The State of the Healthcare Industry in 2026

In this three-part webinar series, Advisory Board and Optum experts break down the healthcare dynamics that are shifting in 2026, explain what's driving them, and show leaders how to respond with clarity and purpose.

Advisory Board's annual State of the Industry presentation distills our latest research and executive insights into what healthcare leaders need to know about right now — and where the industry is headed.

But the conversation doesn't end there.

2026 marks a turning point for healthcare. Not because of a single disruptor, but due to long-held assumptions – about access, spend management, and care decision-making — that appear to be unraveling.

In our three-part webinar series, The State of the Healthcare Industry in 2026, Advisory Board and Optum experts break down these shifting dynamics, explain what's driving them, and show leaders how to respond with clarity and purpose.

State of the Industry: Protecting access amid funding cuts

January 08, 2026 • 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET

In this webinar, Advisory Board’s Wes Campbell and Optum’s Sasha Preble will discuss the impact of federal funding cuts associated with the OBBBA spending bill. They will explore the patchwork of services healthcare leaders will need to stitch together to safeguard community access, all while continuing to meet existing business objectives.

State of the Industry: Managing spend amid rising costs

January 15, 2026 • 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET

In this webinar, Advisory Board’s Jocelyn Herrington and Optum’s Vikas Garg will discuss how spend management is evolving. They will unpack how the expansion of treatment options, the intensification of health needs, and shifting demand behaviors are reshaping financial strategies for healthcare organizations.

State of the Industry: Shaping care decisions amid diffusing influence

February 05, 2026 • 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET

Join Advisory Board’s Rae Woods and Optum’s Carol Chouinard as they examine the evolving dynamics of care decision-making and their implications for healthcare leaders. They’ll unpack how artificial intelligence is influencing patient decision-making, explore the emergence of new direct-to-consumer options, and provide actionable insights and practical guidance for navigating this rapidly changing landscape.

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