AHRQ Seeks Additional 30-Day Public Comment on Revised Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) Household Component

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is issuing a notice to allow an additional 30-day public comment period on proposed revisions to the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey – Household Component (MEPS-HC), OMB No. 0935-0118. This follows a 60-day comment period that ended after the initial notice published on December 30, 2025, during which three public comments were received. Key proposed changes include the removal of several survey components: sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) questions — removed in compliance with Executive Order 14168 — birth control counseling questions (due to space constraints and shifting priorities), and the Diabetes Care Survey (DCS), citing cost, outdated content, and data quality concerns. The Evaluating Survey Questions (ESAQ), an externally funded one-time supplement, will be released as originally planned but not continued. Of the three commenters, one expressed general support for MEPS, another supported inclusion of sleep-related questions and suggested additional items for future consideration, and a third raised concerns about the removal of SOGI questions, birth control counseling, the ESAQ, and the DCS. AHRQ acknowledged these concerns but is proceeding with most proposed removals. The public may submit comments within the additional 30-day window. AHRQ intends to subsequently request OMB approval for the revised information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

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