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JAMA Health Forum

JAMA Health Forum is a JAMA Network journal publishing health policy and health care research and opinion content, including Original Investigations, Research Letters, Viewpoints, Editorials, and JAMA Forum articles. Articles are labeled open access.

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Subject Health Care Sciences & Services, Health Policy & Services, Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Impact Factor 11.3
Quartile Q1
Open Access Type Open
ISSN 2689-0186
eISSN 2689-0186
Invitation Only No
Cost Range All research articles that are accepted for publication require payment of an article processing charge (APC); waivers and discounts are available for eligible authors from Hinari Core Offer countries.

Submission Instructions

JAMA Health Forum accepts the following article types. Click on an article type to view submission instructions.

Original Investigation

Cover Letter A cover letter is required. The cover letter must include complete corresponding author contact information and state whether any related papers from the same study have been published, posted, or submitted.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. The abstract must not exceed 350 words. The abstract must be structured. The abstract must use the headings Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, and Conclusions and Relevance.
Manuscript The manuscript text must not exceed 3000 words, excluding the abstract, tables, figures, acknowledgments, references, and online-only material. The manuscript must include a study type and include a Key Points section before the abstract with 3 key points. The manuscript must include 3 Key Points, a Data Sharing Statement, and disclosure of any AI-assisted content in the Acknowledgment or Methods section.
References References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript Arabic numerals, not alphabetized, and list up to 6 authors or editors before using the first 3 followed by "et al."
Figures & Tables The manuscript must include no more than a total of 5 tables and/or figures. Tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file, and figures may be uploaded separately or appended to the end of the manuscript for initial submission. Each table and figure must be numbered, titled, cited in the text, and not duplicate the same data across both formats.
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Clinical Trial

Cover Letter A cover letter is required. The cover letter must include the corresponding author’s complete contact information.
Abstract A structured abstract is required for clinical trial manuscripts. Abstract must not exceed 350 words. Abstract must be structured. Abstract must use the headings Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, Conclusions and Relevance, and end with Trial Registration including registry name, trial ID, and URL.
Manuscript Clinical trial manuscripts must not exceed 3000 words of text. Manuscript must include a title page, Key Points, Abstract, text, references, and as appropriate figure legends and tables, with the subtitle including “A Randomized Clinical Trial” or for nonrandomized trials “A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial.” Manuscript must include 3 Key Points before the abstract, a Data Sharing Statement, and submission of the original trial protocol with complete statistical analysis plan and any amendments as supplemental files, and any AI-assisted content must be disclosed in the Acknowledgment or Methods section.
References Clinical trial manuscripts must include no more than 50-75 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript Arabic numerals, use PubMed journal abbreviations, and list up to 6 authors or editors before using the first 3 followed by “et al.”
Figures & Tables Clinical trial manuscripts may include no more than 5 tables and/or figures in total. Tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file, while figures may be uploaded separately or appended to the end of the manuscript for initial submission. Each table and figure must be numbered, titled, cited in the text, and not duplicate data, and primary outcome data must not be presented in figures alone.
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Meta-Analysis

Cover Letter A cover letter is required. The cover letter must include the corresponding author's complete contact information and state whether any related papers from the same study have been published, posted, or submitted.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. The abstract must not exceed 350 words. The abstract must be structured. The abstract must use the headings Importance, Objective, Data Sources, Study Selection, Data Extraction and Synthesis, Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, and Conclusions and Relevance.
Manuscript The manuscript text must not exceed 3000 words, excluding abstract, tables, figures, acknowledgments, references, and supplemental material. The manuscript must include 3 Key Points before the abstract and the subtitle should include "A Meta-analysis." The manuscript must include a separate Key Points section with 3 key points and a Data Sharing Statement.
References The manuscript must include 50 to 75 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript Arabic numerals, use PubMed journal abbreviations, and list up to 6 authors or editors before using the first 3 followed by "et al."
Figures & Tables The manuscript must include no more than a total of 5 tables and/or figures. For initial submission, figures may be uploaded as separate files or appended to the end of the manuscript with titles and legends, while tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file and not uploaded separately. Each table and figure must be numbered, titled, cited in the text, and limited to content needed to support the article without duplicating data between tables and figures.
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Systematic Review (Without Meta-Analysis)

Cover Letter A cover letter is required. The cover letter must include complete contact information for the corresponding author and state whether any related papers from the same study have been published, posted, or submitted.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. The abstract must not exceed 350 words. The abstract must be structured.
Manuscript The manuscript text must not exceed 3000 words, excluding abstract, tables, figures, acknowledgements, references, and online-only material. The manuscript must be formatted as Original Investigations with Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusions sections, with Introduction and Methods each 150-250 words, Results 1000-1250 words, Discussion 1000 words, Conclusions 2-3 sentences, and the subtitle "A Systematic Review." The manuscript must include 3 Key Points, a table with ratings of the quality of the studies or evidence, quality-of-evidence ratings in the Results and evidence-summary tables using a 1-5 or other preferred rating system, and a Data Sharing Statement.
References The manuscript must include 50-75 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript arabic numerals, not alphabetized, use PubMed journal abbreviations, and list up to 6 authors or editors before using "et al."
Figures & Tables The manuscript must include no more than a total of 5 tables and/or figures. Tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file, while figures may be uploaded as separate files or appended to the end of the manuscript for initial submission. Tables and evidence summaries must include ratings of the quality of the evidence using a 1-5 or other preferred evidence rating system.
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Randomized Clinical Trial

Cover Letter A cover letter is required. The cover letter must include complete contact information for the corresponding author.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. Abstract must not exceed 350 words. The abstract must be structured. The abstract must use the headings Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, Conclusions and Relevance, followed by Trial Registration with the registry name, trial ID, and URL.
Manuscript Manuscript text must not exceed 3000 words. The manuscript must include Key Points before the abstract and use the subtitle "A Randomized Clinical Trial." The manuscript must include 75 to 100 words of Key Points with Question, Findings, and Meaning, include trial registration and ID, include a trial protocol submitted as a supplemental file, and disclose any AI-generated content in the manuscript or acknowledgment or methods section.
References The manuscript must include 50 to 75 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript arabic numerals, not alphabetized, list up to 6 authors or editors before using "et al," and use PubMed journal title abbreviations.
Figures & Tables The manuscript must include no more than 5 tables and/or figures in total, including a CONSORT flow diagram. Tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file, while figures may be appended to the end of the manuscript for initial submission or uploaded separately. Each table and figure must be numbered, titled, cited in the text, and primary outcome data must not be presented only in figures.
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Brief Report

Cover Letter A cover letter is required. The cover letter must include the corresponding author's complete contact information.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. Abstract must not exceed 350 words. The abstract must be structured. The abstract must use the headings Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, and Conclusions and Relevance.
Manuscript The manuscript should contain 1200 words of text excluding abstract, tables, figures, acknowledgments, references, and online-only material. The manuscript must include 3 Key Points and a study type. The manuscript must include a Key Points section before the abstract with Question, Findings, and Meaning, and it must include a Data Sharing Statement and clear disclosure of any AI-generated content or writing assistance in the Acknowledgment or Methods section.
References The manuscript must include no more than 15 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript arabic numerals, and list up to 6 authors or editors before using the first 3 followed by "et al."
Figures & Tables The manuscript must include no more than 3 tables and/or figures in total. Tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file, and figures may be uploaded as separate files or appended to the end of the manuscript for initial submission. Each table and figure must be numbered, titled, cited in the text, and must not duplicate data presented elsewhere.
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Research Letter

Cover Letter A cover letter is required. The cover letter must include complete contact information for the corresponding author and state whether related papers from the same study have been published, posted, or submitted.
Abstract An abstract must not be included.
Manuscript The manuscript must not exceed 800 words of text. The manuscript should generally be divided into Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections and must include a study type. Key Points must not be included, and a Data Sharing Statement must be included.
References No more than 10 references may be included. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript arabic numerals, and list up to 6 authors or editors before using the first 3 followed by "et al."
Figures & Tables No more than 2 small tables or figures may be included. Tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file, and figures may be uploaded separately or appended to the end of the manuscript for initial submission. Online supplementary material is allowed only for brief additional and absolutely necessary methods and must not include additional results or discussion.
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Consensus Statement

Cover Letter A cover letter is required. Cover letter must include complete corresponding author contact information and state whether related papers from the same study have been published, posted, or submitted.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. Abstract must not exceed 350 words. Abstract must be structured.
Manuscript Text must not exceed 3000 words excluding abstract, tables, figures, references, and online-only material. Manuscript must include a structured abstract, an Introduction of 150-250 words, Methods including description of the consensus process and participants of 150-250 words, Results of 1000-1250 words, a Discussion of 1000 words, and Conclusions of 2-3 sentences. Manuscript must include a Key Points section before the abstract and the Results section must include ratings of the quality of the evidence, and any AI-assisted content must be clearly described with the tool details and author responsibility statement.
References References must total 50-75. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript Arabic numerals, not alphabetized, and list up to 6 authors or editors before using the first 3 followed by "et al.".
Figures & Tables Tables and figures combined must not exceed 5. Tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file, and figures may be appended to the end of the manuscript for initial submission or uploaded separately. Each table and figure must be numbered, titled, and cited in the text, and figures must not exceed 4 panels unless justified.
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Cohort Study

Cover Letter A cover letter is required. The cover letter must include complete contact information for the corresponding author and state whether related papers from the same study have been published, posted, or submitted.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. Abstract must not exceed 350 words. Abstract must be structured. Abstract must use the headings Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, and Conclusions and Relevance.
Manuscript Manuscript text must not exceed 3000 words. Manuscript must include a title page, Key Points, Abstract, text, and references. Manuscript must include Key Points, a Data Sharing Statement, and clear disclosure of any artificial intelligence-generated or assisted content.
References Manuscript must include 50 to 75 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript Arabic numerals, and list up to 6 authors or editors before using "et al.".
Figures & Tables Manuscript may include no more than 5 tables and/or figures. Tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file, and figures may be uploaded separately or appended to the end of the manuscript for initial submission. Each table and figure must be numbered, titled, and cited in the text, and primary outcome data must not be presented only in figures.
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Case-Control Study

Cover Letter A cover letter is required. The cover letter must include complete corresponding author contact information and state whether related papers from the same study have been published, posted, or submitted.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. Abstract must not exceed 350 words. Abstract must be structured. Abstract headings must be Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, and Conclusions and Relevance.
Manuscript Manuscript must not exceed 3000 words. Manuscript must include a title page, Key Points before the abstract, abstract, text, references, and as appropriate figure legends and tables. Manuscript must include Key Points, a Data Sharing Statement, and disclosure of any artificial intelligence-assisted content in the Acknowledgment or Methods section.
References References must total 50 to 75. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript arabic numerals, not alphabetized, and list up to 6 authors or editors before using the first 3 followed by "et al.".
Figures & Tables Manuscript may include no more than 5 tables and/or figures. Tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file, and figures may be uploaded separately or appended to the end of the manuscript for initial submission. Each table and figure must be numbered, given a descriptive title, and cited in the text.
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Cross-Sectional Study

Cover Letter A cover letter is required. The cover letter must include the corresponding author's complete contact information and state whether any related papers from the same study have been published, posted, or submitted.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. The abstract must not exceed 350 words. The abstract must be structured. The abstract must use the headings Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, and Conclusions and Relevance.
Manuscript The manuscript must not exceed 3000 words. The manuscript must include a title page, Key Points, abstract, text, references, and as appropriate figure legends and tables. The manuscript must include Key Points before the abstract using Question, Findings, and Meaning in 75-100 words, include a Data Sharing Statement, and disclose any use of AI in the Acknowledgment or Methods section.
References The manuscript must include 50-75 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript arabic numerals, list up to 6 authors or editors before using the first 3 followed by "et al.," and use PubMed journal abbreviations.
Figures & Tables The manuscript may include no more than 5 tables and/or figures. Tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file, and figures may be appended to the end of the manuscript for initial submission or uploaded as separate files. Each table and figure must be numbered, titled, cited in the text, and must not duplicate data between tables and figures.
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Case Series

Cover Letter A cover letter is required. Cover letter must include complete corresponding author contact information and state whether related papers from the same study have been published, posted, or submitted.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. Abstract must not exceed 350 words. Abstract must be structured. Abstract must use the headings Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, and Conclusions and Relevance.
Manuscript Manuscript must not exceed 3000 words. Manuscript must include a title page, Key Points before the abstract, and the main text. Manuscript must include Key Points, a Data Sharing Statement, and clear disclosure of any AI-generated or AI-assisted content.
References References must total 50 to 75. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript arabic numerals, use PubMed journal abbreviations, and list up to 6 authors or the first 3 followed by et al if more than 6.
Figures & Tables Manuscript may include no more than 5 tables and/or figures. Tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file, and figures may be uploaded separately or appended to the end of the manuscript for initial submission. Each table and figure must be numbered, titled, cited in the text, and should not duplicate data between tables and figures.
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Economic Evaluation

Cover Letter A cover letter is required. The cover letter must include complete corresponding author contact information.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. The abstract must not exceed 350 words. The abstract must be structured. The abstract must use the headings Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, and Conclusions and Relevance.
Manuscript The manuscript must not exceed 3000 words. The manuscript must include Key Points before the abstract. The manuscript must include Key Points following the headings Question, Findings, and Meaning, and must disclose any use of artificial intelligence in the Acknowledgment or Methods section.
References The manuscript must include 50 to 75 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript arabic numerals, and list up to 6 authors before using the first 3 followed by "et al."
Figures & Tables The manuscript must include no more than 5 tables and/or figures. Tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file, and figures may be uploaded separately or appended to the end of the manuscript for initial submission. Each table and figure must be numbered, titled, and cited in the text, and primary outcome data must not be presented only in figures.
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Comparative Effectiveness Research

Cover Letter A cover letter is required. The cover letter must include complete contact information for the corresponding author.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. Abstract must not exceed 350 words. The abstract must be structured. The abstract must use the headings Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, and Conclusions and Relevance.
Manuscript Manuscript must not exceed 3000 words. The manuscript must include Key Points before the Abstract. The manuscript must include Key Points and a Data Sharing Statement, and any use of artificial intelligence for content creation or writing assistance must be disclosed in the Acknowledgment section or Methods section with the tool details and author responsibility.
References The manuscript must include 50 to 75 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript arabic numerals, and list up to 6 authors or editors before using "et al." after the first 3 if there are more than 6.
Figures & Tables The manuscript must include no more than 5 tables and/or figures. Tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file, and figures may be uploaded as separate files or appended to the end of the manuscript for initial submission. Each table and figure must be numbered, given a descriptive title, and cited in the text.
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Diagnostic/Prognostic Study

Cover Letter A cover letter is required. The cover letter must include the corresponding author's complete contact information.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. Abstract must not exceed 350 words. The abstract must be structured. Abstract headings must be Importance, Objective, Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention(s) or Exposure(s), Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s), Results, and Conclusions and Relevance.
Manuscript Manuscript must not exceed 3000 words. The manuscript must include a title page, Key Points, a structured abstract, text, and references. The manuscript must include Key Points before the abstract using the headings Question, Findings, and Meaning in 75 to 100 words, include a Data Sharing Statement, and disclose any use of AI-generated or AI-assisted content in the manuscript or Acknowledgment/Methods section.
References The manuscript must include 50 to 75 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript Arabic numerals, and list up to 6 authors or editors before using the first 3 followed by "et al." for more than 6.
Figures & Tables The manuscript may include no more than 5 tables and/or figures. Tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file, and figures may be uploaded as separate files or appended to the end of the manuscript for initial submission. Each table and figure must be numbered, cited in the text, and provided with a descriptive title, and primary outcome data must not be presented in figures alone.
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Recent Publications

The Challenges of Linking SNAP State Cost Sharing to Payment Error Rates

Sara N. Bleich, Rita Hamad, Gina Plata-Nino

10.1001/jamahealthforum.2026.4880
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Medicaid Lesser-of Rules and Disparities in Skilled Nursing Facility Quality

Kalli G. Koukounas, Fangli Geng, David C. Grabowksi, Kali S. Thomas, Vince Mor, Momotazur Rahman, Cyrus M. Kosar

10.1001/jamahealthforum.2026.3736
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Regulating Artificial Intelligence Design to Prevent Youth Mental Health Harms

Ryan K. McBain, Jonathan H. Cantor, Li Ang Zhang, Benjamin A. Barsky

10.1001/jamahealthforum.2026.3119
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Implications of Site-Neutral Rate-Setting Methods for Medicare Spending

Kathryn E. Linehan, Bijan A. Niknam, Melinda B. Buntin

10.1001/jamahealthforum.2026.3768
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Pharmacy Benefit Manager Involvement in the US Opioid Crisis

Amy Y. Hwang, Vietvi Trinh, Tracy Zhen, Pamela M. Ling, Dorie E. Apollonio

10.1001/jamahealthforum.2026.3611
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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to publish?

Median time to first decision is 4 days and 44 days with review. Median time from submission to acceptance is 63 days, and 68 days from acceptance to publication.

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Is a cover letter required?

A cover letter is required and should include complete contact information for the corresponding author and whether the authors have published, posted, or submitted any related papers from the same study.

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What are the publication costs?

Accepted research articles require payment of an article processing charge (APC). Waivers and discounts are available for eligible authors from resource-limited countries and Hinari Core Offer countries.

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Research Topics

Healthcare Policy and Management Health Systems, Economic Evaluations, Quality of Life Primary Care and Health Outcomes Healthcare cost, quality, practices Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy Global Health Care Issues Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations COVID-19 and healthcare impacts Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes Health disparities and outcomes Global Health Workforce Issues Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy Public Health Policies and Education Pharmaceutical industry and healthcare Patient Satisfaction in Healthcare Economic and Financial Impacts of Cancer Medication Adherence and Compliance Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes COVID-19 and Mental Health Emergency and Acute Care Studies Homelessness and Social Issues Diversity and Career in Medicine Disaster Response and Management COVID-19 epidemiological studies

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