Description

For all persons, RXEXPSELF captures the sum of direct payments made during the year by the respondent themselves and/or family for prescribed medications. Payments for over-the-counter drugs and indirect payments not related to specific medical events, such as Medicaid Disproportionate Share and Medicare Direct Medical Education subsidies, are not included in this amount. For more information on how MEPS collects information about prescription medications, please refer to our user note on Collection of Information about Prescription Medications.

Related variables
Variables related to total annual prescription medication expenditures by source of payment are also available. Please refer to our user note on expenditures for a list of these variables.

RXEXPSEL is a 6-digit numeric variable.

Comparability

This variable is completely comparable over time.

Universe

Availability

• 1996-2021

Weights

• 1996-2021 : PERWEIGHT

Flags