Deadline: 30-Jan-2026
The NIHCM Foundation Policy Research Award is a prestigious $20,000 prize recognizing outstanding peer-reviewed research published in 2025. The award honors work that improves the affordability, accessibility, and quality of U.S. health care by providing new insights for policymakers and health care stakeholders. Applications for the 2026 cycle must be submitted by January 30, 2026.
The National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM) Foundation established this award to bridge the gap between academic research and actionable health policy. By recognizing rigorous data analysis and evidence-based findings, the foundation aims to drive systemic improvements in the United States health care landscape.
Why It Matters: Transforming Research into Policy
Academic research often remains siloed; the NIHCM award incentivizes scholars to produce work with real-world utility for the following groups:
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Health Plans: Helping insurers understand cost drivers to stabilize premiums.
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Policymakers: Providing the evidence needed to draft effective health care legislation.
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Health Care Delivery: Identifying ways for hospitals and clinics to improve patient outcomes while reducing waste.
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Consumers: Highlighting solutions that make essential medical services more accessible and affordable.
Key Concepts and Definitions
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Health Care Affordability: The ability of individuals and the system to sustain the costs of medical services. Research must address either the “drivers” (causes) or “impacts” (results) of these costs.
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Peer-Reviewed Research: Studies that have undergone evaluation by experts in the field before publication, ensuring scientific rigor and validity.
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Stakeholders: Any individual or group affected by health care policy, including patients, providers, government agencies, and private industry.
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Novelty: The degree to which the research provides “new insights” rather than simply restating existing knowledge.
Who is Eligible?
The award is open to researchers whose work meets strict geographic, chronological, and quality standards.
Core Eligibility Criteria:
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Geographic Focus: Research must focus exclusively on the United States health care system.
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Publication Window: Articles must have been published during the 2025 calendar year (in print or online).
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Peer-Review Requirement: Only peer-reviewed journal articles are eligible.
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Originality: Submissions must demonstrate high-quality data analysis, original evidence, and professional rigor.
Submission Limits:
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Each entrant may submit a maximum of three (3) entries.
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An article can only be submitted in one competition year.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Instructions
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Verify Publication Date: Confirm the article was officially published between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025.
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Ensure Topic Alignment: Confirm the research focuses on health care affordability, access, or quality within the U.S.
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Prepare the Submission: Gather the digital version (PDF or URL) of the published article.
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No Entry Fee: There is no cost associated with submitting an application.
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Submit Online: Use the official NIHCM Foundation submission portal.
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Adhere to Deadline: All materials must be uploaded by January 30, 2026, at 5:00 pm ET.
Evaluation Criteria
Entries are judged based on their potential to inform decision-making. The selection committee looks for:
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Originality & Novelty: Does the research offer a new way of looking at health care costs?
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Rigor: Is the methodology sound and the data analysis defensible?
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Relevance: How useful is this information to a policymaker or a health plan executive?
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Impact: Does the publication provide evidence that can measurably improve the health care system?
Tips for a Competitive Entry
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Highlight Policy Relevance: In your submission summary, explicitly state which “stakeholder” group (e.g., state legislators, hospital CEOs) can most benefit from your findings.
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Focus on Affordability: While your study may cover many topics, ensure the aspect related to rising health care costs is prominent.
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Check Consistency: Ensure the “New Insights” or “Data Analysis” sections of your application align directly with the conclusions of your published article.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the value of the prize? The winner will receive a $20,000 prize for their contribution to health care research.
2. Is there a fee to enter? No, entry is free for all eligible researchers and organizations.
3. Can I submit a study about international health care systems? No. All entries must focus specifically on health care in the United States.
4. What is the deadline for the 2026 cycle? The deadline is January 30, 2026, at 5:00 pm ET.
5. Can I submit a working paper or a dissertation? No. The award is only open to peer-reviewed articles that have already been published.
6. Can I submit more than one article? Yes, each entrant is permitted to submit a maximum of three entries.
7. Who should I contact if I have trouble with my submission? Applicants should contact the designated NIHCM Foundation contact person listed in the official award announcement for assistance with technical difficulties.
Conclusion
The NIHCM Foundation Policy Research Award is a vital instrument for recognizing the intellectual labor that underpins effective health care reform. By highlighting peer-reviewed research that addresses the crisis of affordability in the U.S., the foundation ensures that the most rigorous evidence reaches the hands of those who can implement change. Scholars are encouraged to submit their 2025 publications by the January 30, 2026 deadline to participate in this prestigious program.
For more information, visit NIHCM Foundation.