PwC's Next in Health

Disclaimer: This episode was recorded on April 11th, 2025, and reflects the information available at the time of recording. As we know, America is in motion here, and so subsequent updates may not be reflected in this discussion as things continue to evolve and change.  Tune in as PwC specialists from across the health industry share their insights on how recent policy shifts under the Trump administration could shape healthcare in the years to come. In this episode, Glenn Hunzinger, Jenny Colapietro, and guests Kelly Griffin, Phil Sclafani, and Ruchita Kewalramani break down the potential implications of proposed government healthcare cuts, tariff policy and agency workforce reductions, along with the growing role of AI in the industry. They also discuss how pharma, medtech, payers and providers can stay ahead amidst the uncertainty. Discussion highlights: * Proposed funding cuts to major government healthcare programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and NIH could significantly disrupt access, affordability, and service delivery across the healthcare landscape. * Workforce reductions at federal agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Health and Human Services (HHS) may slow drug approvals, diminish oversight, and impact public health standards. * New and evolving tariff policies are creating cost pressures across pharmaceutical and medtech supply chains, with potential downstream impacts on pricing, R&D, and patient access. * The rapid adoption of AI in healthcare is creating new opportunities across diagnostics, R&D, and operations, while also raising concerns around governance and data privacy. * To stay ahead, industry leaders must assess risks, strengthen agility, and uncover opportunities to innovate in today’s dynamic environment. Speakers: Kelly Griffin, Director, Health Policy Intelligence Institute, PwC Ruchita Kewalramani, Partner, Health Services PwC Phil Sclafani, Partner, Pharma & Life Sciences, PwC Glenn Hunzinger, Partner, Health Industries Leader, PwC Jenny Colapietro, Principal, Consulting Commercial Leader, PwC Linked materials: Health Policy and Intelligence Institute [https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-policy-and-intelligence-institute.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.

Tune in as PwC's Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences Advisory Leader, Greg Rotz reflects on key market dynamics and explores how pharma leaders can tackle challenges including the $400 billion patent cliff, increasing competition, drug pricing pressures, and transformative disruptions shaping the industry. Discussion highlights: * Understanding the scale and implications of the upcoming patent cliff and economic pressures from regulatory changes like the Inflation Reduction Act * Examining heightened competition across therapeutic areas and the rapid emergence of rival treatments affecting market economics * Highlighting the necessity for bold strategic moves and critical capabilities, including AI innovation, portfolio optimization, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive risk management * Addressing disruptive forces such as geopolitical uncertainty, tariff impacts, and the rise of global innovation influencing pharmaceutical markets * Emphasizing the urgency for pharma leaders to embrace innovation and transformative strategies to improve healthcare affordability, accessibility, and quality Speakers: Greg Rotz, Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences Leader,PwC Glenn Hunzinger, Health Industries Leader, PwC Jenny Colapietro, Consulting Commercial Leader, PwC Linked materials: Next in pharma 2025: The future is now [https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/pharma-life-sciences/pharmaceutical-industry-trends.html] Pharmaceutical and life sciences: US Deals 2025 outlook [https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/pharma-life-sciences-deals-outlook.html] President Donald J. Trump’s healthcare agenda [https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/election-2024-trump-health-agenda.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.

Tune in as PwC specialists discuss the 2025 healthcare outlook, reflecting on 2024’s significant events and exploring how payers and providers can navigate rising costs, scrutiny, AI advances, and policy shifts with resilience and adaptability.  Topics include: * Medicare and Medicaid drive industry growth amid rising competition, market exits, M&A, AI adoption, and policy challenges. * AI's potential to enhance healthcare delivery, improve workforce management, and optimize patient care. * The care-at-home market is growing rapidly, driven by demand and cost efficiency, but sustainability remains a challenge. * Encouragement for healthcare organizations to adapt and innovate in response to policy shifts and technological advancements. Speakers: Thom Bales, Health Services Leader, PwC Alena Taylor, Principal, PwC Ruchita Kewalramani, Principal, PwC Glenn Hunzinger, Health Industries Leader, PwC Jenny Colapietro, Consulting Commercial Leader, PwC Linked materials: * Next in Health: The 2025 Outlook for Health Services: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/healthcare-trends.html * Health Policy and Intelligence Institute: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-policy-and-intelligence-institute.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.

Tune in to listen as PwC’s leaders Roel van den Akker and Nick Donkar provide insights into the 2024 deals landscape and offer a preview of what lies ahead. Topics include: Key topics include: * A look back at M&A activity in health industries in 2024 * The challenges and potential impediments that could affect deal volumes in the coming year * How artificial intelligence and tech innovations are reshaping the volume and nature of healthcare transactions * Key trends and developments to watch for with emphasis on growth, strategic assessments and regulatory factors Speakers: Roel van den Akker, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Deals Leader, PwC Nick Donkar, Health Services Deals Leader, PwC Jenny Colapietro, Consulting Commercial Leader, PwC Linked materials: * https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/health-services-deals-outlook.html * https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/pharma-life-sciences-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.

Tune in as authors of PwC's U.S. Healthcare Climate Survey discuss key findings and provide insights into understanding healthcare organizations' responses to climate change, the integration of climate strategies, and the challenges faced in implementation. Key topics include: * The survey's background, focus, and objectives that address the prioritization of climate strategies by healthcare organizations in response to climate change impacts * Differences in climate strategy approaches across sectors, reveals significant disparities in priorities and operational needs amongst payers, providers, pharmaceutical, and medtech companies * Key statistics and insights on organizational behavior and perceptions related to climate strategy integration, sustainability, and the impact on human health * Considerations for healthcare stakeholders to enhance climate strategy implementation and address the evolving needs of diverse communities affected by climate change Speakers: Mackenzie Daly, Partner, PwC Stacie Gitkin, Director, PwC Jenny Colapietro, Consulting Commercial Leader, PwC Linked materials: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/impact-of-climate-change-on-human-health.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.