MHE January 2026

Alexa B. D’Angelo, Ph.D., M.P.H. and Jeremiah Johnson share their predictions for HIV challenges in 2026.

Experts predict shifts in U.S. healthcare for this year, focusing on affordability, consumer demands, mental health equity and the essential role of doulas.

The oral versions may set records in 2026, and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) drugs will pick up even more momentum as medications for cardiovascular risk reduction as well as obesity, predict experts.

Lucille Accetta, RPh, M.P.H., MBA, of CVS Health, foresees more progress in the push for simplification. A.J. Loiacono of Judi Health and Capital Rx, predicts unified management of healthcare financing and benefits on one "healthcare operating system."

Predictions from Tracy Baroni Allmon, BS Pharm, Eva Borden, Sharon Faust, Mike Kolodij, and James Margiotta

Predictions from Marci Chodroff, M.D., Jeffrey Casberg, RPh, M.S., Sarah Emond, M.P.P., Adam Kautzner, Pharm.D., David Fields, Nate Karnitz, MBA, and David Blair

Enrollment in Affordable Care Act health plans has soared because of enhanced subsidies enacted during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Democrats (and perhaps some moderate Republicans) want them continued. Republicans say they have better ideas about how to keep Americans in the individual market covered, including health savings accounts and association health plans.

Medicare's first negotiated drug prices, effective January 2026, provide modest discounts, with limited savings for most beneficiaries and some unintended consequences.