NIHCM Announces $1.8M in Journalism Grants for 2025-2026 Cohort
Washington, DC – – The NIHCM Foundation has announced its 2025-2026 cohort of Journalism Grantees, a group of 19 reporters and educators poised to investigate critical issues in U.S. Health care. The selected journalists, representing a diverse range of national and local media outlets, as well as leading journalism education organizations, were chosen from a highly competitive pool of nearly 250 applicants.
The grantees’ projects will focus on a range of pressing concerns, including rising health care costs, access to care, quality of treatment, and the impact of emerging technologies. “NIHCM’s Journalism Grants play an important role in educating journalists on the evolving health care landscape and in supporting specific stories that might not otherwise be told,” said Andrew Dreyfus, President and CEO of NIHCM. “We are pleased to support the work of this outstanding group of grantees. Their insights will help the public, policymakers, health plans, and health systems make more informed decisions on pressing health care issues.”
Investigating Health Care Consolidation and Its Impact
Several projects will delve into the effects of market forces on health care delivery. Cascadia Daily News will examine health care consolidation in Whatcom County, Washington, where a single health system holds a dominant position. The reporting will assess the impact of this consolidation on access to care, costs, and equity for residents, who have experienced fewer options, longer wait times, and changing insurance offerings. Understanding the consequences of consolidation is crucial as these trends continue to reshape local health care landscapes.
The Equity Implications of HR 1 and Access to Care
Health Affairs Publishing will focus on the potential equity implications of HR 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This legislation is expected to bring significant changes to health policy, impacting consumers, communities, and policymakers. The project will specifically research and report on how different populations and communities are preparing for the full implementation of HR 1, with a focus on its effects on Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act Marketplaces. Ensuring equitable access to care remains a central challenge in health policy, and this reporting will contribute to a more informed understanding of HR 1’s potential impact.
Navigating the Complexities of GLP-1 Medications
The rapid rise in popularity and utilization of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs – initially developed for diabetes but increasingly used for weight loss – has created both opportunities, and challenges. PBS News Hour will undertake a series examining the GLP-1 drug landscape, including their benefits, potential side effects, ongoing shortages, the role of compounding pharmacies, and the financial implications for the health care system. This reporting is particularly timely given the increasing demand and evolving market dynamics surrounding these medications.
Addressing Chronic Disease and the Role of Community Health Coaches
Chronic diseases continue to be a major driver of health care costs and a significant burden on individuals and communities. Power News Radio Network will focus on enhancing understanding of chronic diseases, particularly for those in disadvantaged and marginalized communities, and helping individuals make informed health decisions. The series will highlight best practices for prevention and management, as well as associated treatments and costs.
Recognizing the strain on traditional healthcare systems, Katti Gray, a freelance journalist working with MLK50, will investigate the growing role of community health coaches. These coaches are emerging as a vital resource, supplementing overburdened health systems, especially in low-income communities. The project will spotlight the value of this workforce and explore how they are improving patient outcomes and lowering costs.
Medical Debt, AI, and the Future of Health Care
The issue of medical debt remains a significant concern for many Americans. Tradeoffs will provide reporting on the impact of state laws requiring hospitals to automatically provide eligible patients with free or discounted care, and what policymakers should consider to improve access to charity care.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming health care, but its impact on patient care and costs remains uncertain. STAT will examine how clinical algorithms will affect the financial landscape of health care, informing the adoption of AI across the system.
Focus on Specific Health Crises and Systemic Issues
Several projects will address specific health crises and systemic issues. The Advocate will undertake a year-long reporting project on Louisiana’s obesity crisis, exploring its impact on chronic disease rates and health care costs. Bridge Michigan will explain changes in Michigan’s health care system, breaking down the economics of hospital consolidation, medical bills, and Medicaid funding. HealthDay will investigate the factors contributing to the breakdown in primary care delivery and its impact on rising health care costs. MindSite News will examine the mental health workforce crisis, its causes, impacts, and potential solutions. Elaine Grant, a freelance journalist, will report on the emergency medical response system crisis and the worker shortage impacting access to care, particularly in rural areas.
Early Cancer Detection and the Family Medicine Crisis
Forbes Magazine will investigate why early cancer detection lags, mapping scientific, structural, and social barriers to progress, particularly as cancer incidence rises among younger adults. The reporting will analyze systemic barriers across public education, research funding, and regulatory pathways.
Supporting Health Journalism Education
In addition to supporting individual reporting projects, the NIHCM Foundation is also investing in health journalism education. The Association of Health Care Journalists will create a resource page on AI and patient safety, while the Gerontological Society of America will support the Journalists in Aging Fellows Program. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health will continue its Health Coverage Fellowship for Journalists, and the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism will support a Data Fellowship focused on affordability, health care delivery, and chronic disease management.
These grants underscore the critical role of journalism in informing the public, policymakers, and stakeholders about the complex challenges and opportunities facing the U.S. Health care system. By supporting in-depth reporting and educational initiatives, the NIHCM Foundation aims to contribute to a more affordable, equitable, and effective health care system for all.