Six months down, and a whole new chapter is unfolding. As we cross the halfway point until the 2026 tournament, it’s time for our latest Six-Month Recap. The second leg of the year has brought new energy, and a few surprises, as the themes from the 2025 March Healthcare Classic continue to shape the pulse of the industry. Since the final buzzer, we’ve seen momentum build around key forces that first emerged in the spring: the accelerating rise of Artificial Intelligence, and the unmistakable imprint of policy and politics on healthcare’s direction. The trends that dominated the tournament this year are: Make America Healthy Again (2), AI’s Resurgent Debut (1), Medicare Advantage Doubles Down (1), and Access and Capacity (2). These trends have evolved in both expected and unexpected ways. Read on for an analysis of what’s shifting, what’s sticking, and what’s coming next in the fast-moving world of healthcare.
2025 Champion: Make America Healthy Again (2)
Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) (2) has continued to dominate conversations among industry experts, policymakers, and the public alike, solidifying its position as a transformative force in the healthcare and wellness arenas. From its high-profile federal initiatives to local legislative efforts, MAHA’s influence is growing rapidly, confirming why it earned the Championship title in this season’s tournament.
Since its inception in February 2025 under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, the MAHA Commission has doubled down on its core mission: tackling chronic health issues through prevention and reforming the food system. The Commission’s latest update, revealed in September, emphasized stricter scrutiny of ultraprocessed foods and removal of chemicals in foods, with a renewed focus on environmental and dietary contributors to chronic illness in children. This update also calls for expanding research funding to better understand long-term health impacts and to develop evidence-based interventions.
At the state level, legislative momentum behind MAHA principles remains strong. Previously, we highlighted Senate Bill 25, which was signed into law in Texas by Governor Greg Abbott. The law requires warning labels to be added on foods that contain any of 44 identified additives and dyes. Additionally, California has continued to advance public health initiatives aligned with MAHA-style principles. In October 2025, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1264, which phases out the most concerning ultra-processed foods (UPFs) from school meals and establishes the first legal definition of UPFs in the U.S. The California Department of Public Health will develop rules for implementation by mid‑2028. While the law does not explicitly cite the MAHA Commission, its focus on reducing exposure to highly processed foods and promoting healthier dietary options reflects themes consistent with the Commission’s broader agenda on preventive health and food system reform.
Corporate America is also responding to MAHA’s call to action. In late July, PepsiCo announced plans to re-launch its top snack brands, Lay’s and Tostitos, later this year, highlighting that they will no longer contain artificial colors or artificial flavors. Similarly, Starbucks’ earlier announcement, covered in our Three-Month Recap, outlined plans to roll out sugar-free and high-protein drink options nationwide, with CEO Brian Niccol emphasizing a commitment to healthier options. These moves reflect a growing trend of industry alignment in the private sector with public health goals supported by MAHA.
In the Three‑Month Recap, we covered the concerns of more than 250 groups representing farmers, ranchers, and agrochemical companies, who requested to share their input before MAHA released future recommendations. These stakeholders had flagged errors and nonexistent studies in the Commission’s first report and emphasized the essential role of pesticides in maintaining a competitive U.S. farming sector. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins committed to including these groups in discussions ahead of the next report in August. Building on this engagement, CropLife America, representing the pesticide and chemical‑industry side, praised the MAHA Commission’s second report for its revised tone on pesticides, highlighting increased reliance on oversight and confidence in existing regulatory review rather than calls for outright bans.
MAHA’s bold vision is already reshaping federal health policy and sparking cross-sector collaborations. As the year closes, the initiative’s capacity to drive meaningful improvements in public health and cost containment remains under close watch, well-positioned to influence healthcare’s next chapter well into 2026 and beyond.
Top Two Trend: AI’s Resurgent Debut (1)
AI’s Resurgence in Front Office Operations (1) has continued to gain momentum, solidifying its position as a transformative force in healthcare administration. While AI’s potential in clinical diagnosis and treatment has been widely discussed, recent advancements have been concentrated in front-office operations, where AI tools are automating payor-provider transactions, patient transitions, and improving operational efficiency.
In September 2025, Oracle Health unveiled a suite of AI-powered applications aimed at enhancing collaboration between healthcare providers and payors. These tools focus on automating prior authorizations, reducing claims denials, and improving care coordination. By embedding AI agents that are aware of payer-specific rules, providers can submit more accurate claims, thereby reducing administrative burdens and costs for both parties.
On the heels of Oracle’s announcement, Cohere Health announced a collaboration with Microsoft Dragon Copilot in October to roll out an “ambient” AI solution designed to streamline prior authorization workflows between payors and providers. The platform captures clinical and administrative data in real time during patient encounters and supports automated care‑requests with near‑instant decision feedback, reportedly automating up to 90% of requests while maintaining a 94% provider satisfaction rate. By embedding AI agents into existing provider workflows, the solution aims to reduce administrative burden, speed access to necessary care, and strengthen payer‑provider coordination.
In October 2025, Optum unveiled “Optum Real”, an AI‑powered claims‑processing platform designed to streamline collaboration between payors and providers. The solution enables real‑time data exchange, gives providers instant visibility into coverage and claim status, and helps payors receive cleaner, more complete claims submissions. Currently piloted with Allina Health and UnitedHealthcare, early usage has shown a reduction in administrative errors and improved patient experience across more than 5,000 outpatient encounters.
As evidenced by the infiltration of tools to improve payor-provider coordination, streamline claims processing, and enhance operational efficiency, the second half of this year has witnessed a rapid rollout of AI solutions. Yet, questions persist around interoperability, data security, and the evolving responsibilities of healthcare staff. Still, the trajectory is unmistakable. Health systems and providers that successfully integrate AI into operational and clinical workflows are positioning themselves for a strategic edge as the technology continues to mature.
Looking ahead, the next 12 months will be pivotal in assessing AI’s real-world impact, determining whether it can meaningfully streamline processes, reduce administrative costs, and enhance patient experiences across the care continuum.
Top Four Trend: Medicare Advantage Doubles Down (1)
Medicare Advantage (MA) Doubles Down (1) remains a steadfast contender in the healthcare landscape, continuing to adapt amidst evolving challenges. Despite facing pressures such as rising costs and regulatory changes, MA persists in its role as a pivotal option for Medicare beneficiaries.
Recent data indicates a slight decline in MA enrollment projections, with estimates suggesting a decrease to 34 million in 2026, down from 34.9 million in 2025. This marks the first anticipated drop in nearly two decades. Factors contributing to this trend include increased plan costs and adjustments in insurer strategies.
In response to these challenges, major insurers are recalibrating their offerings. UnitedHealth announced plans to exit Medicare Advantage markets in 109 U.S. counties, affecting approximately 180,000 members. Humana will also remove three states from its MA plan offerings, equating to 194 fewer counties. Similarly, Aetna is discontinuing nearly 90 MA plans across 34 states in 2026, primarily affecting PPO options. This move is expected to impact dental providers and limit network access for beneficiaries. Ultimately, these decisions are attributed to rising healthcare costs and increased service utilization.
On the regulatory front, CMS has released 2026 projections for MA and Part D programs. The agency anticipates that average premiums for MA and Part D plans will remain stable or slightly decrease in 2026, helping to support continued broad access to benefits while promoting affordability for beneficiaries. While regulatory stability supports the broader market, private insurers’ strategic adjustments in plan offerings highlight the ongoing financial pressures within the MA market.
As 2026 approaches, MA continues to evolve, navigating the complexities of cost, access, and regulatory oversight. Experts will be closely monitoring these developments to assess the program’s trajectory and sustainability in the coming years.
Top Four Trend: Access and Capacity (2)
Access and Capacity (2) continues to be a dominant and urgent theme in healthcare, maintaining strong support from the Selection Committee and stakeholders alike. The challenges that shape access and capacity remain deeply complex, spanning ongoing workforce shortages, infrastructure strains, and evolving patient needs.
Recent data shows that approximately a third of rural hospitals are struggling financially, with 322 facilities at immediate risk of closure. This instability further threatens access to care in rural communities, where physician shortages persist. As of mid-2025, there are only 30 physicians per 100,000 individuals in rural areas, compared to 263 in urban regions. Compounding these challenges, projected Medicaid funding cuts could push the uninsured population to over 10 million Americans by 2034.
Despite these sobering statistics, innovation continues to drive progress. In August, Minneapolis launched its all-new Mobile Medical Unit, which provides services ranging from basic health screenings to addiction treatment and mental health counseling. Funded with more than $1 million, the mobile unit is an innovative approach to addressing the opioid crisis.
High-tech solutions have also advanced on the transportation front. Earlier this year, Amazon relaunched its drone services, which deliver prescriptions and over-the-counter medications to customers in Texas and Arizona. Now, the retail giant is delivering drone packages in Pontiac, Michigan and announced plans to launch drone services in Tampa, Florida by the end of the year. Supporting broader adoption, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed a new rule allowing drones to operate beyond the operator’s visual line of sight, a move aimed at expanding the use of drones for delivering medicines and other healthcare supplies.
Meanwhile, established health systems are prioritizing telehealth expansion. Sanford Health recently launched virtual care services for 27 skilled nursing and assisted living facilities across South Dakota. Video visits will be equipped with TytoCare devices that provide the patient with an otoscope, stethoscope, and exam camera, allowing for high-quality virtual care. Similarly, in August, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center received a $1.3 million grant from the Health Resources & Services Administration to expand telehealth in both Texas and Louisiana. The grant will increase resources for rural and underserved communities, and will support remote patient monitoring efforts.
Complementing these clinical initiatives, technology companies are also stepping in to strengthen the operational side of rural care. Microsoft’s Rural Health Resiliency Program continues to roll out AI-powered revenue cycle tools that help rural providers optimize billing and reduce claim denials, which can drain critical resources. These technology-driven improvements not only enhance financial stability but also sustain local health services.
Together, these initiatives reflect a healthcare ecosystem determined to overcome longstanding barriers in access and capacity. While challenges remain, the growing integration of technology, innovative care delivery models, and targeted investments offers a path toward a more equitable and resilient system for all communities.
Stay tuned for future posts and insights on the blog as well as LinkedIn.