Key Healthcare Policy Developments to Watch in 2026
What’s happening
2026 is shaping up to be another dynamic and impactful year for healthcare policy. As we look ahead to the second session of the 119th Congress, we expect affordability, including affordable healthcare, to be a major focus in the midterm elections, so we expect both parties will want to pursue policies that seek to lower healthcare costs. We also expect the administration to continue issuing regulations and executive actions that will impact the healthcare space.
Of interest
Throughout 2026, Congress and the administration may prioritize, announce, or advance healthcare policies important to rural hospitals and health systems, such as:
Our partners at McDermott+, one of healthcare’s most trusted and respected healthcare consulting firms, wrote an insight outlining possible 2026 action on these and other key healthcare policies.
Why you should care
Policy changes that are being considered will impact whether and how patients are insured and hospitals are paid. Leaders of hospitals and health systems should be informed about potential policy changes and how they could impact your organization.
Looking to learn more?
McDermott+ offers valuable insights into what changes may move forward in 2026 and how they could affect hospitals and health systems. Read more to see what they are saying about how your organization could be impacted.
Click here to read the 2026 preview insight.