4 U.S. journalists selected for AHCJ German Health Care Study Group

The Association of Health Care Journalists is pleased to announce the four U.S.-based journalists chosen for the inaugural AHCJ German Health Care Study Group.

This October, the selected journalists will take part in a weeklong, immersive reporting experience in Berlin. During the program, participants will meet with German health officials, providers, researchers and patients to explore how Germany organizes and delivers health care. The German system, which blends universal access with private providers and shields patients from medical debt, offers valuable contrasts and lessons for U.S. health policy and reporting.

• Jenae Barnes for Capital B will report on the experiences of expatriate Black Americans in Germany's health care system and how this differs from their experiences with high medical bills and racial bias in the U.S. system.
• Katie L. Burke for Scientific American will examine how lower carbon emissions and better access to affordable medical care may explain why asthma rates are lower in Germany than in the U.S.
• Jordan Gass-Pooré for Inside Climate News will look at how rural areas of Germany enjoy better access to health insurance and affordable medical care than their counterparts in Texas and what that means for residents' health at a time when climate change is putting new strains on both regions.
• Keren Landman, M.D., for National Geographic will report on how Germany cares for its elderly and helps them age in their homes - safely

"We're thrilled to see these reporters tackle big issues - from environmental health to aging to health equity - and show what the U.S. can learn from Germany's approach to care," said Kelsey Ryan, AHCJ executive director.

The study group, supported by The Commonwealth Fund, covers airfare, lodging, meals, local transportation and other program expenses. By the end of the trip, participants will leave with deeply reported stories and fresh insights into issues that resonate on both sides of the Atlantic, including cost, coverage, equity and care delivery.

Learn more about the program here.