Journal of Health Economics

The Journal of Health Economics publishes economic analyses that deepen understanding of the value, production or distribution of health or healthcare. It aims to publish original research that advances knowledge in health economics or informs health policy.

We welcome submissions that use economic theory or methods to deliver insights into a) value of health, b) economic impact of health, c) health behavior and inequality, d) determinants of health, e) healthcare costs, payments and financing, f) production and innovation in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, g) healthcare and health insurance competition and regulation, or h) economic evaluation of health policies or programs.

We encourage submissions examining these topics in any setting, provided results are relevant outside narrow geographic boundaries.

We publish papers of any length. There is no separate submission channel for short papers, which are encouraged.

Generally, we do not publish a) opinion pieces, b) (systematic) reviews, c) cost-of-illness studies, d) applications of cost-effectiveness, efficiency or discrete-choice analyses without methodological innovation or high-impact evidence, c) time series analyses, and d) epidemiological studies with no economic analysis. A comment on a JHE article will be published only if it makes a substantial contribution by reevaluating results of a high-impact study.

The JHE receives around 1200 submissions per year and publishes around 6%. We pre-screen all submissions and desk reject about 75% that a) fall outside our scope, b) use data or methods likely to compromise evidence validity, or c) do not make a substantial contribution. With a high volume of submissions, unfortunately, we cannot give detailed reasons for each desk-reject decision. There is no process to appeal a reject decision. A rejected paper cannot be resubmitted, unless the decision letter specifies conditions under which the paper would be reconsidered.

Submission link: https://www.editorialmanager.com/jhlthec/default2.aspx