EY US Reveals Eight Health Trends Projected for 2026 Shaping the Future of Healthcare Operations

Eight Key Health Trends for 2026 Revealed by EY US

On December 2, 2025, Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced significant health trends believed to shape the landscape of the sector in 2026 and beyond. These anticipated shifts emphasize the need for healthcare organizations to adapt to both macroeconomic and regulatory pressures while prioritizing key areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and financial resilience.

The Current Landscape

According to Kim Dalla Torre, the EY Global and Americas Health Sector Leader, the year ahead will mark a pivotal moment. Health leaders are experiencing unprecedented pressures paired with unique opportunities to evolve their business models. More than 88% of health leaders express trust in AI technologies, signifying a major shift toward digital transformation.

Key Trends for 2026

EY's research unveiled the following eight trends anticipated to dominate the health sector in the coming year:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
While AI's clinical uses are paving the way forward, the establishment of responsible AI strategies is paramount as organizations advance beyond preliminary use. The focus will be on safe implementations and creating educational resources for both patients and healthcare professionals. Moreover, AI's ability to automate payer claims adjudication is enhancing efficiencies, combating fraud, and accelerating processing times.

2. Cybersecurity
The EY-KLAS US Healthcare Cyber Resilience Survey indicates that a staggering 72% of health executives have faced significant financial repercussions due to cyber incidents. Thus, health organizations must perceive cybersecurity as a strategic driver rather than a mere expense. Ensuring comprehensive strategies for cyber resilience is more vital than ever.

3. Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
Targeted M&A expansions are anticipated in 2026, particularly in areas such as lower-acuity care segments and AI-driven technology solutions. However, the looming regulatory scrutiny and economic headwinds create a challenging environment for expansion, necessitating strategic planning from healthcare leaders.

4. Financial Sustainability
Given the increasing costs and aging populations, many leader organizations are looking towards tech-enabled models to enhance care delivery. Improving operational efficiencies while maintaining high-quality care is necessary in a landscape marked by tighter margins.

5. Offshoring
Faced with rising service demands and worker shortages, many healthcare leaders are exploring offshoring clinical services as a solution. This approach can provide access to a global talent pool, although current geopolitical climates and immigration policies can complicate the process.

6. Talent Management
Upskilling the workforce has become a priority, enabling organizations to attract and retain talent. As the integration of AI and enhanced cybersecurity becomes the norm, ongoing training will help to ensure staff can effectively engage with new technologies and reduce risks.

7. Navigating the Regulatory Environment
As the healthcare sector braces for possible federal funding cuts impacting Medicaid, executives must reconsider traditional operational models. Adapting to these regulatory changes will be essential to continue providing adequate patient care across the United States.

8. Collaborating with Third-party Vendors
For increased efficiency, partnering with third-party vendors has emerged as a beneficial strategy, often yielding improved patient outcomes at lower costs than developing in-house capabilities. However, effective vetting and consolidation of vendors will be critical in forming a reliable ecosystem.

Conclusion

As stated by Dalla Torre, healthcare entities are at a critical juncture, facing changes that may redefine the industry's trajectory. By focusing on the identified trends, healthcare leaders can enhance their strategies, embrace technological advancements, and better navigate the complexities of their operational environments. Investing in these trends now will help health organizations create sustainable care models for the future.

For more insights on these trends and their implications, visit EY Health.