Key trends that will affect health care in 2026

Medicine in 2026 grapples with a convergence of systemic stresses that threaten access, quality, and operational stability across the U.S. health system. Artificial intelligence (AI) sits at the center of both promise and controversy. While AI tools for diagnostics, claims processing, and administrative tasks are rapidly expanding, their implementation often outpaces preparedness. Clinicians and patients alike are concerned about transparency, bias, and inappropriate denials generated by automated systems, particularly in insurance claims and utilization reviews, where opaque algorithms can delay or block care without clear oversight.

Prior authorization remains a pervasive administrative burden. Physicians report that the process continues to delay care, contribute to denials, and consume significant staff time. High denial rates and repetitive paperwork divert clinical focus away from patients, with many physicians reporting adverse events tied to authorization delays.

Rural hospitals and healthcare access are under acute pressure. Hundreds of rural facilities have closed in recent years, and many more face financial insolvency. These closures create “healthcare deserts” that force long travel distances for emergency and routine services, compounding disparities in already underserved areas.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) of 2025 has intensified uncertainty. This sweeping federal budget reconciliation law includes substantial cuts to Medicaid funding and changes to eligibility rules, potentially reducing coverage for millions and squeezing safety-net providers. Critics warn that these shifts could exacerbate hospital financial stress, deepen rural access issues, and increase uncompensated care burdens.

Finally, loss of insurance coverage is rising. Policy shifts and subsidy expirations are projected to push significant numbers of individuals out of Medicaid and ACA marketplaces, leaving many without affordable options. This growing uninsured population correlates with delayed care, advanced disease at presentation, and increased strain on emergency systems.