CMS Releases 2016 Medicare Advantage Encounter Data

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced today that 2016 Medicare Advantage (MA) encounter data is now available to researchers under a data use agreement. The data provides detailed information about the services received by beneficiaries enrolled in MA plans. Researchers can use this information to conduct important analyses and develop tools that will inform policy development, improve care delivery, lower costs, and increase quality.

The 2016 MA Encounter files were created from data submitted to CMS by MA organizations for services provided to beneficiaries under the Medicare Part C benefit during calendar year 2016. The MA Encounter files include data for six settings: Inpatient, Skilled Nursing Facility, Home Health, Institutional Outpatient, Carrier, and Durable Medical Equipment.

Research access to the 2016 MA Encounter files can be obtained by submitting a request to the CMS Research Data Assistance Center (ResDAC). To learn more, visit the ResDAC website. All researchers approved for access to the MA Encounter files are required to sign a CMS data use agreement that contains strict beneficiary privacy and data security requirements.

CMS first began releasing MA encounter data in 2018 as part of the Trump Administration’s MyHealthEData initiative. This initiative is focused on giving patients control of their healthcare information and unleashing data to promote research and innovation to support advancements in healthcare.