Radio Advisory

As health systems anticipate greater downward pressures on margins in the months and years to come, they’re homing their growth strategies accordingly. As we’ve been saying in our research the past couple of years, “sustainability” is now the name of the game. Here’s the conundrum: our research also shows that 90% of systems are betting on the same growth plays as their competition. And more and more, those bets converge on a common goal: win more commercial volumes. In this episode, host Abby Burns sits down with Advisory Board experts Shay Pratt and Emily Heuser to unpack the three main avenues health systems are exploring to win commercial volumes: ambulatory care, service lines, and direct-to-employer contracting. For each, they explore a “hard truth” and corresponding mindset shift leaders must face as they weigh what it will take to generate margin-accretive growth. We’re here to help: Ambulatory research | Ambulatory care Market trends research | Market trends and growth strategy Service line research | Service lines and specialty care Episode | 290: How data savvy strategic planners will define the next era of health system growth Playlist | Provider Strategy and Financial Outlook playlist Tool | Check out Advisory Board’s Market Scenario Planner and other Advisory Board analytics and data tools to inform your strategy for growth, cost control and more. Learn more about Advisory Board’s 2026 summit series. A transcript of this episode as well as more information and resources can be found on RadioAdvisory.advisory.com.

After a turbulent 2025, the early months of 2026 are proving that the policy landscape isn’t quieting down. Federal agencies are rolling out new payment models, lawmakers are revisiting long debated rules, and courts continue to shape what policies move forward and which stall. From value based payment to drug pricing and site of care policy, leaders are navigating a fast shifting environment with real implications for finances, operations, and long term strategy. In this episode, host Abby Burns invites three Advisory Board experts to break down the major policy forces that leaders need to watch now: [1:35] Clare Wirth explains the newest wave of value based payment models out of CMMI, and what they signal about this administration’s posture toward value-based care. [10:20] Nick Hula explores how site neutral payments, the return of inpatient only list changes, and state level certificate of need laws could accelerate site of care shifts. [20:51] Chloe Bakst unpacks the chaos surrounding 340B — from the halted rebate pilot to impacts of HR1 and emerging state reporting requirements — and the decisions leaders must make today to prepare for what’s coming next. We’re here to help: Webinar | How to be successful under TEAM Cheat sheet | 340B Drug Pricing Program Ready-to-Use Resource | Policy Scenario Impact Calculator Expert Insight | How policy changes will impact your bottom line Expert Insight | Inside CMS' final rule changes for 2026 Stay Informed | Healthcare Policy Updates Timeline Radio Advisory’s Health Policy playlist Webinar | Join Optum Advisory experts at this upcoming webinar to learn how optimizing patient access unlocks the value of digital innovations and drives long-term sustainability A transcript of this episode as well as more information and resources can be found on RadioAdvisory.advisory.com.

Once a high growth, high margin line of business for health plans, Medicare Advantage (MA) is now in the middle of a financial reset. Growth has slowed, margins have turned negative, and federal financial support is eroding — with CMS proposing a near flat reimbursement increase for 2027. As a result, plans are exiting markets, tightening benefit designs, and shifting their focus toward Special Needs Plans (SNPs). At the same time, seniors are facing rising costs, fewer perks, and more frequent plan changes. To cut through the noise and understand what’s really happening beneath the headlines, host Rachel (Rae) Woods speaks with Advisory Board experts Sally Kim and Aaron Hill about the new divide emerging in MA: between plans equipped to manage the intensive needs of high cost seniors and execute on SNP strategies — and those that will be forced to exit markets or rethink their MA ambitions entirely. Listen as they break down how MA’s financial and clinical headwinds are reshaping payer–provider relationships — and why future success depends on disciplined focus, deeper provider partnerships, and new investments in technology and cross benefit management. We’re here to help: Tool | Medicare Market Explorer Webinar | Medicare Advantage: Insights on today’s more competitive market Webinar | Medicare Advantage: The latest on product design and growth Podcast | Ep. 227: The changing tide of Medicare Advantage Expert Insight | 3 data-driven insights on Medicare Advantage Star Ratings Ready-to-Use Slides | Medicare Advantage market outlook 2026 Advisory Board Summit Washington, D.C. A transcript of this episode as well as more information and resources can be found on RadioAdvisory.advisory.com.

Pediatric hospitals are one of the most important segments in the industry to watch right now. Although children’s hospitals make up only 5% of total hospital market share, more than 40% of U.S. children rely on Medicaid, leaving pediatric organizations disproportionately exposed as the Medicaid-related provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act take effect. The pressures inside pediatric care were mounting even before this moment. After years of outperforming adult hospitals, children’s hospitals have seen margins fall from double digits to just 1% last year. Rising bad debt, higher supply and labor costs, a rapid shift toward lower margin outpatient care, and emerging challenges like declining birth rates and vaccine policy upheaval have created a perfect financial storm. While some of these dynamics are unique to pediatrics, the sector also offers an early warning signal for the rest of healthcare — and an opportunity to translate lessons across both worlds. In this episode, host Abby Burns and Advisory Board expert Vidal Seegobin break down why pediatric leaders must simultaneously manage immediate-term margin pressure, prepare for a more ambulatory-dominant model, and futureproof their organizations amid shifting demographics. Vidal also shares actionable steps leaders can take now, along with the critical lessons pediatric hospitals offer the wider healthcare ecosystem. We’re here to help: 5 insights on the state of pediatric hospitals today 12 things CEOs need to know in 2026 The State of the Healthcare Industry in 2026 Read Advisory Board's 2026 research agenda 3 trends shaping healthcare in 2026 (and how to respond) 278: Dr. Emily Oster on fighting misinformation and rebuilding trust in healthcare 277: Patient distrust is costing you. Here’s how to rebuild it. Learn how outpatient shifts can impact your organization by using Advisory Board’s Market Scenario Planner tool. Sign up today for this Optum Health Webinar: Scaling your EHR: How Optum Health built an enterprise platform to redefine care delivery. A transcript of this episode as well as more information and resources can be found on RadioAdvisory.advisory.com.

In Part 1 of Radio Advisory’s What CEOs need to know in 2026 series, we explored how responsibility for protecting access is diffusing as the safety net continues to fray. But that’s only one way control over healthcare delivery is shifting. In Part 2, we turn to other subtle — but significant — ways power is moving away from traditional centers of influence. As utilization and costs rise, purchasers are reaching the limits of their traditional approaches to spend management. In 2026, new players are stepping in as purchasers seek specialized solutions for specific treatments and conditions, increasingly delegating outcomes management to third party vendors. At the same time, a growing ecosystem of advisors and external voices is reshaping the options available to patients and clinicians alike. In this episode, hosts Rachel (Rae) Woods and Abby Burns are joined once again by Advisory Board experts Natalie Trebes and Max Hakanson. Together, they break down how the diffusion of ownership over rising healthcare costs — and the expanding influence of new players on clinical decisionmakers — are redefining the power dynamics every healthcare leader must navigate. Missed part one? Be sure to subscribe to Radio Advisory so that you never miss an episode! We’re here to help: Explore Advisory Board's 12 Things CEOs Need to Know in 2026 for strategies to help your organization thrive. 281: What CEOs need to know in 2026 (Part 1) Read Advisory Board’s 2026 research agenda The State of the Healthcare Industry in 2026 3 trends shaping healthcare in 2026 (and how to respond) Healthcare Policy Updates Timeline 280: The questions Advisory Board is asking in 2026 [Webinar] State of the Industry: Managing spend amid rising costs [Webinar] State of the Industry: Shaping care decisions amid diffusing influence We want to hear from you. What are your challenges? Where are you seeing opportunities? Email us at podcasts@advisory.com Explore Advisory Board's 12 Things CEOs Need to Know in 2026 for strategies to help your organization thrive. Not a member? Access a complimentary excerpt today. A transcript of this episode as well as more information and resources can be found on RadioAdvisory.advisory.com.