Research files created by the Medicare & Medicaid Resource Information Center (MedRIC) link HRS data to detailed information about health care utilization from records maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Available Data
Links in this table lead to the data file description on the MedRIC website.
| CMS Research Files | Available Years |
|---|---|
| Parts A & B Research Files | 1991-2018 |
| Denominator (DN) | 1991-1998 |
| Home Health Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) Research Files | 1999-2018 |
| Long-Term Care Minimum Data Set (MDS) Research Files | 1999-2018 |
| Master Beneficiary Summary File (MBSF) - Base Segment Files | 1999-2018 |
| Medicaid Analytic Extracts (MAX) and Summary Files | 1999-2012 |
| Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) Research Files | 2013-2018 |
| Part D Drug Event (PDE) Research Files | 2006-2018 |
| Part D Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Files | 2013-2018 |
Encryption Level
For most Medicare and Medicaid files (all except Medicare PDE) researchers may apply for three different levels of data:
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Level 1: The standard release, which contains enrollment and utilization information but omits geographic identifiers and masks provider identifiers, which should meet the needs of most users
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Level 2: A geographic release, which adds beneficiary state, county and zip code to the above
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Level 3: A provider release, which includes complete provider identifiers and geographic information for respondents and providers.
Documentation
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HRS CMS Data Dictionary, an xlsx file containing the data dictionary for HRS Medicare and Medicaid data files.
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MedRIC Documentation for HRS Data Requestors (.pdf) describes the summary and claims files.
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Change Log 2013-2016 MedRIC Research Files (.pdf) identifies changes to Medicare and/or Medicaid variables in MedRIC's Phase 22 research files.
Application Process
Unlike other HRS restricted data, the HRS linked CMS data are created and supplied by others. The Medicare & Medicaid Resource Information Center (MedRIC) creates and supplies the linked data and the Research Data Assistance Center (ResDAC) provides authorization. So while HRS is your first step in applying for the HRS linked CMS data, you will have two more application processes to request and obtain the data through these organizations.
View this graphic for an overview of the entire application process.
Step 1. Submit Application for HRS Restricted Data
- Follow instructions for applying through the VDI or Traditional License.
- Only users at the University of Michigan can apply through the VDI. All others must use the Traditional License.
- Include the Restricted CMS Data Products Order Form in your application. Although HRS does not provide the data, this form lets us know which products you are requesting.
Important! The HRS Restricted Data application process involves several steps that must be completed before proceeding to Step 2 below. Upon completion of Step1, HRS will provide information required in Step 2.
Step 2. Submit a ResDAC Research Identifiable Files (RIF) Request Packet to obtain a CMS DUA
- Start your ResDAC application here: ResDAC Research Identifiable Files (RIF) Request Packet
- On the Request Materials Tool page, select "Physical Data" for "Through which source would you like to access the data?" even if you've applied through the VDI.
- Fees may apply. Contact ResDAC for more information.
Step 3. Request a MedRIC data licensing agreement
- After your ResDAC RIF Request Packet is finalized, submit a MedRIC CMS Data Request.
- Fees apply. See MedRIC Fee Structure for details.
Step 4. Data Access
- If you applied through the VDI, you will be contacted by HRS staff with the details you need to login to the enclave from your computer through the VDI.
- If you applied through the Traditional License, you will receive data files from MedRIC, and cross-reference files from HRS.