Data Access Hub
Power your analytics with HCCI
HCCI is pleased to announce that data ingestion for 2023 is underway. After a decade of maintenance, our historical dataset is also undergoing an important update. Access to the claims dataset will resume in July 2026, once all updates are complete.
Over 1 billion employer-sponsored health insurance claims from 2012–2023 represent 35+ million covered lives across all 50 states and DC. The data is de-identified, HIPAA- and anti-trust-compliant, and all years of data are available to researchers via our secure enclave. Access to the data is licensed to researchers at universities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
Apply for Access
Learn more about how to apply for access to the HCCI Commercial Claims Dataset
Pricing
See the 2026 HCCI Price Guide for Team and Student Access, and details on additional services available.
Data Dictionary
Reference the HCCI Commercial Claims General Data Dictionary here.
Submit Application
To begin your unique research project, apply to access the secure data enclave here: HCCI Commercial Claims Data Access Application. (Self-directed; 1 hour)
Application Review
The Scientific Review Committee reviews all applications for eligibility, feasibility, and the use of reasonable research methods. (2 weeks)
If approved, the application is submitted to the Data Integrity Committee to assess proposed material representation and adherence to the masking rules outlined and agreed to in the application. (45 days) See FAQs for more information about the DIC
Data Access
NORC hosts the commercial claims dataset. After compliance documents are submitted, access to the enclave is provided on the 1st business day of each month. (2–3 weeks)
Compliance
The standard legal Data Use Agreement and individual Participation Agreements must be executed; access to the data is contingent on their submission. (Self-directed, 3–5+ weeks, depending on the institution.)
Onboarding
The HCCI team hosts an informational onboarding session on the third Friday of each month. All Primary Investigators and new data users are encouraged to attend. (60 minutes)
Participants are asked to fill out the Dataset Questionnaire before joining. (3 minutes)
Frequently Asked Questions
Accessing the Data
Who is eligible to access the data?
Researchers in the academic, government, and non-profit sectors, or teams that aim to do public, non-commercial research, may access the data. Contact the HCCI team at data@healthcostinstitute.org to learn more about eligibility.
How do I apply for access to the data?
Each application is subject to an extensive review process. Researchers must complete compliance documents before access to the virtual enclave is provisioned. A comprehensive outline of the application process and a link to access the online application form are available above.
What is the cost of accessing the data?
See our most recent pricing guide here: 2026 HCCI Price Guide. HCCI offers access on a per-project basis. Team Access includes two seats in the enclave for a 12-month term, with options for additional seats available. Student Access includes one seat in the enclave for 12 months for students completing their dissertations, with renewal options based on academic enrollment.
Do I need IRB approval?
HCCI’s employer-sponsored insurance claims dataset is de-identified. Therefore, we do not have any IRP requirements; however, you should consult with your organization’s IRB if you need approval.
Does my year of access allow me to do unlimited projects?
One-year access is limited to the research project proposed in your application. However, you are welcome to draft your research proposal to accommodate multiple research questions (while maintaining a cohesive focus) and to publish results across multiple papers.
Data User FAQs
I’m not going to finish my project in one year. What are my extension options?
HCCI offers quarterly and one-year extensions. Email data@healthcostinstitute.org for more information.
How does accessing the enclave work?
Approved research teams have access to the entire commercial claims dataset via a secure virtual environment (enclave); we do not send physical data. HCCI does not provide access to the commercial dataset via direct data file transfer.
Each user is administered a soft RSA token that grants them access to the enclave through their computer. Users run their analyses inside this secure environment using a variety of available programs. All imports into and exports out of the enclave are reviewed; users are only permitted to export aggregated final datasets from the enclave.
Do I need certain storage requirements to access the data?
HCCI does not send physical data. Approved research teams get access to our entire dataset within a secure virtual environment—this includes all years and all billion+ claims.
Is mortality data available, and can I link to it?
We do not have mortality data in the HCCI dataset, and we do not offer permission to link it.
Do you have data on race/ethnicity?
Currently, our dataset lacks direct race/ethnicity identifiers, but we are exploring ways to add proxies for them. We would welcome your ideas about the most promising approaches to do so and are open to partnering with researchers and organizations on this incredibly important work.
Does the commercial claims dataset include claims/enrollment records on the ACA exchange marketplace?
No, the claims dataset only includes Employer-Sponsored Insurance (ESI) claims.
Working with the Data
How do I import data into the enclave?
Use the NPI Data Import Request Form to send HCCI the data and a data dictionary for review, including any concerns related to deidentification. Once the file is approved, the import and encryption process can begin. View the form for more details and contact data@healthcostinstitute.org with questions.
How do I export my results?
See the Accellion Kiteworks Quick Start Guide for instructions on getting started. Users may export only aggregated final datasets from the enclave, and all exports must be reviewed to ensure compliance with the Masking Rules. Please note that the size, number, and complexity of the files determine how long the review process will take. Allow NORC 3 business days to begin their review, then contact them at DataEnclaveHelp (dataenclavehelp@norc.org) if you have any questions.
What is the publishing timeline?
All work products using the HCCI claims data must be reviewed by the Data Integrity Committee. Submit any publications, presentations, and research that will be viewed by an external audience to HCCI using the DIC Submission Form at least 45 days in advance.
What is the DIC?
The Data Integrity Committee is made up of representatives from each organization that provides data to HCCI’s combined commercial claims dataset. The Committee is not a peer review group—their purview is limited to reviewing work products using the HCCI dataset for material misrepresentation of the data. Researchers can send work via the online DIC Submission Form. HCCI sends submissions to the DIC on the 15th and 30th (or the next business day following, or February 28th). Researchers must allow 45 days for this review process.
Can I run a proprietary grouper in your data?
We do not permit project teams to import proprietary software (e.g., Milliman, Symmetry, PACE, or ACG) into the Enclave to group claims into corresponding clinical therapeutic categories, episodes of care, or other classifications. The Enclave technical specifications are not suited to run proprietary grouping software locally. Due to IT security controls, running proprietary software to group claims within the Vertica server is not permitted.
Current Researchers
Our team has compiled several quick links and helpful resources to assist researchers throughout their project study.
HCCI Commercial Claims Data Application
Health Care Cost Institute is available to academic and government researchers. Access to the secure data enclave is administered on a per-project basis.
DIC Submission Form
All work products using the HCCI claims data must be reviewed by the Data Integrity Committee. Submit any publications, presentations, and research that will be viewed by an external audience through this form at least 45 days in advance.
NPI Data Import Request
Submit your request to import NPI-level data that requires provider ID encryption. Fees apply, see the form for details. Download FAQs for NPI Merges
Standard Data Masking Rules
Review the overriding rules and guidelines for reporting on the HCCI Commercial Claims Data.