The Heart of Healthcare | A Digital Health Podcast đź”® 2026 Digital Health Predictions | Annie Lamont
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Jan 12, 2026 Annie Lamont, a veteran venture capitalist and co-founder of Oak HC/FT, shares her insights on the future of healthcare. She recounts the tough landscape of 2025 for health plans and discusses why providers are leading in AI adoption. Annie predicts which sectors she'll focus on in 2026, including provider software and AI-driven drug discovery. She expresses caution about employer-centric solutions and mid-level payer challenges. With thoughts on consolidation and the potential for market shifts, she also highlights the need for robust national AI policies.
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Payer Turmoil In 2025
- 2025 was "probably the most brutal year" for health plans, with major dislocation especially in MA.
- Annie expects stabilization in 2026 but says payers faced a uniquely hard year.
AI Creates Haves And Have-Nots
- AI created clear winners and losers in fundraising, inflating valuations for AI-attached startups.
- Annie predicts investors will become more discriminating as AI becomes ubiquitous across products.
Provider Software Opportunity
- For the first time since EHR adoption, there is a large enterprise software opportunity on the provider side.
- Annie believes AI applied to providers is transformative and creates many new startups.