What could shape healthcare reform in 2026

Rising healthcare costs and flaws in the Medicare Advantage program are likely to dominate healthcare reform discussions in 2026, according to one PitchBook analyst. Potential policy changes could focus on improving affordability in the ACA market and fixing distorted incentives in Medicare Advantage.

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Top Story Rising Costs & Medicare Advantage Flaws to Drive Healthcare Reform Talks in 2026 Rising healthcare costs and flaws in the Medicare Advantage program are likely to dominate healthcare reform discussions in 2026, according to one PitchBook analyst. Potential policy changes could focus on improving affordability in the ACA market and fixing distorted incentives in Medicare Advantage. Sponsored Boise's Leading Sedation Dentistry Practices: A Comprehensive Guide Presented by Boise Family Dental Care Boise Family Dental Care is perfect for patients who struggle receiving proper dental work due to an extreme fear of dentists, needle phobia, low pain threshold or strong gag reflexes. Learn more

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Healthcare's Next Workforce Shift: Making AI 'Hireable' Agentic AI is emerging as "hireable" digital labor in healthcare, according to Nvidia's Kimberly Powell. She argued that once health system leaders stop viewing AI as software and start treating it as a workforce asset, the technology could rapidly reduce burnout and expand access to care. PHTI: How Employers Can Manage GLP-1 Coverage The Peterson Health Technology Institute outlined five key recommendations for employers seeking to design sustainable GLP-1 coverage. Reclassifying Nursing Degrees Puts Us All At Risk The decision to eliminate nursing and PA degrees from 'professional degree' status isn't just a financial policy choice; it's a workforce policy choice. And, unfortunately, it's moving in the wrong direction at the worst possible time. When HSA Dollars Enter Direct Primary Care, Control Follows When tax-advantaged dollars enter a care model, they do more than expand purchasing power. They reorganize incentives, accelerate intermediary involvement, and clarify who holds leverage. Housing is the Next Frontier in Proactive Care. Here's How Health Plans Can Help Just as health plans have learned to identify and intervene early with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, they can and should do the same for housing and other health-related social needs.

Video   How Oura is moving beyond wellness Oura is no longer just a sleep-focused wellness startup. It's getting deeper into chronic disease management and healthcare integration, said its chief medical officer, Ricky Bloomfield.

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