Public-Use NCHS-SSA Feasibility Files

To maximize the use of the restricted-use linked NCHS-SSA files, NCHS has created publicly available NCHS-SSA Feasibility Study data files that can be downloaded directly from this website.

The feasibility files provide a limited set of variables that can be used to determine the maximum available sample size for each linked file. These files are especially useful to researchers considering whether to initiate a RDC proposal to analyze the restricted-use linked NCHS-SSA files.

Each feasibility file is NCHS survey and survey year specific.  The following information is included on each feasibility study file:

• NCHS public id
• Survey respondent eligibility status for SSA linkage
• Final match status
• Other variables specifying on which SSA data files the successfully linked survey respondent has a record

It is important to note that the feasibility study files do not contain any specific information about SSA benefits. Consequently, data users will need to consider external sources to approximate the number of respondents with a specific condition.

For more information about accessing the Medicare restricted-use data, please consult the Restricted-Use NCHS-SSA Data page.

Data Dictionary and Data Files

• Data Dictionary:  NCHS-SSA Feasibility File Data Dictionary [PDF – 64 KB]
• Data Files:  FTP site to NCHS-SSA Feasibility Files
• Software Programs:
  • Sample SAS program
  • Sample Stata program