Association of Health Care Journalists

03/16/2026

Did Medicare Advantage insurers boost payments by adding diagnoses that weren’t treated? A federal watchdog report raises new questions.

Insurers added questionable diagnoses to 1.7 million Medicare Advantage members in 2024, netting $7.5 billion in extra revenue, reports show.

03/16/2026

📣 Webinar tomorrow 📣 March 17 📆 Noon ET 🕛️ Prepare for this week's CDC ACIP vaccine committee meeting with a webinar co-hosted by AHCJ and the Expert Vaccine Analysis Team. We'll provide an independent, evidence-based discussion of topics expected to come up during the meeting. Register here: https://healthjournalism.org/event/acip-meeting-countdown/

03/13/2026

📣 Upcoming webinar 📣 Join AHCJ and the Expert Vaccine Analysis Team on March 17 at noon ET to equip yourself with the scientific context you need to know before the CDC's ACIP committee meets to discuss vaccine safety, possible recommendation votes and more. Our panelists will cut through the noise and offer clear, unbiased analysis. Register here:

Don't miss this opportunity to get up to speed before the March 18-19 CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting.

03/13/2026

During the first six months of 2025, more than 520 incidents of terrorism and targeted violence occurred in the United States — roughly a 40% increase compared with the first six months of 2024, researchers said. Read more:

Political violence and terrorism plots are rising even as overall gun violence has declined since its pandemic-era peak, researchers say.

03/12/2026

If you weren't able to make it to today's webinar about ChatGPT Health and the usage of LLM's in everyday health care, do yourself a favor and watch the recording!

In this webinar, panelists cover how ChatGPT Health works, its potential pros and cons, and what journalists and consumers need to know.

03/12/2026

Journalists covering federal health agencies: Have you hit unusual barriers getting data, records, or interviews? AHCJ and SPJ are building the case for stronger transparency protections. Help us document what’s happening:

The Association of Health Care Journalists, in collaboration with the Society of Professional Journalists, is documenting journalists’ experiences seeking records, data, interviews and other information from federal health agencies as part of a concerted effort to defend transparency and the publi...

03/11/2026

Consolidation of health care systems in the U.S. has accelerated over the last three decades. While profits and prices have increased, researchers found no evidence that quality has improved. Read more:

As health insurers, hospitals and physicians consolidate into larger organizations, do consumers see lower costs and improved quality?

03/11/2026

Don't miss tomorrow's webinar at noon ET about ChatGPT Health! We'll discuss the potential benefits and cautions for the platform, how patients and physicians are using large language models in health care now, and what journalists and consumers need to know. Register here: https://healthjournalism.org/event/understanding-chatgpt-health/

03/10/2026

Can AI avatars help fill the gap in rural mental health care? Dr. Oz says the technology could expand access in underserved areas. But experts caution the evidence is still emerging and say AI tools should support — not replace — licensed mental health professionals.

AI avatars may be helpful as part of a component of mental health, but under the supervision of a licensed clinician.

03/09/2026

HJ26 fellowship applications are open — don’t miss your chance to apply. Recipients receive financial assistance to attend our conference in Minneapolis, May 27–30, along with one year of AHCJ membership.
🗓️ Deadline to apply: March 27
Learn more:

Improve your skills and connect with fellow health care journalists with AHCJ fellowships.

03/06/2026

Struggling to organize all your assignments, fees, deadlines and other mundane but vitally important tasks that make up a day in the life of a freelancer? You're not alone. Check out these tools, tips and tricks from AHCJ's freelance members:

During February’s Lunch and Learn, freelancers showed what they use to keep track of projects, payments and other mundane but necessary tasks.

03/06/2026

Struggling to turn your freelance pitch into a major feature story? This piece breaks down how one journalist went from pitching at AHCJ’s PitchFest to landing a feature in The Guardian. Here’s what to know:

Health journalist Carina Storrs’ feature on super-recognizers in The Guardian started with a meeting at AHCJ’s PitchFest.