Health Affairs

Health Affairs. It is a leading peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the exploration of major domestic and international health policy issues. Founded in 1981, the journal is published by the nonprofit Project HOPE and serves as a critical forum for rigorous analysis and debate among policymakers, researchers, and practitioners. Its mission is to serve as a high-level, nonpartisan vehicle to promote thoughtful analysis and discussion on health and health care, aiming to inform policy and practice with evidence-based research.

History

The journal was established in 1981 under the founding editor John K. Iglehart, with initial support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Its creation responded to a growing need for a dedicated scholarly publication to address complex issues in health care reform and health services research. In its early years, the publication focused heavily on the economics of Medicare and Medicaid, as well as the structure of the hospital system. Ownership was transferred to Project HOPE in 1984, solidifying its nonprofit, mission-driven orientation. Key milestones include the launch of its thematic issue model and the introduction of the *Health Affairs* Blog in 2006, which expanded its real-time commentary. Leadership later passed to editors including Susan Dentzer and, since 2014, Alan Weil.

Content and scope

The journal publishes original research, policy analyses, and commentaries across a broad spectrum of topics central to health and health care. Core subject areas include health insurance coverage, health care costs and financing, the social determinants of health, pharmaceutical policy, and global health. It is renowned for its thematic issues, which delve deeply into subjects such as the Affordable Care Act, health information technology, and population health. The publication features diverse content types, from data-driven research articles and briefs from its *GrantWatch* section to narrative essays and interviews with prominent figures like Ezekiel Emanuel and Don Berwick. Its content frequently incorporates data from major surveys like the National Health Interview Survey and analyses of programs administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Impact and influence

It is consistently ranked among the top journals in its field, with a high impact factor and a strong reputation for influencing the national policy dialogue. Studies first published within its pages have directly informed legislative debates on Capitol Hill and regulatory decisions by agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services. Its articles are widely cited in major media outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Kaiser Health News. The journal's work has been instrumental in shaping discussions on critical issues, from hospital readmission penalties and Accountable Care Organizations to the opioid crisis and health equity. Its analyses are regularly referenced by influential organizations like the Congressional Budget Office and the National Academy of Medicine.

Editorial process and governance

The journal operates under the leadership of Editor-in-Chief Alan Weil, supported by a dedicated editorial team and a distinguished, multidisciplinary editorial board. The board includes leading scholars and practitioners from institutions such as the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the University of California, Berkeley, and the Brookings Institution. The publication employs a rigorous double-anonymized peer review process managed through the ScholarOne manuscript system. All submissions are evaluated for methodological soundness, policy relevance, and clarity. The governance structure is overseen by Project HOPE's leadership, ensuring alignment with its nonprofit mission to achieve sustainable health advances worldwide.

Related publications and initiatives

Beyond its flagship journal, the organization maintains several related publications and projects that extend its reach. The *Health Affairs* Blog provides daily, timely commentary from experts across the health policy arena. The *Health Affairs Forefront* platform offers a space for rapid publication and ongoing discussion. Special projects, such as the *Narrative Matters* section and the *Health Policy Briefs* series, provide accessible formats for diverse audiences. The journal also hosts major events, including the annual Health Affairs Policy Briefing in Washington, D.C., and collaborates on research initiatives with partners like the National Institute for Health Care Management and the Peterson Center on Healthcare.

Category:Medical and health journals published in the United States Category:Health policy Category:Monthly journals Category:Publications established in 1981