What to Watch in US Health Policy Before the 2026 Midterms
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, healthcare leaders are asking whether this is just another policy cycle or a more pivotal moment in an increasingly complex and fragmented landscape. In this episode of PwC’s Next in Health, Glenn Hunzinger speaks with Kelly Griffin and Philip Sclafani about how shifting policy dynamics, persistent cost pressures, and rapid industry transformation are reshaping strategy across the healthcare ecosystem. Discussion highlights:Why the 2026 midterms are less about sweeping reform and more about signaling the direction of the operating environmentHow affordability, transparency, and increased state-level action are shaping policy and driving industry changeWhy healthcare costs continue to rise and why traditional levers may not be enough to bend the cost curveHow pharma, payers, and providers are adapting business models amid regulatory pressure and evolving market dynamicsThe growing role of AI, partnerships, and ecosystem convergence in accelerating transformationWhat healthcare leaders should prioritize, from policy intelligence and scenario planning to operating effectively in a more fragmented environment Speakers: Glenn Hunzinger, US Health Industries Leader, PwC Kelly Griffin, Director, Health Policy and Intelligence Institute, PwC Philip Sclafani, Principal, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences, PwCFor more information, please visit us at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-research-institute/next-in-health-podcast.html.
