Originally published December 2016. Updated March 2023 by SHADAC Research Assistant Adey Fentaw. 

Updated August 2024 by SHADAC Research Assistant Annie Gowlovech.

This technical brief provides guidance on how to run tests for statistically significant differences using estimates and their associated margins of error from SHADAC’s State Health Compare web tool.

The brief first explains how to conduct a quick visual scan for statistically significant differences using the margins of error (MOE) output in State Health Compare's state ranking charts, and then goes on to provide step-by-step instructions for using margins of error to conduct a more robust test of statistical significance through a type of hypothesis testing known as a “t-test.” Download a PDF of the brief.