Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Healthcare Outlook for 2026: Policy, Consolidation, and Cautious Optimism
Dec 18, 2025
Laura Dyrda, Vice President and Editor in Chief at Becker’s Healthcare, shares her expertise on the healthcare landscape leading into 2026. She highlights key trends like AI and workforce shifts that will shape provider planning. Dyrda discusses Fitch's neutral outlook, project revenue growth, and the likelihood of increased M&A activity. She tackles the impact of Medicaid changes and strategies providers will use to counter funding pressures. Ultimately, leaders express cautious optimism as they seek to improve care access and navigate financial challenges.
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Fitch Sees Stability, Not Rapid Growth
- Fitch projects a neutral outlook for U.S. provider healthcare in 2026 with stable credit trends.
- Mid-single revenue growth and issuer resilience underpin cautious optimism despite pressures.
Consolidation Will Accelerate Again
- Merger and acquisition activity is expected to rise as consolidation continues across healthcare.
- Systems paused earlier in 2025 but may resume buying or seek partners to scale in 2026.
Medicaid Changes Raise Uninsured Risk
- Medicaid tightening from the 2025 Tax Cut and Jobs Act may reduce enrollment and increase the uninsured.
- This shift will worsen hospital payer mixes and place additional margin pressure on systems.