lot, or.................................................................... 04
Could {you/he/she} not do social activities? ........... 05
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

(All)
C12.

During the past 4 weeks, how often have {you/(NAME)} been bothered by emotional problems, such as feeling unhappy,
anxious, depressed, or irritable? Would you say…
All of the time, ......................................................... 01
Most of the time, ..................................................... 02
Some of the time,.................................................... 03
A little of the time, or ............................................... 04
None of the time?.................................................... 00

DRAFT

DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

23

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

(All)
C13.

During the past 4 weeks, how much of the time have {you/(NAME)} felt downhearted and blue? Would you say . . .
All of the time, ......................................................... 01
Most of the time, ..................................................... 02
Some of the time,.................................................... 03
A little of the time, or ............................................... 04
None of the time?.................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

(All)

C14.

During the past 4 weeks, how much did personal or emotional problems keep {you/(NAME)} from doing {your/his/her}
usual work, school or other daily activities? Would you say . . .
Not at all, ................................................................ 01
A little, .................................................................... 02
Some, ..................................................................... 03
A lot, or.................................................................... 04
Could {you/he/she} not do daily activities? ............ 05
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

(C12 AND C13 NE 00, d OR r)
C15.

During the past 4 weeks, how often have physical health problems been the main cause of these feelings? Would you
say…
All of the time, ......................................................... 01
Most of the time, ..................................................... 02
Some of the time,.................................................... 03
A little of the time, or ............................................... 04
None of the time?.................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

(All)

C10j.

Do you need reminders, help or supervision from others to take your medication?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DO NOT TAKE MEDICATION ........................................ 02
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

DRAFT

24

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

(C7 NE 01 OR 02)

C10k. Do you have difficulty walking?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
NOT APPLICABLE/UNABLE TO DO.............................. 02
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r
(All)

C10l.

Do you have difficulty lifting or carrying a 10 pound package?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
UNABLE TO DO ............................................................. 02
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(C7 NE 01 OR 02)

C10m. Do you have difficulty climbing a flight of stairs?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
UNABLE TO DO ............................................................. 02
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(C7 NE 01 OR 02)

C10n. Do you have difficulty standing for long periods of time?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
UNABLE TO DO ............................................................. 02
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

SF6D:4C
(All)

C10o. Now, please think about the past 4 weeks. During the past 4 weeks, were you limited in the kind
of work or other activities you could do as a result of your physical health?
YES ................................................................................ 01
NO .................................................................................. 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

DRAFT

25

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

SF6D: 7
(All)

C10p. How much bodily pain have you had during the past 4 weeks? Would you say none at all, slight
pain, moderate pain, quite a bit of pain, or an extreme amount of pain?
NONE AT ALL .................................................................
SLIGHT ...........................................................................
MODERATE ....................................................................
QUITE A BIT ...................................................................
EXTREME .......................................................................
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

01
02
03
04
05
d
r

SF6D:8
(All)

C10q. During the past 4 weeks, how much did pain interfere with your normal work, including both work
outside the home and housework? Would you say not at all, slightly, moderately, quite a bit, or
extremely?
NOT AT ALL....................................................................
SLIGHTLY .......................................................................
MODERATELY................................................................
QUITE A BIT ...................................................................
EXTREMELY...................................................................
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

01
02
03
04
05
d
r

SF6D:9e
(All)

C10r.

During the past 4 weeks, how often did you have a lot of energy? Would you say all of the time,
most of the time, a good bit of the time, some of the time, a little of the time, or none of the time?
ALL OF THE TIME ..........................................................
MOST OF THE TIME ......................................................
A GOOD BIT OF THE TIME ...........................................
SOME OF THE TIME......................................................
A LITTLE OF THE TIME .................................................
NONE OF THE TIME ......................................................
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

DRAFT

26

01
02
03
04
05
06
d
r

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

SF6D:9f
(All)

C10s. During the past 4 weeks, how often have you felt downhearted and blue? Would you say all of
the time, most of the time, a good bit of the time, some of the time, a little of the time, or none of
the time?
ALL OF THE TIME ..........................................................
MOST OF THE TIME ......................................................
A GOOD BIT OF THE TIME ...........................................
SOME OF THE TIME......................................................
A LITTLE OF THE TIME .................................................
NONE OF THE TIME ......................................................
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

01
02
03
04
05
06
d
r

Was C14
(C10r=06, d, or r OR C10s NE 06, d or r)

C10s_a. During the past 4 weeks, how often have physical health problems been the main cause of
these feelings? Would you say all of the time, most of the time, a good bit of the time, some of
the time, a little of the time, or none of the time?
ALL OF THE TIME, .........................................................
MOST OF THE TIME, .....................................................
A GOOD BIT OF THE TIME ...........................................
SOME OF THE TIME......................................................
A LITTLE OF THE TIME .................................................
NONE OF THE TIME ......................................................
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

01
02
03
04
05
06
d
r

SF6D:10
(All)

C10t.

During the past 4 weeks, how much of the time has your physical health or emotional problems
interfered with your social activities like visiting friends or relatives? Would you say all of the time,
most of the time, a good bit of the time, some of the time, a little of the time, or none of the time?
ALL OF THE TIME ..........................................................
MOST OF THE TIME ......................................................
A GOOD BIT OF THE TIME ...........................................
SOME OF THE TIME......................................................
A LITTLE OF THE TIME .................................................
NONE OF THE TIME ......................................................
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

DRAFT

27

01
02
03
04
05
06
d
r

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

NO C12a – C12h, C13 THIS VERSION
SF6D:5
(All)

C14a. During the past 4 weeks, did personal or emotional problems cause you to accomplish less than
you would like in your work or other regular daily activities?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

Was C13
(All)

C15.

During the past 4 weeks, how much did personal or emotional problems keep you from doing
your usual work, school or other daily activities? Would you say not at all a little, some, a lot or
could you not do daily activities?
NOT AT ALL....................................................................
A LITTLE .........................................................................
SOME..............................................................................
A LOT ..............................................................................
COULD NOT DO DAILY ACTIVITIES ............................
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

DRAFT

28

01
02
03
04
05
d
r

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

SECTION D: USE OF MEDICAL SERVICES
(All)

D1.

INTERVIEWER CHECKPOINT: DOES THE RESPONDENT SEEM FATIGUED, CONFUSED, OR
IN NEED OF ENCOURAGEMENT?
SEEMS FATIGUED/CONFUSED ................................... 01 (D1a)
NEEDS ENCOURAGEMENT ......................................... 02 (D1c)
NO/NEITHER/NOT SURE ...................................... 00 (D1a)
(D1=01 OR 00)NOT

SURE .................................................. 03 (D1c)
NO ................................................................................... 00 (D2)

(D1=01)

D1a. Are you feeling tired, or can we continue?
TIRED.............................................................................. 01
CONTINUE...................................................................... 02 (D1d)

(D1a=01)

D1b. Would you like to take a break? I can either hold on or call you back and continue the interview at
another time?
YES, BREAK, HOLD ON ................................................ 01 (D1d)
YES, BREAK AND CALL BACK ..................................... 02 (D1d)
NO, CONTINUE NOW .................................................... 03 (D1d)
(D1=02)
(D1=02 OR 03)

D1c. You’re doing fine. (Your answers are very helpful to this study./There are no right or wrong
answers to these questions.)
(All)
(D1=01, 02 OR 03)

D1d. INTERVIEWER ACTION: WHAT DID YOU DO?
NOT FATIGUED; NO ENCOURAGEMENT
PROVIDED...................................................................
FATIGUED; HELD ON ....................................................
FATIGUED; SCHEDULED CALL BACK.........................
FATIGUED, BUT WANTED TO CONTINUE ..................
PROVIDED ENCOURAGEMENT AND CONTINUED...

DRAFT

29

01
02
03
04
05

(GO TO CALL BACK SCREEN)

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

(All)
(D1d NE 03)

D2.

These next questions are about your usual sources of medical care.
Do you have a doctor whom you see or a place you go to regularly to receive medical care?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00 (D3)
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d (D3)
REFUSED ....................................................................... r (D3)

(D2=01)

D2a.

Which one of the following kinds of doctors or places do you see or go to most often? Do you
see . . .
IF NEEDED:PROBE:

Specialists include doctors such as surgeons, allergists, (IF FEMALE:
obstetricians, gynecologists), orthopedists, cardiologists, and dermatologists.
Specialists mainly treat just one type of problem.

IF RESPONDS WITH MORE THAN ONE: Please tell me which one of these you go to most
frequently?
CODE ONE
aA

general practitioner, an internist, or
family doctor, ..................................................................
aA specialist,....................................................................
aA psychiatrist or psychologist, or ...................................
doDo you go to a clinic, or ...............................................
someSome other kind of place or doctor? ........................
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

01
02
03
04
05
d
r

(D3)
(D3)
(D3)
(D3)
(D3)
(D3)

(D2a=05)

D2_Other. What is this other place or type of doctor you go to most often?
 _________________________________________________________________

DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

DRAFT

30

d
r

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

(All)

D3.

How many times have you seen ({this/a} doctor/visited this place) in the past six months, that is
since {FILL DATE}?
PROBE: Your best estimate is fine.
PROGRAMMER: ALLOW THE INTERVIEWER TO ENTER ANY NUMBER UP TO 98, BUT
SHOW PROMPT IF MORE THAN 30.
INTERVIEWER: IF NUMBER OF VISITS IS MORE THAN 30, SAY: I want to be sure I recorded
your answer correctly. Did you say that you have (seen a doctor/visited this place) [fill NUMBER]
times in the past 6 months?
| | | NUMBER OF VISITS PAST 6 MONTHS
(01-98)

(D3b)

ZERO .............................................................................. 00 (D3c)
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(D3=d OR r)

D3a.

In the past 6 months, would you say you saw {this/a} {doctor/visited {this/a} clinic}…clinic} . . .
1 to 2 times, ............................................................ 01
3 to 4 times, ............................................................ 02
5 to 6 times, or ........................................................ 03
more than 6 times? ................................................. 04

CODE ONE
zero times,....................................................................... 00 (D3c)
1 to 5 times,..................................................................... 01
6 to 10 times,................................................................... 02
11 to 15 times, ................................................................ 03
16 to 20 times, or ……………………………………………04
more than 20 times? ....................................................... 05
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

DRAFT

31

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

(D3>01) (D3a NE 00)

D3b.

How would you rate the medical care you received in the past 6 months in terms of overall quality
of care and services? Would you say it was excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor?
EXCELLENT ...................................................................
VERY GOOD...................................................................
GOOD .............................................................................
FAIR ................................................................................
POOR..............................................................................
DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL CARE ............................
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

01
02
03
04
05
n
d
r

(All)
D3b.D3c.

In the past 6 months, that is since [FILLDATE], was there any time when you didn’t see a
doctor or get the medical care you needed?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(All)
D3c.D3d.

In the past 6 months, was there any time when you put off or postponed seeing a doctor
or getting medical care you needed?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00 (D4)
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d (D4)
REFUSED ....................................................................... r (D4)

(D3b OR D3c=01)
(D3c OR D3d=01)
D3d.D3e.
In the

past 6 months, why is it that you did not see a doctor at all or postponed seeing a
doctor?

INTERVIEWER: RECORD VERBATIM RESPONSE NOW AND CODE LATER

DRAFT

32

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

________________________________________________________________

PROBE: WereD3e_a.

Were there any other reasons?
CODE ALL THAT APPLY
COST/INSURANCE
COULD NOT AFFORD IT/TOO EXPENSIVE...................................

01

NO INSURANCE ..............................................................................

02

INSURANCE DID NOT COVER .......................................................

03

DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL DID NOT ACCEPT INSURANCE............

04

DENIED APPROVAL OR REFERRAL TO SEE SPECIALIST BY
INSURANCE COMPANY...............................................................

05

AWAITING APPROVAL OR REFERRAL FROM INSURANCE
COMPANY TO SEE SPECIALIST.................................................

06

ACCESS
COULD NOT GET CONVENIENT APPOINTMENT .......................

07

TRANSPORTATION PROBLEM ......................................................

08

WAITING FOR UPCOMING APPOINTMENT ..................................

09

COULD NOT FIND SPECIALISTS KNOWLEDGEABLE
ABOUT CONDITION ....................................................................

10

PHYSICAL ACCESS PROBLEM (E.G., WHEELCHAIR RAMP,
ACCESSIBLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT)........................................

11

DOCTORS DON’T WANT TO TREAT PEOPLE WITH
{MY/(NAME’S) DISABILITY ...........................................................

12

QUALITY
DID NOT LIKE DOCTOR OR DOCTOR’S ADVICE .........................

13

WENT TO ANOTHER DOCTOR INSTEAD......................................

14

PROBLEMS AT PLACE—LONG WAIT, NO BATHROOM,
NOT ACCESSIBLE........................................................................

15

CLINIC/OFFICE IN UNSAFE NEIGHBORHOOD.............................

16

DOCTORS DON’T SPEND ENOUGH TIME ....................................

17

INSENSITIVE/DISRESPECTFUL DOCTORS/MEDICAL STAFF
(NEGATIVE ATTITUDES, MISPERCEPTION ABOUT DISABILITY) 18
POOR COORDINATION OF CARE WITH OTHER MEDICAL
PROVIDERS..................................................................................

19

AVOIDANCE/ALTERNATIVES
THOUGHT PROBLEM WOULD GO AWAY, OR PROBLEM
WENT AWAY.................................................................................

20

USED HOME REMEDY....................................................................

21

HEALTH GOT WORSE ....................................................................

22

HEALTH OF OTHER FAMILY MEMBER INTERFERED .................

23

OTHER REASONS
DENIED APPROVAL FOR DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
(DME) OR REPAIR OF DME.........................................................

24

AWAITING APPROVAL FOR DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

DRAFT

(DME) OR REPAIR OF DME..........................................................

25

OTHER .............................................................................................

26

DON’T KNOW...................................................................................

d

REFUSED.........................................................................................

r

33

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

(All)PROBE:

Anything else?
YES ................................................................................. 01
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d (D3)
REFUSED ....................................................................... r (D3)

INTERVIEWER: RECORD VERBATIM RESPONSE NOW AND CODE LATER
________________________________________________________________

NO MORE REASONS .................................................... 00

D4.

In the past 6 months, were you referred to another doctor, specialist, therapist, psychologist, or
medical professional, or sent for tests or x-rays by a doctor or clinic {you/he/she} visited?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00 (D6a)
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d (D6a)

REFUSED...............................................................

r (D6a)

(D4=01)
D5.

Did {you/(NAME)} or will {you/he/she} go for all, some, or none of the visits or tests for which {you were/he/she was}
referred?
ALL.......................................................................... 01 (D6a)
SOME ..................................................................... 02
NONE...................................................................... 03
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d (D6a)

REFUSED...............................................................

r (D6a)

(D5=02 OR 03)
D6.

Why did or will {you/(NAME)} not go for all of {your/his/her} recommended visits or tests?
PROBE: Were there any other reasons?

CODE ALL THAT APPLY
COST/INSURANCE
COULD NOT AFFORD IT/TOO EXPENSIVE...................................

01

NO INSURANCE ..............................................................................

02

INSURANCE DID NOT COVER .......................................................

03

DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL DID NOT ACCEPT INSURANCE............

04

DENIED APPROVAL OR REFERRAL TO SEE SPECIALIST BY
INSURANCE COMPANY...............................................................

05

AWAITING APPROVAL OR REFERRAL FROM INSURANCE
COMPANY TO SEE SPECIALIST.................................................

06

ACCESS
COULD NOT GET CONVENIENT APPOINTMENT .......................

07

TRANSPORTATION PROBLEM ......................................................

08

WAITING FOR UPCOMING APPOINTMENT ..................................

09

COULD NOT FIND SPECIALISTS KNOWLEDGEABLE
ABOUT CONDITION ....................................................................

DRAFT

34

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PHYSICAL ACCESS PROBLEM (E.G., WHEELCHAIR RAMP,
ACCESSIBLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT)........................................

11

DOCTORS DON’T WANT TO TREAT PEOPLE WITH
{MY/(NAME’S) DISABILITY ...........................................................

12

QUALITY
DID NOT LIKE DOCTOR OR DOCTOR’S ADVICE .........................

13

WENT TO ANOTHER DOCTOR INSTEAD......................................

14

PROBLEMS AT PLACE—LONG WAIT, NO BATHROOM,
NOT ACCESSIBLE........................................................................

15

CLINIC/OFFICE IN UNSAFE NEIGHBORHOOD.............................

16

DOCTORS DON’T SPEND ENOUGH TIME ....................................

17

INSENSITIVE/DISRESPECTFUL DOCTORS/MEDICAL STAFF
(NEGATIVE ATTITUDES, MISPERCEPTION ABOUT DISABILITY) 18
POOR COORDINATION OF CARE WITH OTHER MEDICAL
PROVIDERS..................................................................................

19

AVOIDANCE/ALTERNATIVES
THOUGHT PROBLEM WOULD GO AWAY, OR PROBLEM
WENT AWAY.................................................................................

20

USED HOME REMEDY....................................................................

21

HEALTH GOT WORSE ....................................................................

22

HEALTH OF OTHER FAMILY MEMBER INTERFERED .................

23

OTHER REASONS
DENIED APPROVAL FOR DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
(DME) OR REPAIR OF DME.........................................................

24

AWAITING APPROVAL FOR DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
(DME) OR REPAIR OF DME..........................................................

25

OTHER .............................................................................................

26

DON’T KNOW...................................................................................

d

REFUSED.........................................................................................

r

(All)(D5)

DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

d (D5)
r (D5)

(D4=01)

D4a.

Did you go for all of the visits for which you were referred?
YES ................................................................................. 01 (D5)
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d (D5)
REFUSED ....................................................................... r (D5)

DRAFT

35

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(D4a=00)

D4b.

Why is it that you did not go for all of your recommended visits?
INTERVIEWER: RECORD VERBATIM RESPONSE NOW AND CODE LATER
________________________________________________________________

DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

d (D3)
r (D3)

D4b_a. Were there any other reasons?
PROBE: Anything else?
YES ................................................................................. 01
INTERVIEWER: RECORD VERBATIM RESPONSE NOW AND CODE LATER
________________________________________________________________

NO MORE REASONS .................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d (D3)
REFUSED ....................................................................... r (D3)

(All)

D5.

In the past 6 months, that is since [FILLDATE], did a doctor or clinic send you for tests or
x-rays?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00 (D6)
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d (D6)
REFUSED ....................................................................... r (D6)

(D5=01)

D5a.

Did you go for all of the tests or x-rays for which you were sent?
YES ................................................................................. 01 (D6)
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d (D6)
REFUSED ....................................................................... r (D6)

DRAFT

36

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(D5a=00)

D5b.

Why is it that you did not go for all of your recommended tests or x-rays?
INTERVIEWER: RECORD VERBATIM RESPONSE NOW AND CODE LATER
________________________________________________________________

DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

d (D3)
r (D3)

D5b_a. Were there any other reasons?
PROBE: Anything else?
YES ................................................................................. 01
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d (D3)
REFUSED ....................................................................... r (D3)
INTERVIEWER: RECORD VERBATIM RESPONSE NOW AND CODE LATER
________________________________________________________________

NO MORE REASONS .................................................... 00

(All)
D6a.

In the past 6 months,D6.

In the past 6 months, that is since [FILL DATE], did a doctor order or
recommend any medical procedures or surgery for you?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00 (D7)
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d (D7)
REFUSED ....................................................................... r (D7)

(D6a=01)
D6b.

Did {you/(NAME)} have the procedure or surgery when the doctor ordered it, did (you/he/she} put off getting the procedure
or surgery, or did {you/he/she} not have it at all?
YES—GOT PROCEDURE OR SURGERY ............ 01 (D7)
NO—PUT OFF HAVING PROCEDURE OR
SURGERY ........................................................... 02
NO—DIDN’T HAVE IT AT ALL ............................... 03

(D6=01)

D6a.

Did you have all of the procedures or surgeries your doctor recommended?
YES ................................................................................. 01 (D7)
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d (D7)
REFUSED ....................................................................... r (D7)

DRAFT

37

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(D6b=02 OR 03)
D6c.

Why did {you/(NAME)} not get or postpone having the recommended procedure or surgery?

CODE ALL THAT APPLY
COST/INSURANCE
COULD NOT AFFORD IT/TOO EXPENSIVE...................................

01

NO INSURANCE ..............................................................................

02

INSURANCE DID NOT COVER .......................................................

03

DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL DID NOT ACCEPT INSURANCE............

04

DENIED APPROVAL OR REFERRAL TO HAVE
SURGERY/PROCEDURE BY INSURANCE COMPANY..............

05

AWAITING APPROVAL OR REFERRAL FROM INSURANCE
COMPANY TO HAVE SURGERY/PROCEDURE .........................

06

ACCESS
COULD NOT GET CONVENIENT APPOINTMENT .......................

07

TRANSPORTATION PROBLEM ......................................................

08

WAITING FOR UPCOMING APPOINTMENT ..................................

09

COULD NOT FIND SPECIALISTS KNOWLEDGEABLE
ABOUT CONDITION ....................................................................

10

PHYSICAL ACCESS PROBLEM (E.G., WHEELCHAIR RAMP,
ACCESSIBLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT)........................................

11

DOCTORS DON’T WANT TO TREAT PEOPLE WITH
{MY/(NAME’S) DISABILITY ...........................................................

12

QUALITY
DID NOT LIKE DOCTOR OR DOCTOR’S ADVICE .........................

13

WENT TO ANOTHER DOCTOR INSTEAD......................................

14

PROBLEMS AT PLACE—LONG WAIT, NO BATHROOM,
NOT ACCESSIBLE........................................................................

15

CLINIC/OFFICE IN UNSAFE NEIGHBORHOOD.............................

16

DOCTORS DON’T SPEND ENOUGH TIME ....................................

17

INSENSITIVE/DISRESPECTFUL DOCTORS/MEDICAL STAFF
(NEGATIVE ATTITUDES, MISPERCEPTION ABOUT DISABILITY) 18
POOR COORDINATION OF CARE WITH OTHER MEDICAL
PROVIDERS..................................................................................

19

AVOIDANCE/ALTERNATIVES
THOUGHT PROBLEM WOULD GO AWAY, OR PROBLEM
WENT AWAY.................................................................................

20

USED HOME REMEDY....................................................................

21

HEALTH GOT WORSE ....................................................................

22

HEALTH OF OTHER FAMILY MEMBER INTERFERED .................

23

OTHER REASONS
DENIED APPROVAL FOR DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
(DME) OR REPAIR OF DME.........................................................

24

AWAITING APPROVAL FOR DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

DRAFT

(DME) OR REPAIR OF DME..........................................................

25

OTHER .............................................................................................

26

DON’T KNOW...................................................................................

d

REFUSED.........................................................................................

r

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(D6c=16)
D6_Other. What is this other reason?
 _________________________________________________________________
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED ................................................................................................................................................

r

(D6a=00)

D6b.

Why is it that you did not have the recommended procedures or surgeries?
INTERVIEWER: RECORD VERBATIM RESPONSE NOW AND CODE LATER
________________________________________________________________

D6b_a. Were there any other reasons?
PROBE: Anything else?
YES ................................................................................. 01
INTERVIEWER: RECORD VERBATIM RESPONSE NOW AND CODE LATER
________________________________________________________________

NO MORE REASONS .................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d (D3)
REFUSED ....................................................................... r (D3)
(All)

D7.

How many times in the last 6 months {were you/was (NAME)} a patient in a hospital overnight?past 6 months
were you admitted for an overnight or longer stay in a hospital? Would you say . . .
PROBE: Your best estimate is fine.
Never...............................................................................
1 to 2 times......................................................................
3 to 5 times......................................................................
6 to 10 times, or...............................................................
More than 10 times? .......................................................
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

00 (D8)
01
02
03
04
d
r

(D7=01,02,03,04.d,or(D7=01, 02, 03, 04, d, or r)

D7a.

All together, how many nights did you spend in the hospital last year?in the past 6 months?
| | | NUMBER OF HOSPITAL NIGHT STAYS
(01-99)
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

d
r

(All)

DRAFT

39

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

D8.

How many times in the last 6 months {were you/was (NAME)}past 6 months were you a patientovernight in
a nursing home, convalescent home, or other long-term health care facility? Please include
skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation facilities. Would you say . . .
Never...............................................................................
1 to 2 times......................................................................
3 to 5 times......................................................................
6 to 10 times, or...............................................................
More than 10 times? .......................................................
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

00
01
02
03
04
d
r

(All)

D9.

{INTERVIEWER: IF D7 OR D8 NE 00, SAY: Aside from hospital stays and outpatient surgery}
how many times in the lastpast 6 months did you see or talk to a medical doctor about your
health? Please include visits to clinics or psychiatrists but do not include visits to other mental
health professionals such as therapists or counselors. Would you say . . .
Never...............................................................................
1 to 2 times......................................................................
3 to 5 times......................................................................
6 to 10 times, or...............................................................
More than 10 times? .......................................................
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

00
01
02
03
04
d
r

(All)

D10.

How many times did you visit an emergency room in the past 6 months? Would you say . . .
Never...............................................................................
1 to 2 times......................................................................
3 to 5 times......................................................................
6 to 10 times, or...............................................................
More than 10 times? .......................................................
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

00
01
02
03
04
d
r

(All)

D11.

The next few questions are about filling prescriptions. In the past 6 months, were there any
prescription medicines that you were supposed to use, but did not get when first prescribed
because of the cost?
PROBE:

That is, you did not fill the prescription at all when you got it.
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

DRAFT

40

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(All)

D12.

In the past 6 months, were there any prescription medicines that you were supposed to use, but
did not get the entire prescription filled because of the cost?
PROBE:

That is, you filled the prescription but got less than the prescribed amount, for
example, if the prescription was written for 30 pills you got a lesser amount.
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(All)

D13.

In the past 6 months, were there any prescription medicines that you were supposed to use, but
did not refill when you ran out because of the cost?
PROBE:

That is, you went some time without being able to take the needed medication
because it was finished.
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(All)

D14.

In the past 6 months, were there any prescription medicines that you used less often than
prescribed in order to stretch them out because of the cost?
PROBE:

That is, you used less of the medication or skipped days of taking the medication.
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

DRAFT

41

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

SECTION E: EMPLOYMENT HISTORY AND SUPPORTS
(All)

E1.

Now I’d like to talk a little about your employment history. Are you currently working at a job for
pay? Include both part-time and full-time jobs, as well as any self-employment, but only include
jobs for pay or profit.
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00 (E7)
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d (E7)
REFUSED ....................................................................... r (E7)

(E1=01)

E2.

How many jobs do you currently have? Include both part-time and full-time jobs, as well as any
self-employment, but only include jobs for pay or profit.
| | NUMBER OF JOBS
(1-5)
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

d
r

(E1=01)

E3.

(IF E2 > 1, SAY: For these questions, please answer about your main job; that is, the job on
which you work the most hours for pay.)
What kind of work do you do on {this job/your main job}?
PROBE: That is, what is your occupation?
INTERVIEWER: ENTER VERBATIM RESPONSE
 _______________________________________________________________
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

d
r

(E1=01)

E4.

What kind of business is this?{this/the one where you work} the most hours for pay}?
INTERVIEWER: ENTER VERBATIM RESPONSE
PROBE 1:
PROBE 2:

For what type of organization or industry do you work? For example, accounting
firm, daycare center, educational facility, food services.
What does the company you work for make, sell, or do?

 _______________________________________________________________
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

DRAFT

42

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r

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(E1=01)

E4mth. In what month and year did you start working at {this job/your main job}?
PROBE: Your best estimate is fine.
INTERVIEWER: ENTER MONTH HERE AND YEAR ON NEXT SCREEN
| | | MONTH
(01-12)
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

d (E4a)
r (E4a)

(E1=01)

E4yr.

INTERVIEWER: ENTER YEAR
| | | | | YEAR
(1970 - 2008)
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

(E5)
d
r

(E4yr=d OR r)

E4a.

Would you say you began working at {this job/your main job} . . .
PROBE: Your best estimate is fine.
within the past 12 months,year, .......................................... 01
13 to 18 months ago,between a year and a year and a half, 02
19 to 24 monthsbetween a year and a half and two years ago, or
more than 24 months2 years ago?..................................... 04
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

03

(E1=01)

E5.

How many hours per week do you usually work at {this job/(your main job}?
PROBE: Include overtime if you usually work overtime.
|

|

| HOURS PER WEEK
WEEK

(1-60)

(E6)

(E6)

(1-168)

(01-80)
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

DRAFT

43

d
r

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

(E5=d OR r)

E5a.

Would you say you work . . .
CODE ONE
Less than 10 hours per week, ......................................... 01
between 10 and 15 hours per week,............................... 02
between 16 and 20 hours per week,............................... 03
between 21 and 25 hours per week,............................... 04
between 26 and 30 hours per week,............................... 05
between 31 and 35 hours per week, or........................... 06
more than 35 hours per week? ....................................... 07
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(E1=01)

E6.

Are you self-employed {at this job/as your main job}?
PROBE: Self-employed means that you work for yourself or own your own business.
YES ................................................................................. 01 (E7a)
NO ................................................................................... 00 (E7a)
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d (E7a)
REFUSED ....................................................................... r (E7a)

E7.

Now please think about the time just prior to when {you/(NAME)} applied for Social Security Disability, or SSDI,
time you worked for pay. How many jobs did {you/(NAME)} have just before {you/he/she}
applied for SSDI benefits?you have when you last worked? Include both part-time and full-time jobs,
as well as any self-employment, but only include jobs you held for pay or profit.
benefits.last

PROBE: SSDI is the Social Security Disability Insurance program sponsored by the Social Security Administration.
SSDI pays benefits to persons who worked long enough to pay social security taxes.
ZERO/NONE........................................................... 00 (E11)

| | NUMBER OF JOBS
(1-5)
NEVER WORKED........................................................... 00 (FLAG AND CONTINUE TO E17)
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d (E8)
REFUSED ....................................................................... r (E8)
(All)

E7a.

PROGRAMMER: CHECK E1. IS E1=01 (YES, CURRENTLY EMPLOYED)?
YES ................................................................................. 01 (E7b)
NO ................................................................................... 00 (E8)

DRAFT

44

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(E7a=01)

E7b.

Was this job withDo

you currently work for the same employer {you/(NAME)} currently {have/has}?that you
had before you started getting Social Security Disability Benefits?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(E12)(E13)

(E7b=00, d OR r)
(E7 NE 00 AND E7b NE 01)

E8.

What kind of work did {you/(NAME)} do on that job?you do [IF E7a=01 FILL “on that job?”, IF E7a=00.
FILL “when you last worked for pay or profit?”]
PROBE: That is, what was your occupation?
INTERVIEWER: ENTER VERBATIM RESPONSE
 _______________________________________________________________
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

d
r

(E7b=00, d OR r)
(E7 NE 00 AND E7b NE 01)

E9.

What kind of business is this?did you work for?
INTERVIEWER: ENTER VERBATIM RESPONSE
PROBE 1:

For what type of organization or industry did you work? For example, accounting
firm, daycare center, educational facility, food services.

PROBE 2:

What does the company you worked for make, sell, or do?

PROBE 3:

Please think of the main job you had before applying for SSDI.

 _________________________________________________________________________________

DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

DRAFT

45

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r

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(E7b=00, d OR r)
(E7 NE 00 AND E7b NE 01)

E9mth. In what month and year did you start working there?at {that job/your main job}?
PROBE: Your best estimate is fine.
INTERVIEWER: ENTER MONTH HERE AND YEAR ON NEXT SCREEN
| | | MONTH
(01-12)
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

d
r

(E7b=00, d OR r)
(E7 NE 00 AND E7b NE 01)

E9yr.

INTERVIEWER: ENTER YEAR
| | | |
(1970-2009)

| YEAR

(E10)

DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

d
r

(E9yr=d OR r)

E9a.

Would you say you began working at this job…that job . . .
PROBE: Your best estimate is fine.
within the past 12 months,year, .......................................... 01
13 to 18 months ago,between a year and a year and a half, 02
19 to 24 monthsbetween a year and a half and two years ago, or
more than 24 months2 years ago?..................................... 04
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

03

(E7 NE 00 AND E7b NE 01)

E10.

How many hours per week did you usually work at your {main} job?
PROBE: Include overtime if you usually worked overtime.
| | | HOURS PER WEEK
(E12)
(01-80)
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

DRAFT

46

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(E10=d OR r)

E11.

Would you say you worked . . .
CODE ONE
less than 10 hours per week, .......................................... 01
between 10 to 15 hours per week,.................................. 02
between 16 to 20 hours per week,.................................. 03
between 21 to 25 hours per week,.................................. 04
between 26 to 30 hours per week,.................................. 05
between 31 to 35 hours per week, or.............................. 06
more than 35 hours per week? ....................................... 07
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(E7 NE 00 AND E7b NE 01)

E12.

Were you self-employed at that job?
PROBE:

Self-employed means that you worked for yourself or owned your own business.
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(E7 NE 00)

E13.

There are a number of special work programs available to people with disabilities. [IF E1=01
FILL “Is your current” IF E7 > 1 FILL “Was your last” job] part of a sheltered workshop program,
transitional employment program, the Business Enterprise Program for the blind, or a supported
employment program?
PROBE:

A sheltered workshop is a program that provides employment with subsidized
wages (or special wages that would not be available in a regular job) for people with
disabilities.

PROBE:

A transitional employment program allows workers with disabilities to work at
reduced levels while they ease back into the workplace.

PROBE:

The Business Enterprise Program for the blind offers legally blind persons the
opportunity to own their own businesses.

PROBE:

Supported employment programs provide job coaches or other on-the-job supports
to help individuals with disabilities get and keep jobs.
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r
GO TO E12

DRAFT

47

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(E1=00, d OR r) (E7=00, d OR r)
E11.

Now think about the past three years, that is, between 2003 and 2006. {Were you/Was (NAME)} employed at anytime
during those years?
YES......................................................................... 01
NO........................................................................... 00 (E17a)
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d (E17a)

REFUSED...............................................................

r (E17a)

(E11=01)
E11a.

{Were you/Was (NAME)} working mostly full-time or mostly part-time during those years?
CODE ONE
MOSTLY FULL-TIME.............................................. 01
MOSTLY PART-TIME............................................. 02
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

(E7 ≥ 01)
E13.

How many hours per week did {you/(NAME)} usually work at {your/his/her} (main) job?
PROBE: Include overtime if {you/he/she} usually worked overtime.
|

|

|

| HOURS PER WEEK (1-60)

(E14)

(1-168)
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

(E13=d OR r)
E13a.

Would you say {you/NAME) worked…
CODE ONE
less than 10 hours per week, .................................. 01
between 10 to 15 hours per week,.......................... 02
between 16 to 20 hours per week,.......................... 03
between 21 to 25 hours per week,.......................... 04
between 26 to 30 hours per week,.......................... 05
between 31 to 35 hours per week, or ..................... 06
more than 35 hours per week? ............................... 07

DRAFT

DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

48

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(E7 ≥ 01)NE 00)
E14.
Forthe purpose of this survey, it is important to collect some information about how much {you were/(NAME) was} paid

these next
questions please think about the (main) job {you/he/she} had just before applying for SSDI benefits.(your
current job/the {main} job you had [IF E7 > 1 FILL “when you last worked for pay or profit).” IF
E7b NE 01, FILL “before you started getting Social Security Disability Benefits.”]
on this job so that we can compare the amounts different people earned before becoming disabled. For

What would be the easiest way for you to report your total earnings before taxes or other
deductions for that(this/that) job—would that be hourly, weekly, bi-weekly, twice monthly, monthly,
annually, oron some other basis?way?
PROBE:

Your main job is the one at which worked the most hours before applying for SSDIyou worked
the most hours.
HOURLY .........................................................................
WEEKLY .........................................................................
BI-WEEKLY.....................................................................
TWICE MONTHLY ..........................................................
MONTHLY.......................................................................
ANNUALLY .....................................................................
OTHER............................................................................
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

01
02
03
04
05
06
07
d
r

(E15)
(E15)
(E15)
(E15)
(E15)
(E15)
(E16)
(E16)

(E14=07)

E14_Other. What is this other basis?
 _______________________________________________________________
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

d
r

(E14=NE d OR r) (E14_Other=ANSWER, d, r)

E15.

What was your usual (hourly/weekly/bi weekly/twice monthly/monthly/annual) pay, including tips
and commissions on this job before taxes or other deductions were taken?
PROBE: Your best estimate is fine.
INTERVIEWER: PLEASE ENTER CENTS AFTER DECIMAL POINT, INCLUDING 00.
$|

|

|

|,|

|

|

|.|

|

|

(E17a)

|

(E17)
(5.00 – 300,000.00)

DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

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(E14=d OR r) (E15=d OR r)

E16.

I’ll read you some ranges. Please try to estimate {your/(NAME’s)} regular earnings per hour.your annual
pay. Would you say you earned . . .
PROBE:

IF LESS THAN $5.00 AN HOUR:

Does this include tips and commissions?

less than $5.00 an hour, ......................................... 01
between $5.01 and $7.00 an hour, ......................... 02
between $7.01 and $9.00 an hour, ......................... 03
between $9.01 and $11.00 an hour, or ................... 04
more than $11.00 an hour?................................................................... 05Less

.................................................................................... 01
$10,000 or more, but less than $20,000, ........................
$20,000 or more but less than $30,000, .........................
$30,000 or more but less than $40,000, .........................
$40,000 or more but less than $50,000, .........................
$50,000 or more but less than $75,000, .........................
$75,000 or more but less than $100,000, or ...................
more than $100,000? ......................................................
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

than $10,000,

02
03
04
05
06
07
08
d
r

(All)

E17a.

Now, please tell me how true the following statements are for you.
You see yourself working for pay in the nextyear?
PROBE AS NEEDED:two

years. Would you say this is definitely true, somewhat true, or not at all

true for you?
DEFINITELY TRUE......................................................... 01
SOMEWHAT TRUE ........................................................ 02
NOT AT ALL TRUE......................................................... 03
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r
(All)
E17b.

You see {yourself/(NAME)} working for pay in the next two years?

(All)

E17a. You see yourself working and earning enough to stop receiving disability benefits in the next two
years.
PROBE AS NEEDED:

Would you say this is definitely true, somewhat true, or not at all true for you?

DEFINITELY TRUE......................................................... 01
SOMEWHAT TRUE ........................................................ 02
NOT AT ALL TRUE......................................................... 03
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

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(All)
E17c.

You see {yourself/(NAME)} working and earning enough to stop receiving disability benefits in the next two years?

(E1 NE 01; PROGRAMMER: IF E1=01, GO TO E21)

E18.

Now, I am going to read you some reasons why people are sometimes unable to work. Please
tell me how true these reasons are for you.
You would need special equipment or medical devices that you do not currently have in order to
work.
PROBE AS NEEDED: Would you say this is definitely true, somewhat true, or not at all true for
you?
DEFINITELY TRUE......................................................... 01
SOMEWHAT TRUE ........................................................ 02
NOT AT ALL TRUE......................................................... 03
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(E1 NE 01)

E18a. You do not have the personal assistance you need to get ready for work each day.
PROBE: This includes things like dressing and bathing.
PROBE AS NEEDED: Would you say this is definitely true, somewhat true, or not at all true for
you for why you are unable to work?
DEFINITELY TRUE......................................................... 01
SOMEWHAT TRUE ........................................................ 02
NOT AT ALL TRUE......................................................... 03
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(E1 NE 01)

E18b. You cannot get the help that you need caring for children or others.
PROBE AS NEEDED: Would you say this is definitely true, somewhat true, or not at all true for
you for why you are unable to work?
DEFINITELY TRUE......................................................... 01
SOMEWHAT TRUE ........................................................ 02
NOT AT ALL TRUE......................................................... 03
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

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(E1 NE 01)

E18c.

You do not have reliable transportation to and from a job.
PROBE AS NEEDED: Would you say this is definitely true, somewhat true, or not at all true for
you for why you are unable to work?
DEFINITELY TRUE......................................................... 01
SOMEWHAT TRUE ........................................................ 02
NOT AT ALL TRUE......................................................... 03
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(E1 NE 01)

E18d. Most jobs don’t offer a flexible enough schedule.
PROBE AS NEEDED: Would you say this is definitely true, somewhat true, or not at all true for
you for why you are unable to work?
DEFINITELY TRUE......................................................... 01
SOMEWHAT TRUE ........................................................ 02
NOT AT ALL TRUE......................................................... 03
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(E1 NE 01)

E18e. Most jobs you would be offered don’t pay enough.
PROBE AS NEEDED: Would you say this is definitely true, somewhat true, or not at all true for
you for why you are unable to work?
DEFINITELY TRUE......................................................... 01
SOMEWHAT TRUE ........................................................ 02
NOT AT ALL TRUE......................................................... 03
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r
(E1 NE 01)

E18f.

Most jobs don’t offer health insurance benefits.
PROBE AS NEEDED: Would you say this is definitely true, somewhat true, or not at all true for
you for why you are unable to work?
DEFINITELY TRUE......................................................... 01
SOMEWHAT TRUE ........................................................ 02
NOT AT ALL TRUE......................................................... 03
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

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(E1 NE 01)

E18g. You would lose benefits you need like Social Security, private disability insurance, workers’
compensation, or Medicaid, if you accepted a job.
PROBE AS NEEDED: Would you say this is definitely true, somewhat true, or not at all true for
you for why you are unable to work?
DEFINITELY TRUE......................................................... 01
SOMEWHAT TRUE ........................................................ 02
NOT AT ALL TRUE......................................................... 03
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(E1 NE 01)

E18h. You are too sick to work.
PROBE AS NEEDED: Would you say this is definitely true, somewhat true, or not at all true for
you for why you are unable to work?
DEFINITELY TRUE......................................................... 01
SOMEWHAT TRUE ........................................................ 02
NOT AT ALL TRUE......................................................... 03
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(E1 NE 01)

E18i.

You have too much pain to work.
PROBE AS NEEDED: Would you say this is definitely true, somewhat true, or not at all true for
you for why you are unable to work?
DEFINITELY TRUE......................................................... 01
SOMEWHAT TRUE ........................................................ 02
NOT AT ALL TRUE......................................................... 03
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

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(E1 NE 01)

E18j.

You have a hard time getting along with people at work.
PROBE AS NEEDED: Would you say this is definitely true, somewhat true, or not at all true for
you for why you are unable to work?
DEFINITELY TRUE......................................................... 01
SOMEWHAT TRUE ........................................................ 02
NOT AT ALL TRUE......................................................... 03
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(E1 NE 01)

E18k.

You have trouble dealing with stress at work.
PROBE AS NEEDED: Would you say this is definitely true, somewhat true, or not at all true for
you for why you are unable to work?
DEFINITELY TRUE......................................................... 01
SOMEWHAT TRUE ........................................................ 02
NOT AT ALL TRUE......................................................... 03
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(E18g=01 or 02)

E19.

You said that you believe that if you accepted a job you would lose benefits you needed such as
Social Security, disability insurance, workers’ compensation, or Medicaid.
What benefits were you worried about losing?
PROBE: Anything else?
READ IF NECESSARY
CODE ALL THAT APPLY
PRIVATE DISABILITY INSURANCE ..............................
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION.......................................
VETERANS’ BENEFITS .................................................
MEDICARE .....................................................................
MEDICAID.......................................................................
SSA DISABILITY BENEFITS ..........................................
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE OR WELFARE ..........................
FOOD STAMPS ..............................................................
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES (PAS)...............
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS .......................................
OTHER STATE DISABILITY BENEFITS........................
OTHER GOVERNMENT BENEFITS ..............................
OTHER............................................................................
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

DRAFT

54

01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
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(E19=13)

E19_other. What other benefits?
 _______________________________________________________________
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

d
r

(E18g=01 or 02)

E20.

There are many ways people find out about how working will affect their benefits. For example,
some people call the Social Security office, some search the internet, and others contact disability
service organizations. Did you contact anyone or do any of these things in order to find out how
your benefits would be affected if you went to work?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(All)

E21.

Now I would like to ask you a few general questions about the rules for receiving Social Security
Disability Benefits. You can tell me what your best guess is in response to these questions.
Don’t worry about it if you don’t know the exact answer.
ADD IF NECESSARY: The Social Security Administration would like to know how well people
understand SSDI rules and regulations.
In general, once a person starts receiving Social Security Disability cash benefits, how many
months does he or she need to wait before becoming eligible for Medicare?
|

|

| NUMBER OF MONTHS (0-98)

IT VARIES ....................................................................... 99
NONE, CAN RECEIVE IMMEDIATELY.......................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(All)

E22.

As of today, how many months will you have to wait until you become eligible for Medicare?
PROBE: Your best estimate is fine.
|

|

| NUMBER OF MONTHS (0-98)

DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

DRAFT

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(All)

E23.

Can a person who is getting Social Security Disability Benefits continue to receive Medicare while
working?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(All)

E24.

Can a person continue to receive Social Security cash benefits while working?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(All)

E25.

If you take a job or become self-employed and you are still disabled, you will be eligible for a trial
work period. For how many months can you continue to receive cash benefits during a trial work
period?
PROBE: Your best estimate is fine.
|

|

| NUMBER OF MONTHS (0-98)

IT VARIES ....................................................................... 99
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(All)
E26.

In what month and year will {you/(NAME)} begin to receive Medicare?
INTERVIEWER: SELECT MONTH
JANUARY ............................................................... 01
FEBRUARY ............................................................ 02
MARCH................................................................... 03
APRIL...................................................................... 04
MAY ........................................................................ 05
JUNE....................................................................... 06
JULY ....................................................................... 07
AUGUST ................................................................. 08
SEPTEMBER.......................................................... 09
OCTOBER .............................................................. 10
NOVEMBER ........................................................... 11
DECEMBER............................................................ 12

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INTERVIEWER: ENTER YEAR
| 2 | 0 |

|

| YEAR (2007-2009)

DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

(All)
E27.

If {you take/(NAME) takes} a job or {become/becomes} self-employed and {you are/(he/she) is} still disabled, {you/he/she}
will be eligible for a trial work period. For how many months can {you/he/she} continue to receive cash benefits during a
trial work period?
|

|

| NUMBER OF MONTHS (0-98)

IT VARIES............................................................... 99
DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

(All)

E26.

If you continue to work beyond the trial work period, you can continue to receive Social Security
Disability benefits for another 36 months provided your earnings are not “substantial.” How much
money can you earn each month and continue to receive benefits?
PROBE: Your best estimate is fine.
$|

|,|

|

|

|.00 AMOUNT PER MONTH (0-5,000)

DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

d
r

(All)

E27.

Can a person who is receiving Social Security Disability benefits get help with education, training
or rehabilitation so that he or she can start a new line of work?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(All)

E28.

Do you remember whether you received an information booklet called “What you need to know
when you get Social Security disability benefits” when you received your award notice?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00 (F1)
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d (F1)
REFUSED ....................................................................... r (F1)

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(E28=01)

E28a. Have you had a chance to read the information booklet?
YES ................................................................................. 01
SOME OF IT/SKIMMED IT.............................................. 02
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

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SECTION F: HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION AND INCOME
(All)

F1.

My next questions are about your household. By household I mean people who live with you and
share living expenses, for whom you provide financial support, or who provide you with financial
support.
How many adults 18 years of age or older live in your household, including yourself?
PROBE:

This includes all adults who usually live there, even if they are temporarily away on
business, on vacation, in a hospital, away at school, or on military duty.
|

|

| ADULTS

(1-4)
(1-20)

(01-10)
LIVES IN A GROUP HOME ........................................... 99 (F8)
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r
(All)
(F1 NE 99)

F2.

How many children under 18 years of age live in your household?
PROBE:

This includes all children who usually live there, even if they are temporarily away on
vacation, in a hospital, or away at school.
ZERO/NONE ................................................................... 00 (F5)
|

|

| CHILDREN

(1-6)
(0-20)(01-10)

DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

d (F4a)
r (F4a)

(F2 ≥ 01)

F3.

For how many children under age 18 are you a primary provider or caregiver?
ZERO...............................................................................
ONE.................................................................................
TWO ................................................................................
THREE ............................................................................
FOUR ..............................................................................
FIVE OR MORE ..............................................................
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

DRAFT

59

00 (F5)
01
02
03
04
05
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(F3 ≥ 01) OR (F2= d OR r)

F4a.

How old is the (youngest) child you care for?

PROGRAMMER: FILL YOUNGEST IF F3>01
| | | ENTER AGE IN YEARS
(01-17)
LESS THAN ONE YEAR................................................. 01
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r
PROGRAMMER: IF F3 < 02, GO TO F5. IF F3 > 02, GO TO F4b.

(F3 ≥ 01)

F4b.

How old is the oldest child you care for?
| | | ENTER AGE IN YEARS
(01-17)

(All)

F5.

PROGRAMMER: DOES SAMPLE MEMBER LIVE ALONE; THAT IS, F1=01 AND F2=00?
YES ................................................................................. 01 (F7)
NO ................................................................................... 00

(All)
(PROGRAMMER: IF F1=01 AND E1=01GO TO F7)

F6.

Now please think back to last year. How many of the {FILL SUM OF F1 PLUS F2} people in your
household worked at a job for pay last year?
| | |
(01-10)
ZERO/NONE ................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

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(All)

F7.

Now, please think back to last year. ([IF

F6>1, SAY: Counting everyone in your household who worked
for pay last year], what was your total household income in 20062007 was . . ? Please include
benefits, earnings, and all other sources of income.
Was it:
Less than $10,000,.......................................................... 01
$10,000 to $20,000,..................................................... 02
$20,000 to $30,000, ........................................................ 03
$30,000 to $40,000, ........................................................ 04
$40,000 to $50,000, ........................................................ 05
$50,000 toor

more, but less than $20,000,.........................
$20,000 or more but less than $30,000, .........................
$30,000 or more but less than $40,000, .........................
$40,000 or more but less than $50,000, .........................
$50,000 or more but less than $75,000, .........................
$75,000 toor more but less than $100,000, or.................
more than $100,000? ......................................................
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

02
03
04
05
06
07
08
d
r

own your home,...............................................................
rent your home, ...............................................................
Live with family or friends and contributepay part of the
rent or mortgage,..........................................................
Live with family or friends and not pay, ...........................
Live in a group shelter, ....................................................
Live in an assisted living facility, or .................................
Live in some other housing arrangement?......................
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

01 (G1)
02 (F9)

(All)

F8.

Do you…

03
04
05
06
07
d
r

(F9)
(F9)
(G1)
(G1)
(F9)
(F9)

(F8=06)
(F8=07)

F8_Other. What is your living arrangement?

DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................
(F8 NE 01)

DRAFT

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(F8=02,03,04,d OR r)

F9.

Do you live in public housing, for example, housing owned by the Housing Authority or the
Housing Commission?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(F8 NE 01 OR 05)
(F8=02,03,04,d OR r)

F10.

Does your household receive Section 8 rental assistance?
PROBE:

This voucher program lets you choose where you live and, if the landlord agrees, the
Housing Authority or the Housing Commission or other city rental assistance program
will pay part of your rent.
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(F8 NE 01)
(F8=02,03,04,d OR r)

F11.

Does your household pay a reduced rent because it meets low-income eligibility requirements?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

DRAFT

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SECTION G: BACKGROUND
(All)

G1.

We’re almost finished. I just have a few final questions about you.
What is the highest year or grade you finished in school?
INTERVIEWER:

IF ATTENDED SCHOOL BUT COMPLETED LESS THAN HIGH SCHOOL,
CODE AS 1. IF NEVER ATTENDED SCHOOL, CODE AS 10.

INTERVIEWER:

IF RESPONDENT SAYS THEY WERE HOME SCHOOLED, PROBE FOR
HIGHEST YEAR, GRADE, DEGREE, OR CERTIFICATE COMPLETED.

INTERVIEWER:

IF RESPONDENT SAYS HIGH SCHOOL, PROBE: Did {you/(NAME)}
receive a diploma, GED, or certificate of completion?
CODE ONE

DID NOT COMPLETE HIGH SCHOOL OR GED ......................
HIGH SCHOOL: DIPLOMA.......................................................
HIGH SCHOOL: GED ...............................................................
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION.............................................
SOME COLLEGE/SOME POSTSECONDARY
VOCATIONAL COURSES ......................................................
2-YEAR OR 3-YEAR COLLEGE DEGREE (ASSOCIATE’S
DEGREE) OR VOCATIONAL SCHOOL DIPLOMA................
4-YEAR COLLEGE DEGREE (BACHELOR’S DEGREE) .........
SOME GRADUATE WORK/NO GRADUATE DEGREE............
GRADUATE OR PROFESSIONAL DEGREE
(e.g., MA, MBA, Ph.D., JD, MD)..............................................
NEVER ATTENDED SCHOOL ..................................................
DON’T KNOW ............................................................................
REFUSED ..................................................................................

01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
d
r

(All)

G2.

Are you now married, living with a partner, separated, divorced, widowed, or have you never
been married?
CODE ONE
MARRIED...................................................................................
LIVING WITH PARTNER ...........................................................
SEPARATED..............................................................................
DIVORCED ................................................................................
WIDOWED .................................................................................
NEVER MARRIED .....................................................................
DON’T KNOW ............................................................................
REFUSED ..................................................................................

DRAFT

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02
03
04
05
06
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(All)

G3.

Are you of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?
YES ................................................................................. 01
NO ................................................................................... 00
DON’T KNOW ................................................................. d
REFUSED ....................................................................... r

(All)

G4.

I’m going to read you a list of races. {In addition to being Hispanic, please/Please} tell me which
best describes your race. Are you . . .
CODE ALL THAT APPLY

DRAFT

White, ..............................................................................
Black or African-American,..............................................
Asian,...............................................................................
American Indian or Alaskan Native, or............................
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander?...............................
MULTIRACIAL.................................................................
HISPANIC .......................................................................
OTHER (SPECIFY) .........................................................

01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08

___________________________________________
DON’T KNOW .................................................................
REFUSED .......................................................................

d
r

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SECTION H: CONTACT INFORMATION AND STUDY GROUP ASSIGNMENT
(All)

H1.

PROGRAMMER:

IF WE HAVE NAME, ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER FROM EITHER
THE SCREENER OR FROM THE OTHER PRELOADED INFORMATION
DISPLAY THAT NAME, ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER.

That concludes this interview. Please verify your current contact information so that I can send
you the consent materials. Is your current address and phone number . . . READ FROM
PRELOADS
SAME AS PROVIDED ............................................................... 00 (H3)
INCORRECT INFORMATION ABOVE, NEED TO ENTER
NEW INFORMATION.............................................................. 01
DON’T KNOW ............................................................................ d
REFUSED .................................................................................. r

(H1=01, d, OR r)

H2.

UPDATE INFORMATION BELOW
What is the correct spelling of your name and your current mailing address and phone number?
PROBE: Is there an apartment number?
NAME (VERIFY SPELLING) ______________________________
ADDRESS LINE 1
ADDRESS LINE 2
CITY/TOWN
STATE
ZIP CODE
TELEPHONE

H2ck.

PROGRAMMER: CHECK PRELOADED ADDRESS AT H1 AND ENTERED ADDRESS LINES
1 AND 2 AT H2. ARE THESE FIELDS LONGER THAN 25-30 CHARACTERS?
YES ............................................................................................ 01 (ADDck1)
NO .............................................................................................. 00 (H2a)

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ADDck1. Your address is longer than my computer will accept. Please tell me how to best abbreviate
your street address.
ADDRESS LINE 1
ADDRESS LINE 2
PROGRAMMER: DON’T ALLOW INTERVIEWER TO MOVE FORWARD UNTIL ADDRESS FILLED
MEETS LENGTH CRITERION.
(All)

H2a.

Do you have a cell phone number?
YES ............................................................................................ 01
NO .............................................................................................. 00 (H3)
DON’T KNOW ............................................................................ d (H3)
REFUSED .................................................................................. r (H3)

(H2a=01)

H2b.

What is your cell phone number?

DON’T KNOW ............................................................................
REFUSED ..................................................................................

d
r

(All)

H3.

Do you have an email address?
YES ............................................................................................ 01
NO .............................................................................................. 00 (H5)
DON’T KNOW ............................................................................ d (H5)
REFUSED .................................................................................. r (H5)

(H3=01)

H4.

What is your email address?

DON’T KNOW ............................................................................
REFUSED ..................................................................................

DRAFT

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(All)

H5.

INTERVIEWER: ARE YOU SPEAKING WITH , OR A PROXY(NAME) OR AN INTERPRETER?
NAME ......................................................................................... 01 (H10)
INTERPRETER .......................................................................... 02
PROXY ................................................................... 03

(H5=02)

H6.

What is the correct spelling of your full name?
INTERVIEWER: PRESS 1 TO CONTINUE
NAME: DISPLAY PROXY’S/INTERPRETER’SNAME:

DISPLAY INTERPRETER’S FULL
NAME FROM SCREENER OR PRELOADED INFORMATION WITH FIRSTFULL NAME
BOLD}
FIRSTFULL

NAME: 

DON’T KNOW ............................................................................
REFUSED ..................................................................................

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(H5=02)

H7.

What isthe correct spelling of your name and your current mailing address and phone number?
PROGRAMMER: DISPLAY PROXY’SINTERPRETER’S FULL ADDRESS IF AVAILABLE
PROGRAMMER: ADD OPTION TO FILL “SAME AS R”
PROBE: Is there an apartment number?
NAME (VERIFY SPELLING)________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS LINE 1______________________________________________________
ADDRESS LINE 2______________________________________________________
CITY/TOWN __________________________________________________________
STATE ______________________________________________________________
ZIP CODE ____________________________________________________________
TELEPHONE _________________________________________________________

DRAFT

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H7ck.

PROGRAMMER: CHECK ADDRESS LINES 1 AND 2 FIELDS AT H7. ARE THESE FIELDS
LONGER THAN 25-30 CHARACTERS?
YES ............................................................................................ 01 (ADDck2)
NO .............................................................................................. 00 (H7a)

ADDck2. Your address is longer than my computer will accept. Please tell me how to best abbreviate
your street address.

ADDRESS LINE 1
ADDRESS LINE 2
PROGRAMMER: DON’T ALLOW INTERVIEWER TO MOVE FORWARD UNTIL ADDRESS FILLED
MEETS LENGTH CRITERION.

(H5=02)

H7a.

Do you have a cell phone number?
YES ............................................................................................ 01
NO .............................................................................................. 00 (H8)
DON’T KNOW ............................................................................ d (H8)
REFUSED .................................................................................. r (H8)

(H7a=01)

H7b.

What is your cell phone number?

DON’T KNOW ............................................................................
REFUSED ..................................................................................

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(H5=02)

H8.

Do you have an email address?
YES ............................................................................................ 01
NO .............................................................................................. 00 (H10)
DON’T KNOW ............................................................................ d (H10)
REFUSED .................................................................................. r (H10)

DRAFT

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(H8=01)

H9.

What is your email address?

DON’T KNOW ............................................................................
REFUSED ..................................................................................

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H10.

To whom should we make the $25.00 check for completing the interview payable?
SAMPLE MEMBER .................................................................... 01 (H12)
INTERPRETER .......................................................................... 02 (H12)
SOMEONE ELSE....................................................................... 03
DON’T KNOW ............................................................................ d (H12)
REFUSED .................................................................................. r (H12)

(H10=03)

H11.

What is the name and address of the person we should send the check to?
NAME
ADDRESS LINE 1
ADDRESS LINE 2
CITY/TOWN
STATE
ZIP CODE
TELEPHONE

H11ck. PROGRAMMER: CHECK ADDRESS LINES 1 AND 2 FIELDS AT H11. ARE THESE FIELDS
LONGER THAN 25-30 CHARACTERS?
YES ............................................................................................ 01 (ADDck3)
NO .............................................................................................. 00 (H11a)

DRAFT

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ADDck3. Your address is longer than my computer will accept. Please tell me how to best abbreviate
your street address.
ADDRESS LINE 1
ADDRESS LINE 2
PROGRAMMER: DON’T ALLOW INTERVIEWER TO MOVE FORWARD UNTIL ADDRESS FILLED
MEETS LENGTH CRITERION.
H11a. What is {FILL NAME FROM H11} relationship to you?
(NAME’s) SPOUSE/PARTNER..................................................
(NAME’s) MOTHER ...................................................................
(NAME’s) FATHER.....................................................................
(NAME’s) CHILD ........................................................................
GRANDPARENT OF (NAME)....................................................
BROTHER/SISTER OF (NAME)................................................
AUNT/UNCLE OF (NAME) ........................................................
OTHER RELATIVE OF (NAME) ................................................
NOT RELATED ..........................................................................
STAFF AT RESIDENCE ............................................................
DON’T KNOW ............................................................................
REFUSED ..................................................................................
H12.

01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
d
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We will mail the check for $25.00 to you at {FILL ADDRESS} within the next two weeks. We
would like to contact you again in about six months and then again in about a year and a half to
see how you are doing and update our information. In case we have trouble reaching you, what
is the name, address, and phone number of a close relative or friend who is not living with you
and is likely to know your location in the future? For example, your mother, father, brother, sister,
aunt, uncle, or close friend.
Who is your contact person?
CONTACT PERSON 1
ADD CONTACT ......................................................................... 01
NO CONTACT............................................................................ 00 (H17)
DON’T KNOW ............................................................................ d (H17)
REFUSED .................................................................................. r (H17)

DRAFT

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(H12=01)

H13.

What is that person’s name and address?
NAME
ADDRESS LINE 1
ADDRESS LINE 2
CITY/TOWN
STATE
ZIP CODE

H13ck. PROGRAMMER: CHECK ADDRESS LINES 1 AND 2 FIELDS AT H13. ARE THESE FIELDS
LONGER THAN 25-30 CHARACTERS?
YES ............................................................................................ 01 (ADDck4)
NO .............................................................................................. 00 (H2a)
ADDck4. Your address is longer than my computer will accept. Please tell me how to best abbreviate
your street address.
ADDRESS LINE 1
ADDRESS LINE 2
PROGRAMMER: DON’T ALLOW INTERVIEWER TO MOVE FORWARD UNTIL ADDRESS FILLED
MEETS LENGTH CRITERION.
(H12=01)

H13a. Please give me the telephone number, area code first.

DON’T KNOW ...........................................................................
REFUSED .................................................................................

d
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(H12=01)

H13b. Do you have a cell phone, pager number or email address for [NAME AT H13]?
YES ........................................................................................... 01
NO ............................................................................................. 00 (H14)
DON’T KNOW ........................................................................... d (H14)
REFUSED ................................................................................. r (H14)

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(H13b=01)

H13c. What is [NAME AT H13]’s cell phone number? Please give me the number, area code first.

What is {his/her} pager number? Please give me the number, area code first.

What is {his/her} email address?

DON’T KNOW ...........................................................................
REFUSED .................................................................................

d
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(H12=01)

H14.

How is [NAME AT H13] related to you, if at all?
(NAME’s) SPOUSE/PARTNER................................................. 01
(NAME’s) MOTHER .................................................................. 02
(NAME’s) FATHER.................................................................... 03
(NAME’s) CHILD ....................................................................... 04
GRANDPARENT OF (NAME)................................................... 05
BROTHER/SISTER OF (NAME)............................................... 06
AUNT/UNCLE OF (NAME) ....................................................... 07
OTHER RELATIVE OF (NAME) ............................................... 08
NOT RELATED ......................................................................... 09
STAFF AT RESIDENCE ........................................................... 10
DON’T KNOW ........................................................................... d
REFUSED ................................................................................. r

(H15)
(H15)
(H15)
(H15)
(H15)
(H15)
(H15)
(H15)
(H15)
(H15)
(H15)
(H15)

(H14=08)

H14_Other. How is CP1 related to {you/(NAME)}?

DON’T KNOW ...........................................................................
REFUSED .................................................................................

DRAFT

72

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CONTACT PERSON 2
H15.

Please give me the name and address of another person who would always know how to reach
you.
YES ........................................................................................... 01
NO ............................................................................................. 00 (H17)
DON’T KNOW ........................................................................... d (H17)
REFUSED ................................................................................. r (H17)
NAME
ADDRESS LINE 1
ADDRESS LINE 2
CITY/TOWN
STATE
ZIP CODE
FIRST NAME: 
DON’T KNOW ...........................................................................
REFUSED .................................................................................

d (H17)
r (H17)

H15ck. PROGRAMMER: CHECK ADDRESS LINES 1 AND 2 FIELDS AT H15. ARE THESE FIELDS
LONGER THAN 25-30 CHARACTERS?
YES ............................................................................................ 01 (ADDck5)
NO .............................................................................................. 00 (H15a)
ADDck5. Your address is longer than my computer will accept. Please tell me how to best abbreviate
your street address.
ADDRESS LINE 1
ADDRESS LINE 2
PROGRAMMER: DON’T ALLOW INTERVIEWER TO MOVE FORWARD UNTIL ADDRESS FILLED
MEETS LENGTH CRITERION.

DRAFT

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(H15=01)

H15a. Please give me the telephone number, area code first.

DON’T KNOW ..........................................................................
REFUSED ................................................................................

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(H15=01)

H15b. Do you have a cell phone, pager number or email address for [NAME AT H15]?
YES ........................................................................................... 01
NO ............................................................................................. 00 (H16)
DON’T KNOW ........................................................................... d (H16)
REFUSED ................................................................................. r (H16)

(H15b=01)

H15c. What is {his/her} cell phone number? Please give me the number, area code first.

What is {his/her} pager number? Please give me the number, area code first.

What is {his/her} email address?

DON’T KNOW ...........................................................................
REFUSED .................................................................................

d
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(H15=01)

H16.

How is {he/she} related to you, if at all?
(NAME’s) SPOUSE/PARTNER................................................. 01
(NAME’s) MOTHER .................................................................. 02
(NAME’s) FATHER.................................................................... 03
(NAME’s) CHILD ....................................................................... 04
GRANDPARENT OF (NAME)................................................... 05
BROTHER/SISTER OF (NAME)............................................... 06
AUNT/UNCLE OF (NAME) ....................................................... 07
OTHER RELATIVE OF (NAME) ............................................... 08
NOT RELATED ......................................................................... 09
STAFF AT RESIDENCE ........................................................... 10
DON’T KNOW ........................................................................... d
REFUSED ................................................................................. r

DRAFT

74

(H17)
(H17)
(H17)
(H17)
(H17)
(H17)
(H17)
(H17)
(H17)
(H17)
(H17)
(H17)

Prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

(H16=08)
H16_Other. How is CP2 related to {you/(NAME)}?

DON’T KNOW.........................................................

d

REFUSED...............................................................

r

ASSIGNED TO AB BASIC HEALTH PLAN
H17.

That was the last question I had. As I mentioned at the beginning of the interview, our computer
randomly assigns participants to one of three groups. At this point I have very good news: you
have been randomly assigned to the group that is eligible to receive health benefits. I’d like to tell
you a little bit about your benefits:
As a member of the AB group, you will receive a health plan that pays for most of your health
care costs. You will be asked to pay $12 whenever you see a doctor in the AB network. You can
use up to $100,000 in health care benefits. You can use the health benefit until you become
eligible for Medicare, or until the project ends.
Do you understand these benefits?
YES ........................................................................................... 01 (H17b)
NO ............................................................................................. 00 (ANSWER QUESTIONS,

THEN

GO TO H17a)

PROGRAMMER: MAKE HEALTH PLAN FAQs AVAILABLE FROM THIS SCREEN.
H17a. Did the information I provided answer your question(s)?
YES ........................................................................................... 01 (H17b)
NO ............................................................................................. 00 (INTERVIEWER: PROVIDE
CLARIFICATIONS THEN, GO
TO H17b)

H17b. We will be mailing you further information about the benefits. The information includes a toll free
number for POMCO, the benefits administrator, that you can call if you have any questions.
Please review the information when you receive it.
Once again, congratulations, and we will be in touch with you in the future to see how you are
doing.
GO TO THNX

DRAFT

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ASSIGNED TO AB HEALTH PLAN PLUS
H18.

That was the last question I had. As I mentioned at the beginning of the interview, our computer
randomly assigns participants to one of three groups. At this point I have very good news: you
have been randomly assigned to the group that is eligible to receive health benefits and additional
services that may make it easier for you to gain more independence. I’d like to tell you a little bit
about your benefits:
As a member of the AB Plus group, you will receive a health plan that pays for most of your
health care costs. You will be asked to pay $12 whenever you see a doctor in the AB network.
You can use up to $100,000 in health care benefits. In addition, you will be able to work with a
team of health coaches, nurses and employment counselors, who can help you improve your
health, achieve your goals and access the supports that you need. You can use the health
benefit until you become eligible for Medicare, or until the project ends.
Do you understand these benefits?
YES ........................................................................................... 01 (H18b)
NO ............................................................................................. 00 (ANSWER QUESTIONS,
THEN GO TO H18a)

PROGRAMMER: MAKE HEALTH PLAN FAQs AVAILABLE FROM THIS SCREEN.
H18a. Did the information I provided answer your question(s)?
YES ........................................................................................... 01 (H18b)
NO ............................................................................................. 00 (INTERVIEWER: PROVIDE
CLARIFICATIONS THEN, GO TO
H18b)

H18b. We will be mailing you further information about the benefits. The information includes a toll free
number for POMCO, the benefits administrator that you can call if you have any questions.
Please review the information when you receive it.
Once again, congratulations, and we will be in touch with you in the future to see how you are
doing.
GO TO THNX
ASSIGNED TO CONTROL GROUP
H19aa.

DRAFT

That was the last question I had. As I mentioned at the beginning of the interview, our
computer will randomly assign participants to one of three groups. The answers you provided
today will not affect which group you are in. We will send you a letter that notifies you of your
assignment when we mail the $25 we promised to send to thank you for completing this
interview.

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(All)

THNX. (That was my last question.) Thank you very much for your time. Best wishes to you.

INTERVIEWER: TURN OFF THE RECORDER
H19.

INTERVIEWER: CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX BELOW.
PROGRAMMER: MAKE FAQs AVAILABLE FROM THIS SCREEN.
SAMPLE MEMBER ACCEPTS ASSIGNMENT........................ 01
SAMPLE MEMBER REFUSES AFTER
ASSIGNMENT........................................................................ 02

H20.

FLAG FOR SUPERVISOR
REVIEW/SPECIAL
HANDLING.

PROGRAMMER: CHECK D3e, D3e_a, D4b, D4b_a, D5b, D5b_a, D6b, and D6b_a FOR
VERBATIM RESPONSE ENTRIES. IF VERBATIM RESPONSES WERE ENTERED, GO BACK
TO EACH ITEM AND ALLOW INTERVIEWER TO BACK CODE THESE ITEMS. THEN, GO TO
I1.
CODE ALL THAT APPLY
COST/INSURANCE
COULD NOT AFFORD IT/TOO EXPENSIVE...................................................................................
NO INSURANCE ..............................................................................................................................
INSURANCE DID NOT COVER .......................................................................................................
DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL DID NOT ACCEPT INSURANCE............................................................
DENIED APPROVAL OR REFERRAL TO SEE SPECIALIST BY INSURANCE COMPANY...........
AWAITING APPROVAL OR REFERRAL FROM INSURANCE COMPANY TO SEE SPECIALIST.
ACCESS
COULD NOT GET CONVENIENT APPOINTMENT .......................................................................
TRANSPORTATION PROBLEM ......................................................................................................
WAITING FOR UPCOMING APPOINTMENT/SCHEDULED ...........................................................
COULD NOT FIND SPECIALISTS KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT CONDITION ...............................
PHYSICAL ACCESS PROBLEM (E.G., WHEELCHAIR RAMP,
ACCESSIBLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT)........................................................................................
DOCTORS DON’T WANT TO TREAT PEOPLE WITH THIS DISABILITY......................................
QUALITY
DID NOT LIKE DOCTOR OR DOCTOR’S ADVICE .........................................................................
WENT TO ANOTHER DOCTOR INSTEAD .....................................................................................
PROBLEMS AT PLACE—LONG WAIT, NO BATHROOM, NOT ACCESSIBLE..............................
CLINIC/OFFICE IN UNSAFE NEIGHBORHOOD.............................................................................
DOCTORS DON’T SPEND ENOUGH TIME ....................................................................................
INSENSITIVE/DISRESPECTFUL DOCTORS/MEDICAL STAFF
(NEGATIVE ATTITUDES, MISPERCEPTION ABOUT DISABILITY) ............................................
POOR COORDINATION OF CARE WITH OTHER MEDICAL PROVIDERS...................................
AVOIDANCE/ALTERNATIVES
WAS AFRAID ...................................................................................................................................
THOUGHT PROBLEM WOULD GO AWAY, OR PROBLEM WENT AWAY ....................................
USED HOME REMEDY ...................................................................................................................
HEALTH GOT WORSE ....................................................................................................................
HEALTH OF OTHER FAMILY MEMBER INTERFERED .................................................................
OTHER REASONS
DENIED APPROVAL FOR DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (DME) OR REPAIR OF DME .......
AWAITING APPROVAL FOR DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (DME) OR REPAIR OF DME ...
OTHER.............................................................................................................................................
DON’T KNOW ..................................................................................................................................
REFUSED ........................................................................................................................................

DRAFT

77

01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
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ATTACHMENT 2
SUMMARY OF CHANGES TO THE AB BASELINE QUESTIONNAIRE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES TO THE AB BASELINE QUESTIONNAIRE
Section
A. Screener

Change

Rationale

− For people who volunteer at the introduction
that they have health insurance, train
interviewers to collect the type of insurance
held by the sample member, and allow
interviewers to enter data in Section B
(automatic screen out in Section A).

− Ten people reported that they had insurance
during the introduction. These people did not
complete Section B (the insurance screener)
and therefore were not counted in our
estimate of insurance rates. Our suggested
change will improve our estimate of
insurance rates while minimizing burden on
sample members.

− We will attempt to convince sample members
to complete Section B and would only allow
interviewers to enter data for sample
members when the only alternative would be
a non-interview.
B. Insurance
Screener

− Removed all wording appropriate for proxy
interviews.

− We are not allowing proxy respondents for
the baseline interview.

− Incorporated probe into the question (B1,
B2).

− Improves question clarity and consistency.

− Deleted description of state Medicaid cards
(B1).

− Cards change too frequently, and there are too
many variations within a state for this to be
useful.

− Moved information about plans that are
excluded to the beginning of the question
(B9).

− Make exclusions more salient and improve
flow of question.

− Added sample member’s name to first
sentence of consent script (B19).

− Increases sample member’s attention.

− Updated toll-free telephone number (B21).
− Revise consent (B20 and B24).
We
previously said, “Participating in this study
will not in any way affect the amount of cash
benefits you receive even if you return to
work.” Revised to “Being in the study will
not change any of the rules that determine
whether you receive Disability Insurance cash
benefits”.

− The revision improves the accuracy of the
information we are providing to beneficiaries.

− Revised B21 to incorporate language required
by SSA.

− Improves clarity about SSA’s role on the
project, uses of data, and the duration in
which SSA will obtain administrative data for
sample members.

− Revised  so that sample members
who screen out are not told that they are
ineligible because they have insurance unless
they specifically ask for a reason for
ineligibility.

− Intended to reduce the likelihood that sample
members would offer to drop their insurance
coverage in order to get into the
demonstration, and reduces the likelihood that
interviewers will need to explain that in order
to be eligible, sample members must be
uninsured at the time we first speak to them.

79

ATTACHMENT 2 (continued)

Section
C. Health and
Functional Status

Change

Rationale

− Made minor wording changes.
− Added valid values.
Removed all wording appropriate for proxy
interviews.

− We are not allowing proxy respondents for
the baseline interview.

− Removed questions that ask respondents to
self-report the main and secondary
impairments that qualify them for SSDI (C4C6).

− Based on information from the NBS, we do
not expect self-reported condition to match
the impairment of record with SSA. Only the
impairment of record will be used in our
analyses.

− Previously asked about devices used for
reading, hearing, and speaking in one
question. Separated the question to ask
separately about devices used for reading (C8,
C8a).

− The question was double barreled. Some
respondents who use devices for reading may
not need a device for hearing or speaking.
Respondents were confused about how to
answer.

− Revised to ask about limitations using public
transportation and riding as a passenger in a
car separately (C10f, C10g).

− The question was double barreled. Some
respondents who had trouble with one
transportation mode had no problem with the
other and were confused about how to
answer.

− Added SF-6D questions.

− OMB requested that these questions be added
to the baseline because they will be included
on the follow-up survey to inform the costutility analysis.

−

− Reordered questions when the SF-6D was
added to improve overall flow of this section.
− There is some overlap between the PHQ-9
and SF-6D questions required by OMB.
Respondents gave inconsistent answers across
the two measures, complicating the analysis.
Because OMB mandated the SF-6D, we
retained these questions and dropped the
PHQ-9, which is being administered
periodically by CareGuide.

− Removed the PHQ-9.

D. Use of Medical
Services

− Added skip logic.
− Added probes to improve question clarity.
− Added valid values and edit checks.
− Added reference date (D3).

− Improves sample member’s recall.

− Revised range response options (D3a).

− Based on feedback from researchers.

− Removed response options (D3e, D6, D6c)
and added instruction for interviewer to enter
verbatim response. Interviewers will code
verbatim responses into code frame (original
range response options) at the end of the
interview after ending the call with the
respondent.

− The list of response options was too long to
code during the interview.

80

ATTACHMENT 2 (continued)

Section

E. Employment
History and
Supports

Change

Rationale

− Revised wording of question D5 to ask about
referrals separately from tests and x-rays.

− Pretest respondents had difficulty answering a
question that asked about visits (i.e., referrals)
and tests in a single question.

− Revised wording of question D6b and related
follow-up questions.

− During pretesting, sample members were
confused by the question wording about
postponing or not getting recommended
medical procedures. Respondents did not
know how to answer if they hadn’t had the
procedure yet because they were waiting to
get an appointment. We revised the question
to first ask if the respondent got the
recommended procedures (we dropped the
reference to postponement).

− Changed the reference period from a year to
six months (D7a).

− Makes time frame consistent with other
questions.

− Made minor wording changes.
− Added valid values.
− Added explanation of jobs to the question
(E2).

− Improve question clarity and consistency.

− Revised time reference from months to year
(E4a, E9a).

− We believe that “years” is easier for
respondents to focus on.

− Added alternate wording to accommodate
multiple jobs (E4).

− Accommodates coding of multiple jobs.

− Changed reference to last time worked for
pay (E7, E7b, E8).

− Pretest respondents found using “before you
applied for SSDI” a confusing reference
period, so these questions were reworded to
ask respondents about the last time they
worked for pay.

− Added question about usual number of hours
worked per week (E10 or Ell).

− Omission revealed during pretesting.

− Deleted questions E11, E11a, E13 and E13a,
which asked about employment over the past
three years, in favor of the last time worked
questions.

− The revision to the E7-E8 series described
above made these questions unnecessary.

− The question was changed to determine the
easiest way for respondents to provide
earnings information (E14).

− This accommodates respondents by allowing
them to answer using the basis that is easiest
for them.

− The response options for earnings were
changed so that wages are reported annually,
rather than hourly (E16).

− The interviewers reported that this method is
generally
easier
for
respondents. By
increasing the number of ranges it allows
respondents to give a more precise response.

− Deleted the question about working in the
next year, to ask only about the next two
years.

− Respondents found the questions about one
and two years redundant. Respondents will
be asked only if they see themselves working
in the next two years, which corresponds to
the duration of the demonstration.

81

ATTACHMENT 2 (continued)

Section

F. Household
Composition and
Income

Change

Rationale

− Switched the order of questions to ask
knowledge questions first, then to ask about
the information booklet.

− Did not want to make respondents feel that if
they read the booklet they should know the
answers.

− Incorporated the probe into the question
(E21).

− Improves question clarity and consistency.

− Deleted questions (E25 and E26).

− Information available from administrative
records.

− The introduction to this series of questions at
E21 was softened to emphasize that it is
acceptable for the respondent to guess if he or
she does not know the exact answer.

− Interviewers reported that some respondents
had trouble with the questions regarding rules
for receiving SSDI. Many did not know the
answers and were reluctant to guess.

− Added skip logic.
− Added valid values and edit checks.
− Added answer category for sample members
who reside in group homes.

− Improves coding accuracy.

− Added reference period (F6).

− Narrows the
respondent.

− Revised annual salary ranges to above
$100,000 (F7).

− By increasing the ranges it allows
respondents to give a more precise response.

− Added assisted living as a housing option.

− Improves coding accuracy.

G. Background

− Added race and ethnicity questions (G3, G4).

− Initially we were going to rely on SSA
records for these data. However, these data
are sometimes missing from administrative
records. To gather complete information, we
added race and ethnicity questions to the
baseline survey.

H. Contact
Information and
Study Group
Assignment

− Added programmer checks.

reference

period

for

the

− Added skip logic.
− Made minor wording changes.
− Deleted references to proxies.

− Proxy respondents are not allowed for the
baseline interview.

− Added questions to collect cell phone
numbers for respondent and contact persons
(H2a, H2b).

− Improves our ability to contact sample
members for follow up surveys.

− Revised assignment scripts to give sample
members some information about the health
benefit, services, and co-pays that apply to the
AB Health Plan and AB Health Plan Plus
groups (H17, H18).

− Improves clarity of health plan benefits.

− Added a question to determine if sample
members understood their assignment status.

− Allows sample members to confirm that they
understand the benefits and limitations of
participation.

82

ATTACHMENT 2 (continued)

Section

Change

Rationale

− Revised the control group assignment script
to tell the control group that they will be
notified of their assignment by mail (H19aa).

− We believed that the news of being assigned
to the control group would be too
disappointing and that some control group
members would ask to withdraw from the
study at this point. Mailing the assignment
letter along with the incentive check is meant
to limit attrition.

− Added coding choices at H20 from questions
D3e, D4b, D5b, D6b and related follow-up
questions to the end after the interviewer has
terminated the call.

− These questions would take too much time to
code during the interview. Interviewers will
review their verbatim responses for these
items and enter codes at the end after
terminating the call.

− Added code 20 (“was afraid”) as an answer
choice.

− Feedback from pretest.

83

ATTACHMENT 3
ADVANCE MAILING
-

Advance Letter

-

Advance Mailing FAQs

Date

Dear __________:
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is sponsoring a new research study called the
Accelerated Benefits Demonstration. This study will provide health benefits to people who have
recently been approved to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The purpose of
this research study is to see if people are helped by getting health care benefits before they are
eligible for Medicare.
The study is being conducted by researchers at two independent research organizations,
MDRC and Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. (MPR), and researchers at SSA’s Office of
Program Development and Research. An interviewer from MPR will call you in a few days to
conduct a short telephone interview with you. The interview is to see if you are eligible for the
Accelerated Benefits Demonstration.
You are not required to do the interview. If you decide that you do not want to be
interviewed, your Social Security benefits will not be affected by that decision. We would like
to encourage you to complete the interview, however, as you might be eligible for health care
benefits. The research study will help SSA learn how they can help people with disabilities get
better health care.
The information that we collect from you for this study will be used for research purposes
only and will be kept private and confidential to the extent provided by law. Only members of
the study team will have access to your information. The Social Security Administration will
never use your information to determine your eligibility for Social Security benefits, the amount
of benefits you receive, or your eligibility for Medicare. Your name will never be used in any
reports. All of the people working on this study are trained to protect your privacy and must sign
a privacy pledge.
Thank you very much for taking the time to consider our request. An information sheet
about the study is enclosed. If you have any questions about the survey, please call MPR toll
free at 1-866-275-8659, and ask for Amy Bates. For more information about the study, please
visit the SSA website at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/accelerated.htm.
Sincerely,

David Butler, Project Director
Accelerated Benefits Demonstration
Enclosure
85

ON REVERSE SIDE OF THIS LETTER
Privacy Act Statement -- The person(s) completing the interview will remain confidential as
provided in the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a). You do not have to provide the information
requested. However, the information you provide will allow the Social Security Administration
(SSA) to better foster independence and community participation among persons with
disabilities. The Privacy Act says that SSA will keep personally identifying information
confidential unless disclosing that information is required by law or is necessary for purposes of
litigation or other legal proceedings. The Privacy Act also allows SSA to share personally
identifiable information with other agencies or researchers under specified circumstances. If you
want information about the circumstances under which your information can be shared, please
call MDRC toll free at 1-866-907-1936.
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement - This information collection meets the requirements of
44 U.S.C. § 3507, as amended by section 2 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. You do not
need to answer these questions unless we display a valid Office of Management and Budget
control number. The OMB control number for this study is 0960-0526. We estimate that it will
take about 30 minutes to participate in this activity. Send only comments on our time estimate
above to: SSA, 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21235-6401.

86

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ACCELERATED BENEFITS DEMONSTRATION
WHAT IS THE ACCELERATED BENEFITS DEMONSTRATION?
The Accelerated Benefits (AB) Demonstration is a special study being sponsored by the Social Security
Administration (SSA). The AB Demonstration will look at how providing immediate health benefits and
additional supports to new Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries affects their health,
independence, employment, and quality of life.
DO ALL NEW SSDI BENEFICIARIES GET INTO THE AB DEMONSTRATION?
No. The demonstration project does not have the resources to serve everyone who is eligible. The AB
demonstration will enroll about 2,000 participants. Everyone who is eligible and who agrees to take part in
the demonstration will be randomly assigned to participate in either the AB demonstration or in the regular
SSDI program.
HOW IS AB DIFFERENT FROM REGULAR DISABILITY INSURANCE?
New SSDI beneficiaries must currently wait 24 months before qualifying for health coverage through
Medicare. Participants who are randomly assigned to receive the AB or AB Plus Health Plans will have health
benefits while they are waiting for their Medicare coverage to start. All other Social Security benefits remain
the same.
WHAT IS THE AB HEALTH BENEFIT?
The AB health benefit will cover most of the medical expenses of participants who are randomly assigned to
receive it, up to a maximum of $100,000 per person.
WILL MY PARTICIPATION IN AB CHANGE ANY SSDI RULES?
No. The AB demonstration program will not change any of the rules that determine whether you receive
Social Security benefits.
WILL MY PARTICIPATION AFFECT MY ABILITY TO GET MEDICARE LATER ON?
No. Participating in AB will not affect your eligibility for Medicare.
HOW DID YOU GET MY NAME?
Your name was provided by SSA from among persons who recently became disabled and started receiving
Social Security benefits.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEY?
Your participation is voluntary and will not change the rules that determine your eligibility to receive your
regular Social Security benefits. However, you cannot be enrolled in the AB program without first completing
a telephone interview. Your experiences and opinions are very important to the success and improvement of
programs like this.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE TELEPHONE INTERVIEW?
The interview will take approximately 40 minutes to complete.
WILL MY INFORMATION BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL?
Yes. The information that we collect from you for this study will be used for research purposes only and will
be kept private and confidential to the extent provided by law. The Social Security Administration will never
use your information to determine your eligibility for Social Security benefits, the amount of benefits you
receive, or your eligibility for Medicare. Your answers will be combined with the answers of other survey
participants. Your name will never be used in any reports. Only members of the study team will have
information about you. The study team includes researchers at MDRC and Mathematica, and the Social
Security Administration’s Office of Program Development and Research.
WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?
For more information about the survey, please call Mathematica toll free at 1-866-275-8659 and ask for Amy
Bates. For information about Mathematica, visit their website at http://www.mathematica-mpr.com. For more
information about the study, please visit the SSA website at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/
accelerated.htm.

87

ATTACHMENT 4
NOTIFICATION MATERIALS – AB HEALTH PLAN
-

Assignment Script (H17)

-

Notification Letter

-

Understanding of Benefits

-

POMCO Authorization Letter

ASSIGNED TO AB BASIC HEALTH PLAN
H17.

That was the last question I had. As I mentioned at the beginning of the interview, our computer
randomly assigns participants to one of three groups. At this point I have very good news: you
have been randomly assigned to the group that is eligible to receive health benefits. I’d like to tell
you a little bit about your benefits:
As a member of the AB group, you will receive a health plan that pays for most of your health
care costs. You will be asked to pay $12 whenever you see a doctor in the AB network. You can
use up to $100,000 in health care benefits. You can use the health benefit until you become
eligible for Medicare, or until the project ends.
Do you understand these benefits?
YES ........................................................................................... 01 (H17b)
NO ............................................................................................. 00 (ANSWER QUESTIONS,

THEN

GO TO H17a)

PROGRAMMER: MAKE HEALTH PLAN FAQs AVAILABLE FROM THIS SCREEN.
H17a. Did the information I provided answer your question(s)?
YES ........................................................................................... 01 (H17b)
NO ............................................................................................. 00 (INTERVIEWER: PROVIDE
CLARIFICATIONS THEN, GO
TO H17b)

H17b. We will be mailing you further information about the benefits. The information includes a toll free
number for POMCO, the benefits administrator, that you can call if you have any questions.
Please review the information when you receive it.
Once again, congratulations, and we will be in touch with you in the future to see how you are
doing.
GO TO THNX

89

Date

Dear __________:
Thank you for agreeing to take part in the Accelerated Benefits Demonstration. This study is
being done by researchers at MDRC and Mathematica, and the Social Security Administration’s
Office of Program Development and Research. Enclosed is a check for $25 to thank you for
completing your first interview with MPR.
You are assigned to the AB Health Plan group. You will be able to use a health plan that will
pay for up to $100,000 of your health care costs. The AB Health Plan will be available to you until
you are covered by Medicare, around FILL MONTH, YEAR.
An Understanding of Benefits form explaining your participation in the study is included with
this letter along with a brochure about the AB Health Plan. POMCO will be sending you more
details about the health care plan as well as a card to use whenever you use health care services. If
you need to seek healthcare before you receive your identification card, please use the enclosed
letter from POMCO as proof of coverage. If you have any questions about the health plan, you can
call POMCO at 1-866-462-1812.
Again, congratulations and welcome to the AB demonstration!
Best Wishes,

David Butler, Project Director
Accelerated Benefits Demonstration
Enclosure

90

ON REVERSE SIDE OF THIS LETTER
Privacy Act Statement -- The person(s) completing the interview will remain confidential as
provided in the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a). You do not have to provide the information requested.
However, the information you provide will allow the Social Security Administration (SSA) to better
foster independence and community participation among persons with disabilities. The Privacy Act
says that SSA will keep personally identifying information confidential unless disclosing that
information is required by law or is necessary for purposes of litigation or other legal proceedings.
The Privacy Act also allows SSA to share personally identifiable information with other agencies or
researchers under specified circumstances. If you want information about the circumstances under
which your information can be shared, please call MDRC toll free at 1-866-907-1936.
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement - This information collection meets the requirements of 44
U.S.C. § 3507, as amended by section 2 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. You do not need
to answer these questions unless we display a valid Office of Management and Budget control
number. The OMB control number for this study is 0960-0526. We estimate that it will take about
30 minutes to participate in this activity. Send only comments on our time estimate above to: SSA,
6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21235-6401.

91

Accelerated Benefits Demonstration
Understanding of Benefits – AB Health Plan

I am taking part in a research study called the Accelerated Benefits (AB) Demonstration. I am in the AB
Health Plan study group. The study is being done for the Social Security Administration (SSA). MDRC,
Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. (MPR), and SSA’s Office of Program Development and Research are
conducting this study.
As part of the AB study, I will receive the AB Health Plan. SSA will pay for this health plan. POMCO, a
company that manages health plans for many organizations, is managing the AB Health Plan for SSA.
As a member of the AB Health Plan group, I understand the following about the health plan I will receive:
•

The health plan pays for health care costs up to $100,000.

•

The health plan covers most of my health care costs. I will be responsible for paying $12 when I use a
doctor in the AB network, as well as any other costs not covered by the AB Health Plan.

•

The health plan does not change the rules that determine my Social Security benefits or any other
benefits that I receive, such as Medicare.

•

The health plan is available to me until or unless any of the following occur:
- I become eligible for Medicare coverage.
- I reach the $100,000 benefit limit.
- The project ends.

•

SSA has set aside funds to cover health care costs for AB participants. They think that my medical costs
will be paid for during the project. It is possible, however, that the project will run out of funding. This is
unlikely. If it happens, however, the benefit could end in the middle of my treatment. I will be given as
much notice as possible if this is expected to happen.

•

I can decide at any time that I don’t want to be in the study. I can drop out of the study by calling MDRC at
1-866-907-1936. If I do that, I will no longer get the health plan.

•

I do not have to use the health plan.

•

Federal law protects the confidentiality of my health information. Information about the types of health care
I use in AB will be reported by POMCO to the study team. The study team includes researchers at MDRC
and Mathematica, and at the Social Security Administration’s Office of Program Development and
Research. The study team will use this information for research purposes only. The information will not be
used by anyone to determine my eligibility for Social Security benefits, the amount of benefits that I receive,
or my eligibility for Medicare.

Please keep this form for your records.

92

IF YOU NEED TO SEEK HEALTHCARE SERVICES BEFORE YOU RECEIVE YOUR
ID CARD, PLEASE PRESENT THIS LETTER FOR PROOF OF COVERAGE.
[DATE]
Dear Healthcare Provider:
The bearer of this letter, [NAME], is entitled to AB Health Plan coverage administered by
POMCO using the POMCO/Multiplan network.
If you should have any questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact
POMCO directly:
Claims Administrator, POMCO, toll free at:
1-866-462-1812
Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (EST)
Or mail Claims to:
POMCO
P.O. Box 6329
Syracuse, NY 13217
Sincerely,
The POMCO Group

93

ATTACHMENT 5
NOTIFICATION MATERIALS – AB Health Plan Plus
-

Assignment Script (H18)

-

Notification Letter

-

Understanding of Benefits

-

POMCO Authorization Letter

ASSIGNED TO AB HEALTH PLAN PLUS
H18.

That was the last question I had. As I mentioned at the beginning of the interview, our computer
randomly assigns participants to one of three groups. At this point I have very good news: you
have been randomly assigned to the group that is eligible to receive health benefits and additional
services that may make it easier for you to gain more independence. I’d like to tell you a little bit
about your benefits:
As a member of the AB Plus group, you will receive a health plan that pays for most of your
health care costs. You will be asked to pay $12 whenever you see a doctor in the AB network.
You can use up to $100,000 in health care benefits. In addition, you will be able to work with a
team of health coaches, nurses and employment counselors, who can help you improve your
health, achieve your goals and access the supports that you need. You can use the health
benefit until you become eligible for Medicare, or until the project ends.
Do you understand these benefits?
YES ........................................................................................... 01 (H18b)
NO ............................................................................................. 00 (ANSWER QUESTIONS,
THEN GO TO H18a)

PROGRAMMER: MAKE HEALTH PLAN FAQs AVAILABLE FROM THIS SCREEN.
H18a. Did the information I provided answer your question(s)?
YES ........................................................................................... 01 (H18b)
NO ............................................................................................. 00 (INTERVIEWER: PROVIDE
CLARIFICATIONS THEN, GO TO
H18b)

H18b. We will be mailing you further information about the benefits. The information includes a toll free
number for POMCO, the benefits administrator that you can call if you have any questions.
Please review the information when you receive it.
Once again, congratulations, and we will be in touch with you in the future to see how you are
doing.
GO TO THNX

95

Date

Dear __________:
Thank you for agreeing to take part in the Accelerated Benefits Demonstration. This study is
being done by researchers at MDRC and Mathematica, and at the research arm of the Social Security
Administration’s—the Office of Program Development and Research. Enclosed is a check for $25
to thank you for completing your first interview with MPR.
You are assigned to the AB Health Plan Plus group. You will be able to use a health plan that
will pay for up to $100,000 of your health care costs. In addition, you will be able to work with a
team of health coaches, nurses, and employment counselors from two organizations called
CareGuide and TransCen. You don’t have to use any of the services but wWe think you’ll find them
to be very valuable. The AB Health Plan Plus benefits will be available to you until you are covered
by Medicare, around FILL MONTH, YEAR.
An Understanding of Benefits form explaining your participation in the study is included with
this letter along with a brochure about the AB Health Plan. POMCO will be sending you more
details about the health care plan as well as a card to use whenever you use health care services. If
you need to seek healthcare before you receive your identification card, please use the enclosed
letter from POMCO as proof of coverage. If you have any questions about the health plan, you can
call POMCO at 1-866-462-1812. One of the coaches will also be calling you soon to tell you about
the support services that are available. Please note that when the coaches call, their caller ID could
say One Care Street or CareGuide.
Again, congratulations and welcome to the AB demonstration!
Best Wishes,

David Butler, Project Director
Accelerated Benefits Demonstration
Enclosure

96

IRB Attachment C.3a AB+ Notification Letter

ON REVERSE SIDE OF THIS LETTER
Privacy Act Statement -- The person(s) completing the interview will remain confidential as
provided in the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a). You do not have to provide the information requested.
However, the information you provide will allow the Social Security Administration (SSA) to better
foster independence and community participation among persons with disabilities. The Privacy Act
says that SSA will keep personally identifying information confidential unless disclosing that
information is required by law or is necessary for purposes of litigation or other legal proceedings.
The Privacy Act also allows SSA to share personally identifiable information with other agencies or
researchers under specified circumstances. If you want information about the circumstances under
which your information can be shared, please call MDRC toll free at 1-866-907-1936.
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement - This information collection meets the requirements of 44
U.S.C. § 3507, as amended by section 2 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. You do not need
to answer these questions unless we display a valid Office of Management and Budget control
number. The OMB control number for this study is 0960-0526. We estimate that it will take about
30 minutes to participate in this activity. Send only comments on our time estimate above to: SSA,
6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21235-6401.

97

Accelerated Benefits Demonstration
Understanding of Benefits – AB Health Plan Plus

I am taking part in a research study called the Accelerated Benefits (AB) Demonstration. I am in the AB
Health Plan Plus study group. The study is being done for the Social Security Administration (SSA). MDRC,
Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. (MPR), and SSA’s Office of Program Development and Research are
conducting this study.
As part of the AB study, I will receive AB Health Plan Plus. SSA will pay for this health plan. POMCO, a
company that manages health plans for many organizations, is managing AB Health Plan Plus for SSA
As a member of the AB Health Plan Plus group, I understand the following about the health plan I will receive:
•

The health plan pays for health care costs up to $100,000.

•

The health plan covers most of my health care costs. I will be responsible for paying $12 when I use a
doctor in the AB network, as well as any other costs not covered by the AB Health Plan.

•

The health plan does not change the rules that determine my Social Security benefits or any other benefits
that I receive, such as Medicare.

•

The health plan is available to me until or unless any of the following occur:
- I become eligible for Medicare coverage.
- I reach the $100,000 benefit limit.
- The project ends.

•

SSA has set aside funds to cover health care costs for AB participants. They think that my medical costs
will be paid for during the project. It is possible, however, that the project will run out of funding. This is
unlikely. If it happens, however, the plan could end in the middle of my treatment. I will be given as much
notice as possible if this is expected to happen.

•

I can decide at any time that I don’t want to be in the study. I can drop out of the study by calling MDRC at
1-866-907-1936. If I do that, I will no longer get the health plan.

•

As part of the AB Health Plan Plus group, I will be able to work with a team of health coaches, nurses,
and employment counselors from two organizations called CareGuide and TransCen. This team will help
me get the right health services, advise me on how to meet my health care needs, help me with SSA
benefit issues, and help me increase my level of activity or even return to work, if I choose to do so.

•

I do not have to use the health plan or accept the advice of my coaches, nurses or counselors from
CareGuide or TransCen.

•

Federal law protects the confidentiality of my health information. Information about the types of health care
I use in AB will be reported by POMCO to the study team. CareGuide and TransCen will report information
about my use of coaching and support services to the study team. The study team includes researchers at
MDRC and Mathematica, and at the Social Security Administration’s Office of Program Development and
Research. The study team will use this information for research purposes only. The information will not be
used by anyone to determine my eligibility for Social Security benefits, the amount of benefits that I receive,
or my eligibility for Medicare.
Please keep this form for your records.

98

IF YOU NEED TO SEEK HEALTHCARE SERVICES BEFORE YOU RECEIVE YOUR
ID CARD, PLEASE PRESENT THIS LETTER FOR PROOF OF COVERAGE.
[DATE]
Dear Healthcare Provider:
The bearer of this letter, [NAME], is entitled to AB Health Plan coverage administered by
POMCO using the POMCO/Multiplan network.
If you should have any questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact
POMCO directly:
Claims Administrator, POMCO, toll free at:
1-866-462-1812
Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (EST)
Or mail Claims to:
POMCO
P.O. Box 6329
Syracuse, NY 13217
Sincerely,
The POMCO Group

99

ATTACHMENT 6
NOTIFICATION MATERIALS – CONTROL GROUP
-

Assignment Script (H19aa)

-

Notification Letter

-

Control Group FAQs

ASSIGNED TO CONTROL GROUP
H19aa.

That was the last question I had. As I mentioned at the beginning of the interview, our
computer will randomly assign participants to one of three groups. The answers you provided
today will not affect which group you are in. We will send you a letter that notifies you of your
assignment when we mail the $25 we promised to send to thank you for completing this
interview.

101

Date

Dear __________:
Thank you for agreeing to take part in the Accelerated Benefits Demonstration. This study is
being done by researchers at MDRC and Mathematica, and at the Social Security Administration’s
Office of Program Development and Research. Enclosed is a check for $25 to thank you for
completing your first interview with MPR.
You are assigned to the control group. Being in this study will not change any of the Social
Security program rules.
A fact sheet that gives you more information about the study is included with this letter. If you
have any questions, you can call me at MDRC toll free at 1-866-907-1936.
An interviewer from MPR may call you in about six months and again in about a year and a half
to find out about your health and the care you are receiving. You will receive $25 for each of the
interviews you complete.
Again, thank you for your participation and for completing your first interview for this
important project.
Best Wishes,

David Butler
Project Director
Accelerated Benefits Demonstration
Enclosure

102

ON REVERSE SIDE OF THIS LETTER
Privacy Act Statement -- The person(s) completing the interview will remain confidential as
provided in the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a). You do not have to provide the information requested.
However, the information you provide will allow the Social Security Administration (SSA) to better
foster independence and community participation among persons with disabilities. The Privacy Act
says that SSA will keep personally identifying information confidential unless disclosing that
information is required by law or is necessary for purposes of litigation or other legal proceedings.
The Privacy Act also allows SSA to share personally identifiable information with other agencies or
researchers under specified circumstances. If you want information about the circumstances under
which your information can be shared, please call MDRC toll free at 1-866-907-1936.
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement - This information collection meets the requirements of 44
U.S.C. § 3507, as amended by section 2 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. You do not need
to answer these questions unless we display a valid Office of Management and Budget control
number. The OMB control number for this study is 0960-0526. We estimate that it will take about
30 minutes to participate in this activity. Send only comments on our time estimate above to: SSA,
6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21235-6401.

103

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ACCELERATED BENEFITS DEMONSTRATION
WHAT IS THE ACCELERATED BENEFITS DEMONSTRATION?
The Accelerated Benefits (AB) Demonstration is a special study being sponsored by the Social Security
Administration (SSA). The AB Demonstration will look at how providing immediate health benefits and
additional supports to new Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries affects their health,
independence, employment, and quality of life.
DO ALL NEW SSDI BENEFICIARIES GET INTO THE AB DEMONSTRATION?
No. The demonstration project does not have the resources to serve everyone who is eligible. The AB
demonstration will enroll about 2,000 participants. Everyone who is eligible and who agrees to take part
in the demonstration will be randomly assigned to participate in either the AB demonstration or in the
regular SSDI program.
WHAT DOES RANDOM ASSIGNMENT MEAN?
Random assignment is like picking numbers out of a hat or flipping a coin—so everyone is treated fairly.
Everyone who meets the eligibility requirements and agrees to take part in the demonstration will be
randomly assigned into one of the three study groups. Each person will have an equal chance of getting
into each of the groups. A computer makes the decision about which study group each person is assigned
to. By using random assignment, we can learn how well the program works for its participants.
CAN MY ANSWERS OR CONDITION AFFECT WHICH GROUP I AM ASSIGNED TO?
No. Assignment to each group is completely random. The assignment has nothing to do with the
answers to survey questions or to factors such as age, sex, race, ethnicity, education, or type of disability.
ONCE I AM RANDOMLY ASSIGNED, CAN I SWITCH GROUPS?
No. The initial random assignment is final.
IF I AM ASSIGNED TO THE CONTROL GROUP CAN I SIGN UP FOR OTHER HEALTH
INSURANCE ON MY OWN?
Yes. Being selected to any of the study groups does not restrict participation in other benefit programs.
WILL MY PARTICIPATION IN AB CHANGE ANY SSDI RULES?
No. The AB demonstration program will not change any of the rules that determine whether you receive
Social Security benefits.
WILL MY PARTICIPATION AFFECT MY ABILITY TO GET MEDICARE LATER ON?
No. Participating in AB will not affect your eligibility for Medicare.
WILL MY INFORMATION BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL?
Yes. The information we collect from you for this study will be used for research purposes only and will
be kept private and confidential to the extent provided by law. The Social Security Administration will
never use your information to determine your eligibility for Social Security benefits, the amount of
benefits you receive, or your eligibility for Medicare. Your answers will be combined with the answers of
other survey participants. Your name will never be used in any reports. Only members of the study team
will have information about you. The study team includes researchers from MDRC and Mathematica,
and from the Social Security Administration’s Office of Program Development and Research.
WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?
For questions about the research study, please call MDRC toll free at 1-866-907-1936. You can learn
more about MDRC at their website, http://www.mdrc.org.
For information about the survey, please call Mathematica toll free at 1-866-275-8659 and ask for Amy
Bates. For information about Mathematica, visit their website at http://www.mathematica-mpr.com.

104

ATTACHMENT 7
POMCO WELCOME LETTERS
-

AB Health Plan

-

AB Health Plan Plus

Corporate
Headquarters

2425 James Street

Syracuse, New York 13206

315.432.9171
1.800.934.2459

315.432.5645 fax

www.pomcogroup.com

Date

Welcome to the AB Health Plan!
POMCO is pleased to administer your AB Health Plan medical benefits. We have managed benefit plans
for over thirty years and are committed to providing you with high quality service while you are enrolled
in the AB Health Plan. We work with a company called MEDCO who will administer your prescription
drug benefits.
Enclosed is a handbook that describes the AB Health Plan coverage. This handbook contains important
information about the benefits you can use. It also has information on how to contact POMCO and
MEDCO.
Also enclosed is your POMCO AB Health Plan ID card to use when you receive services from any innetwork doctor, hospital, or pharmacy. By using this card for services, you are acknowledging that you
understand the following important facts about the AB Health Plan:
•

The health benefit pays for health care costs up to $100,000.

•

The health benefit covers most of your health care costs. You will be responsible for paying a
modest co-payment of $12 and any other costs not covered by the AB health benefit.

•

The health benefit does not change the rules that determine your Social Security benefits or any
other benefits that you receive, such as Medicare.

•

The health benefit is available to you until or unless any of the following occur:
- You become eligible for Medicare coverage.
- You reach the $100,000 benefit limit.
- The project ends.

•

SSA has set aside funds to cover health care costs for AB participants. They think that most of
your medical costs will be paid for during the project. It is possible, however, that the project
will run out of funding. This is very unlikely. If it happens, however, the benefit could end in
the middle of your treatment. You will be given as much notice as possible if this is expected to
happen.

106

February 25, 2008

•

You can decide at any time that you don’t want to be in the AB research study. You can drop
out of the study by calling MDRC, the research organization conducting the study, at xxx-xxxxxxx. If you do that, you will no longer get the special health benefit.

The AB Health Plan allows you to choose health care providers in the POMCO or MultiPlan networks.
These networks include more than 450,000 healthcare professionals and 4,000 facilities nationwide. To
find a provider in the networks go to www.pomcogroup.com and select “Find a Provider,” or call
POMCO customer service.
POMCO can help you with any questions about your AB Health Plan coverage. Please call our customer
service Department at (XXX) XXX-XXXX, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (EDT), and
we will be happy to assist you.

107

Corporate
Headquarters

2425 James Street

Syracuse, New York 13206

315.432.9171
1.800.934.2459

315.432.5645 fax

www.pomcogroup.com

Date

Welcome to AB Health Plan Plus!
POMCO is pleased to administer your AB Health Plan Plus medical benefits. We have managed benefit
plans for over thirty years and are committed to providing you with high quality service while you are
enrolled in AB Health Plan Plus. We work with a company called MEDCO who will administer your
prescription drug benefits.
In addition to the health and pharmacy benefits, you also have access to a unique coaching and support
program. A team of nurses, coaches, benefits planners and employment counselors will assist you in
taking appropriate steps to improve your health, achieve your personal goals and access the supports and
services you may need. A CareGuide Health Coach will contact you soon for an initial interview.
Enclosed is a handbook that describes AB Health Plan Plus coverage. This handbook contains important
information about the benefits you can use. It also has information on how to contact POMCO and
MEDCO.
Also enclosed is your AB Health Plan Plus ID card to use when you receive services from any in-network
doctor, hospital, or pharmacy. By using this card for services, you are acknowledging that you understand
the following important facts about the AB Health Plan Plus:
•

The health benefit pays for health care costs up to $100,000.

•

The health benefit covers most of your health care costs. You will be responsible for paying a
modest co-payment of $12 and any other costs not covered by the AB Plus health benefit.

•

The health benefit does not change the rules that determine your Social Security benefits or any
other benefits that you receive, such as Medicare.

•

The health benefit is available to you until or unless any of the following occur:
- You become eligible for Medicare coverage.
- You reach the $100,000 benefit limit.
- The project ends.

108

February 25, 2008

•

SSA has set aside funds to cover health care costs for AB Plus participants. They think that most
of your medical costs will be paid for during the project. It is possible, however, that the project
will run out of funding. This is very unlikely. If it happens, however, the benefit could end in
the middle of your treatment. You will be given as much notice as possible if this is expected to
happen.

•

You can decide at any time that you don’t want to be in the AB Plus research study. You can
drop out of the study by calling MDRC, the research organization conducting the study at xxxxxx-xxxx. If you do that, you will no longer get the special health benefit.

AB Health Plan Plus allows you to choose health care providers in the POMCO or MultiPlan networks.
These networks include more than 450,000 healthcare professionals and 4,000 facilities nationwide. To
find a provider in the networks go to www.pomcogroup.com and select “Find a Provider,” or call
POMCO customer service.
POMCO can help you with any questions about your AB Health Plan Plus coverage. Please call our
Customer Service Department at (XXX) XXX-XXXX, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
(EDT), and we will be happy to assist you.

109


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AuthorBGustus
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