Validity of self-reported prescription drug insurance coverage
Grootendorst, P.; Newman, E.C.; Levine, M.A.H.
Health Reports 14(2): 35-46
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0840-6529 PMID: 12658863 Document Number: 563202
This article assesses the validity of prescription drug insurance coverage as self-reported in the 1996/97 National Population Health Survey (NPHS). The data are from the cross-sectional household component of Statistics Canada's 1996/97 NPHS. Most seniors and all social assistance recipients are entitled to prescription drug benefits from their provincial governments. For NPHS respondents eligible for such benefits, the percentage reporting coverage in 1996/97 was calculated. Logit regression was used to assess the determinants of self-reported coverage. Only 51% of seniors and 46% of social assistance recipients who were eligible for provincial benefits reported drug insurance coverage in 1996/97. The probability of reporting coverage was generally higher in provinces with drug programs that did not impose deductibles.