This State Data Spotlight describes how the Office of Financial Management (OFM) in Washington State developed an estimation and projection model that can be used to predict county-level population estimates for 2010 through 2020.
The development of this model was motivated by the need for data to support the required planning and policy development of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation. The model goes beyond OFM’s typical county-level demographic data by providing estimates for populations likely to be covered by the low-income Medicaid expansion and the healthcare exchange. This sub-state information is critical for understanding how to best approach key regional issues.
The State Data Spotlight is a SHADAC series highlighting states’ unique data tools, datasets, and uses of existing data systems. The series aims to provide information and insight on methods that can be applied in other states. October 2011