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September 11.2025
3 Minutes Read

How U.S. Journalists Will Explore Germany's Health Care System

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

U.S. Journalists Embark on a Health Care Learning Journey in Germany

This October, four exemplary journalists from the U.S. have been selected for the inaugural AHCJ German Health Care Study Group. The program offers a unique opportunity for these reporters to delve into the intricacies of the German health care system, learning from its structure that combines universal access and private providers and significantly reduces patient financial burdens. Each reporter will closely examine key aspects of this system that contrast starkly with those in the U.S. — particularly regarding accessibility, expense, and the overall approach to patient care.

Exploring Health Equity Through Diverse Perspectives

The selected journalists include Jenae Barnes from Capital B, who aims to shed light on the experiences of expatriate Black Americans navigating Germany's health care landscape. Barnes intends to highlight how their encounters differ from the challenges posed by medical costs and racial bias in the American system. Her exploration emphasizes the need for equity in health care access — a topic that resonates deeply in today's discussions around systemic inequalities.

Environmental Health: A Focus on Asthma Rates

Katie L. Burke from Scientific American will investigate the nexus between lower carbon emissions and diminished asthma prevalence in Germany. By analyzing how climatic factors influence public health outcomes, Burke hopes to draw parallels with the higher asthma rates in the U.S., where environmental degradation and poor health policies often intersect. This aspect of the study serves as a pivotal exploration into how nations can provide healthier living conditions for their citizens through sensible environmental practices and comprehensive health policies.

Insights on Rural Health Care Accessibility

Jordan Gass-Pooré from Inside Climate News will focus on rural health care in Germany, comparing it to the systems in Texas, which face growing medical disparities. As Gass-Pooré investigates how rural regions in Germany maintain better access to quality care, she aims to define the implications this has for public health, especially as climate change continues to strain health resources across various communities. This critical look into rural health will spotlight the importance of addressing geographic healthcare inequities.

The Care of Aging Populations

Lastly, Keren Landman, M.D. from National Geographic, will report on Germany's approach to elder care, uncovering how the system supports senior citizens in aging comfortably and safely at home. Landman's insights will resonate with American audiences, as the nation's aging population faces similar challenges. By examining innovative practices in Germany, the study group seeks to offer solutions and inspire changes in U.S. elder care policies.

Bridging Health Care Models Across the Atlantic

The AHCJ German Health Care Study Group, supported by The Commonwealth Fund, is essential for encouraging robust dialogues surrounding cost, coverage, equity, and care delivery. Upon returning to the U.S., journalists will have not just stories to tell, but critical insights to share with peers and the community, fostering a collective drive toward improved health care policy discussions. The initiative embodies the spirit of curiosity and collaboration, pivotal for advancing health equity and quality across both nations.

This immersive experience marks an exciting chapter in U.S. health care journalism, revealing what we can learn from international frameworks. Those interested in following their journeys and insights should take advantage of the knowledge and stories shared as these journalists explore and compare health care models, showcasing the continuous evolution of our health landscape.

Health & Wellness at Home

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