title: Race, ethnicity, and language data collection by health plans: findings from 2010 AHIPF-RWJF survey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Previous national surveys have documented the increase in collection of race, ethnicity, and language (REL) data by health plans. The latest 2010 survey created an opportunity to examine recent trends and to determine whether the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) had an effect on plans' practices.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 51-item survey was sent to all health plans included in a national listing of plans (N = 250).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of responding plans collect data on members' REL. The frequency of race and ethnicity data collection was only slightly greater in 2010 than in 2008, 78.7% and 75% respectively. By 2010, 89.3% of health plans were collecting language data of their members, up from 74% in 2008 and 57.3% in 2003.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Since 2008, collection and use of REL data continues gradually to increase among health plans, demonstrating the industry's commitment to address racial/ethnic gaps in care.
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Nerenz
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Carreón
authors.forename: German
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Veselovskiy
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D044469:Racial Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology