Requesting MCBS Data
As of August 2003 CMS considers the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) a Limted Data Set (LDS). For a description of LDS data, click here.
Researchers requesting MCBS data need to submit to CMS a data request packet containing a written request letter, research application project description, a signed LDS Data Use Agreement (DUA), and a check to pay the cost incurred in the processing of data. Approval for data release is based on the information contained within the submitted data request packet. (CMS review criteria for the LDS may be examined here.)
ResDAC is available to review all request materials for MCBS data for completeness and accuracy prior to their submission to CMS, but it is not a requirement by CMS.
Required Documentation
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The Written Request Letter, submitted on organizational letterhead, outlines the primary purpose(s) for which the data are required. The Written Request should contain the following elements:
- The purpose for which the data are needed
- A brief description of the methodology in which the data will be used
- Delineation of the data requirements, including requested modules and years
- Overnight shipping address and account information (If not specified, the data CDs are shipped at book rate through the U.S. Post Office and will take approximately 4 to 6 weeks for shipping.)
- Contact information that includes a phone number and email address
- Check made payable to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS is required to obtain compensation for its costs incurred in the processing of data, and the costs for MCBS data are a set fee of $480 per module per year.
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The Research application project description is a 3-4 page document that delineates the project purpose, methods, implementation, key personnel, and data management safeguards. To qualify for the MCBS LDS, data requestors must show CMS that their proposed use of the data meets the disclosure provisions for research purposes as defined in both the Privacy Rule and the Privacy Act. The research purpose must relate to projects that could ultimately improve the care provided to Medicare patients and policies that govern the care. This includes projects related to improving the quality of life for Medicare beneficiaries or improving the administration of the Medicare program, which includes payment related projects or analytical reports.
- LDS Data Use Agreement (DUA)
The DUA delineates the confidentiality requirements of the Privacy Act and CMS's data release policies and procedures. This agreement specifies that the requestor will:
- Ensure the data will be used only for the specific purpose stated in the agreement
- Develop and implement the appropriate procedural, technical, and physical safeguards to prevent unauthorized use
- Not release any files without prior CMS approval
- Return or destroy file(s) by the date specified
- Not publish or release information that would permit the identification of a beneficiary
Signature Addendum: If anyone besides the requester or custodian is going to handle CMS data, a signature addendum may be required.
- Request Letter of Support from Project Officer (federally funded projects only)
The letter of support from a federal project officer is only applicable for those researchers with project funding for the data purchase by a federal granting institution.
When completed, MCBS request packets should be sent to:
Maribel Franey, Division Director
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
OIS/EASG/DPC Division of Privacy Compliance
7500 Security Boulevard,N2-04-27
Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850
Last Modified September 26, 2008