SABEW accepting applications for business of health care seminar

Applications from journalists are now being accepted for a two-day fellowship program on the business aspects of health care.

The Commonwealth Fund awarded a grant to the Society of American Business Editors and Writers to develop a two-day symposium in New York City.

The session, which will be limited to 14 journalists selected through an application process, will be held Jan. 17-18 at Reuters headquarters at 3 Times Square, New York City.

The application deadline is Nov.  19 at 5 p.m. Eastern time.

SABEW and Commonwealth have teamed up before to offer specialized education in healthcare reporting.  It is the fifth such grant the Commonwealth Fund has awarded to SABEW, which has conducted a dozen open workshops and other activities on the business of health care under Commonwealth’s sponsorship since 2007.

“Issues surrounding the nation’s health care continue to be a major business story.  We’re pleased that the Commonwealth Fund will be working with us again to help educate reporters and editors in the complexities of the topic,” said Warren Watson, the SABEW executive director who is developing the training program.

The symposium will be geared to expert reporters from media companies nationwide.  Participants will be selected by SABEW and an advisory committee, and be given fellowships that cover travel, hotel and other costs for the New York program.

Journalists hoping to attend the two-day seminar should apply by sending a letter of interest and a resume to  Watson, SABEW, Suite 416, Cronkite School, 555 North Central, Phoenix, Ariz. 85004.  In the letter, applicants should explain their background and interest in the topic and benefits they believe they would derive from participation.

Topic areas expected to be included: Affordable Care Act implementation, state-based healthcare exchanges, Medicare reform, Medicaid, healthcare payment innovation and reform, healthcare data, healthcare bundling and business insurance plans for employees.