U.S. Healthcare in 2026: Better or Worse? | Poll Results

Each new year sparks hope for healthcare improvements-from cutting-edge technologies too revamped policies-but for patients, doctors, adn hospital administrators, real progress often feels frustratingly slow and unpredictable.

As 2026 begins, a recent poll asks a crucial question: are expectations for American medicine improving, worsening, or remaining stagnant compared to last year? And if meaningful change *does* occur, where are the most likely areas for breakthroughs?

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2. If meaningful change does occur in 2026, in which areas do you think it is most likely to happen? Select all that apply:


 Care outside of conventional settings (home care, retail clinics, virtual care)
 Federal regulatory agencies (e.g.,FDA,CDC,HHS)
 Health insurance (coverage,costs,benefits design)
 Hospitals and health systems
 Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
 Primary care
 Mental and behavioral healthcare
 Data and technology (AI,telehealth,electronic health records)

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