HB Survey Justification B_061216 v2

Veteran’s Health Benefits Handbook
Questionnaire
OMB FORM 2900-0773
VA Form 10-0507

B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

1. Provide a numerical estimate of the potential respondent universe and describe any sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g., households or persons) in the universe and the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular format for the universe as a whole and for each strata. Indicate expected response rates. If this has been conducted previously include actual response rates achieved.

Veteran population 500,000

Sample Size 2,500

Potential respondent universe: 1250

Expected Response Rate 50%

Sampling methodology: A random sample of Veterans that have received the Health Benefits Handbook generated from Enrollment System (ES).

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information, including:

• Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection

Veteran eligibility for VHA healthcare benefits is categorized by Priority Groups. Each priority group has a pre-defined set of eligibility factors that determine the type of care Veterans in that priority group can receive. The sample will represent the percentage of enrollees in each of the priority groups. The sample percentages will be derived from newly enrolled Veterans in each priority group for the most recently completed quarter in the Fiscal Year. The random sample for each priority group will be extracted from ES) via a randomized query.

• Estimation procedure

It is expected that the response rate will be 50%. This is based on previous data collections conducted by VHA.

• Degree of accuracy needed +/- 5%

• Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures

No problems are anticipated

• Any use of less frequent than annual data collection to reduce burden

This will be an annual survey.

3. Describe methods to maximize response rate and to deal with issues of non-response. The accuracy and reliability of information collected must be shown to be adequate for intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided for any collection that will not yield “reliable” data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

The assumed 50% response rate on 2500 surveys offered should yield yearly results with approximately +/- 3% margin of error.

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Testing is encouraged as an effective means of refining collections to minimize burden and improve utility. Tests must be approved if they call for answers to identical questions of 10 or more individuals.

This is a targeted survey with 10 questions. The number of questions was kept to a minimum to reduce burden and improve response rates while providing actionable data. The questions were selected and developed by the VHA Veterans Health Benefits Handbook Program Management Team. This team is responsible for the design and content of the Veterans Health Benefits Handbook.

5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on statistical aspects of the design and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

Floretta Hardmon

Director, Office of Communication

VHA Member Services

404-828-5399

Dennis W. Boyette, Program Analyst

Health Eligibility Center

VHA Member Services

Atlanta, GA

404-828-5398

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