Healthcare affordability continues to be one of the defining challenges facing the industry. In this episode of PwC's Next in Health, Glenn Hunzinger is joined by Thom Bales, Derek Skoog, and Philip Sclafani to discuss the findings from PwC's Behind the Numbers 2027 report and the forces driving medical cost trends toward 9% in 2027. From AI-enabled documentation and provider reimbursement to GLP-1 therapies, behavioral health, and payment integrity, the conversation explores what's contributing to rising costs—and where healthcare leaders can focus to improve affordability while continuing to advance innovation and patient care.

Discussion highlights:

• Medical cost trends approaching 9% and the forces driving healthcare inflation
• AI's growing influence on clinical documentation, payment integrity, and reimbursement
• Innovation's impact on affordability, from GLP-1 therapies to cell and gene therapies
• Strategies health plans, employers, and providers are using to improve affordability and reduce friction
• The evolving role of reimbursement, utilization management, and payment integrity in managing costs
• What rising medical costs mean for employers, consumers, and the future of healthcare

Speakers:

Glenn Hunzinger, US Health Industries Leader, PwC
Thom Bales, US Health Services Advisory Leader, PwC
Derek Skoog, Principal, Health Services, PwC
Philip Sclafani, Principal, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences, PwC

For additional insights, check out our Behind the numbers 2027 report at https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/behind-the-numbers.html

For more information, please visit us at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-research-institute/next-in-health-podcast.html.

Glenn Hunzinger, PwC's US Health Industries Leader, speaks with James Woods, PwC's US MedTech Leader, about the forces shaping MedTech dealmaking in 2026. Despite capital market pressures, supply chain challenges, and geopolitical uncertainty, companies continue to invest in innovation, portfolio transformation, and growth opportunities. The conversation explores where capital is flowing, how companies are reshaping portfolios, and what dealmakers should watch in the months ahead.

Discussion highlights:

• Continued MedTech deal activity despite capital market pressures and economic uncertainty
• Investment focused on cardiovascular technologies, robotics, connected care, and ecosystem-enabling solutions
• Portfolio transformation as a driver of growth, shareholder value, and strategic repositioning
• Connected care's role in improving efficiency, patient outcomes, and healthcare delivery
• Private equity activity across take-private transactions and portfolio carve-outs
• Strategic priorities for MedTech leaders balancing organic growth, M&A, and capital allocation

Speakers:
Glenn Hunzinger, US Health Industries Leader, PwC
James Woods, US MedTech Deals Leader, PwC

For additional insights on the medtech deals landscape, check out our Medtech: US Deals 2026 midyear outlook https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/medtech-deals-outlook.html

For more information, please visit us at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-research-institute/next-in-health-podcast.html.

Glenn Hunzinger, PwC's US Health Industries Leader, speaks with Dan Farrell, PwC's Health Services Deals Leader, about the forces shaping health services dealmaking in 2026. Despite ongoing reimbursement uncertainty, rising medical costs, and operational pressures, investors continue to deploy capital into assets with strong fundamentals and clear value creation opportunities. The conversation explores where capital is flowing, how AI is influencing investment decisions, and what dealmakers should prioritize in the second half of the year.

Discussion Highlights:

• Resilient health services deal activity despite reimbursement uncertainty and rising medical costs
• Investor focus on operational resilience, earnings durability, and clear value creation pathways
• Continued momentum in physician medical groups and behavioral health organizations
• AI's growing role in diligence, operational performance, and value creation strategies
• Increased activity in portfolio optimization, carve-outs, and strategic capital allocation
• Key priorities for dealmakers navigating growth and value creation in the second half of 2026

Speakers:
Glenn Hunzinger, US Health Industries Leader, PwC
Dan Farrell, US Health services Deals leader, PwC

For additional insights on the health services deals landscape, check out our Health services: US Deals 2026 midyear outlook available now: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/health-services-deals-outlook.html

For more information, please visit us at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-research-institute/next-in-health-podcast.html.