Available CMS Data

The research files listed below, created by the NIA Data LINKAGE Program (LINKAGE), link HRS data to detailed information about health care utilization from records maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Learn more about the application process.

Note: The NIA Data LINKAGE Program was formerly known as the Medicare and Medicaid Resource Information Center (MedRIC).

Available Files and Years

Encryption Level

For most Medicare and Medicaid files (all except Medicare PDE) researchers may apply for three different levels of data:

• 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

• Level 2: A geographic release, which adds beneficiary state, county and zip code to the above

• Level 3: A provider release, which includes complete provider identifiers and geographic information for respondents and providers.

HRS/CMS Cross-Reference Files

HRS/CMS Cross-Reference Files allow researchers to link HRS/CMS LINKAGE data files to other HRS data products:

• HRS Medicare Claims and Summary Data Cross-Reference

• HRS Medicaid Analytic Extracts (MAX) and Summary Files Cross-Reference

Documentation

• HRS CMS Data Dictionary, an xlsx file containing the data dictionary for HRS Medicare and Medicaid data files.