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

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

Pharmaceutical and life sciences: US Deals 2025 outlook

President Donald J. Trump’s healthcare agenda

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.

Tune in as authors of PwC's U.S. Healthcare Consumer Insights and Engagement Survey discuss key findings and provide insights into understanding consumer concerns around healthcare costs, the adoption of tech-enabled healthcare, trust in the healthcare system and how we can take action. 

Key topics include:

• The survey's background, focus and objectives that will address ongoing consumer concerns and distrust in the healthcare system
• Generational and financial differences reveal significant disparities in healthcare experiences and engagement amongst various age groups 
• Notable key statistics and insights on consumer behavior and perceptions related to trust, affordability, delayed care and digital health across the health ecosystem
• Considerations for healthcare stakeholders to enhance care delivery and to address the evolving needs of diverse patient populations

Speakers:
Thom Bales, Health Services Leader, PwC
Keith Fengler, Customer Service and Channels Lead, PwC, 
Omar Chane, Principal, PwC. 
Jenny Colapietro, Consulting Commercial Leader, PwC

Linked materials:
https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/healthcare-consumer-insights-survey.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.

How can medtech companies drive growth in today's market? Tune in as PwC specialists return to share key insights and strategies to help medtech companies invest in the capabilities required to compete in the future while aiming to exceed near-term expectations for growth and margin improvement.

Key topics include:

• Challenges currently faced by medtech companies
• Reevaluating business models and new ways to play
• Driving returns on historical investments in technology by leveraging data and transforming legacy processes
• Embracing a “high-tech” mindset to enable change and creating a culture of empowered decision makers
• Unlocking value through strategic M&A

Speakers:
James Woods, Principal, PwC
Kevin McLellan, Principal, Strategy&, PwC
Luna Corbetta, Principal, PwC
Jenny Colapietro, Consulting Commercial Leader, PwC

Materials:
https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/medical-technology/medtech-industry-insights.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.

What can the health industry expect from a second Trump administration? Tune in to hear what executives should watch over the next few months and years to come. 

Key topics include:

• President-elect Trump's healthcare agenda and his focus on deregulation, flexibility and choice, and accessibility
• Potential implications for medicare, the ACA and IRA drug negotiations
• What to watch in the first 100 days

Speakers:
Kelly Griffin, Director, Health Policy and Intelligence Institute 
Jenny Colapietro, Consulting Commercial Leader, PwC

Linked materials:
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 best practices for securing a seat on an emerging company board. 
Key topics include:

• Types of emerging companies
• Responsibilities of serving on emerging company boards
• Five strategies for securing a board position
• Importance of industry-specific expertise and continuous learning

Speakers:
Holly Reeves, Partner, Emerging Company Solutions Market Leader, Health Industries, PwC US
Carin Robinson, Director, Governance Insights Center, PwC US 
Jenny Colapietro, Consulting Commercial Leader, PwC

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 2025 Medical Cost Trend Report: Behind the Numbers, discuss key findings and provide what employers should consider to manage rising healthcare costs. 

Key points include:

• Cost projections: The highest medical cost trend in 13 years, with an 8% increase for the group market and 7.5% for the individual market
• Key drivers: Inflation, providers' cost-control efforts, increased use of prescription drugs, and new innovative therapies
• Strategic adjustments: Employers should revise benefit plans and consider innovative solutions to manage rising costs while ensuring access to quality care

Speakers:
Thom Bales, Health Services Advisory Leader, PwC
Phil Sclafani, Principal, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences, PwC
Julian Levin, Principal, Actuarial Leader, PwC
Jenny Colapietro, Consulting Commercial Leader, PwC

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 into this episode of PwC's Next in Health to hear Strategy& Principal, Igor Belokrinitsky, in discussion with PwC Strategy& Director, Rohit Nayak, PwC Strategy& Senior Manager, Sri Murthy Guru and PwC Strategy& Senior Associate, Cailin Hong, on what physicians are seeking from payers, health systems and management services organizations (MSOs), to help improve the practice of medicine. This episode includes:

• Emerging business models and solutions that can enhance the physician experience
• The role of payers and providers in driving physician enablement within the health ecosystem
• Actions health organizations should consider to help support and encourage their physicians 

For more information, please visit us at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-research-institute/next-in-health-podcast.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 how emerging companies (private, pre-IPO) are navigating growth in the health industry. 

Key topics include:

• The journey and milestones of emerging companies in the life sciences, biotech and medical technology fields, including capital raising, product development and IPO preparation
• Common pitfalls and best practices for managing diverse interests from investors and stakeholders
• Examples of how emerging companies are leveraging AI and other technologies to prioritize programs, design clinical trials and communicate value proposition

Speakers:
Holly Reeves, Health Industries - Emerging Company Solutions Market Leader, PwC US
Christian Jester, Technology, Media & Telecommunications - Emerging Company Solutions Market Leader, PwC US
Jenny Colapietro, Health Industries Vice Chair, PwC, US

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 2024 outlook for healthcare and how the sector can grow and innovate amid economic challenges and uncertainty. 

Key Topics include:

• Major forces impacting the sector: economic pressure, rising costs, labor shortage, and expensive drugs
• Ways to overcome compression and deliver value: industry-wide transformation, tech enabled business model reinvention, transactions and deals to drive transformation, and building trust

Speakers:
 Laura Robinette, Health Industries Trust Solutions Leader, PwC, US
 Thom Bales, Health Services Leader, PwC, US
Jenny Colapietro, Health Industries Vice Chair, PwC, US

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 hear PwC specialists discuss strategies to reinvent the pharma business model and drive growth in the pharmaceutical industry. 

Key topics include:

• The headwinds for pharma are real and sustained
•  Rethinking the innovation strategy
•  Accelerate using AI and analytics
•  Lower costs
•  M&A as a catalyst for transformation
•  Protecting the enterprise

Speakers:

Jenny Colapietro, Health Industries Vice Chair, PwC 
Glenn Hunzinger, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Leader, PwC
Greg Rotz, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Advisory Leader, PwC

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 hear PwC Deals leaders discuss preparing for deals in 2024, exploring the current state of the deals market and sharing valuable insights from their newly released 2024 deals outlook. Key topics include:

• Fundamental changes and strategy trends for 2024 and how it’s shaping the health services and pharma landscapes
• The role of the regulators and their impact on deals
• Business model reinvention and the use of new technology to acquire better data and how it’s shaping the deals environment for 2024
• What’s on the horizon: Key success factors for good deal making in 2024

Speakers:
Roel van den Akker, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Deals Leader, PwC
Nick Donkar, Health Services Deals Leader, PwC
Jenny Colapietro, Health Industries Vice Chair, PwC 
Igor Belokrinitsky, Strategy& Principal, PwC 

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 hear PwC specialists discuss how health ecospheres can provide a transformative model for organizations to collaborate and address large-scale healthcare problems. Topics include:

• Identifying areas of historical shortcomings
• Understanding strengths and capabilities
• Determining the role within the ecosphere

Speakers:
Dave Powell, Enterprise Strategy Lead Principal, PwC
Tyler Mansfield, Enterprise Strategy Principal, PwC
Jenny Colapietro, Health Industries Vice Chair, PwC 
Igor Belokrinitsky, Strategy& Principal, PwC 

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 health leader, author and entrepreneur, Stephen Pollak, PhD, shares how the outcomes of his research in hemodialysis populations and beyond are paving the path for data-driven solutions that inform and integrate care for patients with complex chronic conditions. Topics include:

• Patient medical records playing a vital role in improving medical practice outcomes and costs
• Shifting the focus to emphasize on a results-oriented approach to inform decision-making
• Overcoming sustainability and affordability challenges through clinical models
• The role of AI in healthcare

Speakers:
Stephen Pollak, PhD 
Igor Belokrinitsky, Strategy& Principal, PwC 

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 hear PwC specialists discuss re-engineering the healthcare ecosystem by engaging healthcare consumers. Topics include: 

• Evaluating the consumer experience and engagement
• Trends in the market to help organizations develop and focus on their mission to enhance consumer experience and key investments
• Three capabilities that are needed to deliver on the promise of personalization, low cost, experience, and convenience  

Speakers:
Derek Gaasch, Customer Transformation Principal, PwC
Elizabeth Carlson,  Customer Transformation Director, PwC
Kristen Knudson, Enterprise Transformation Senior Manager, PwC
Igor Belokrinitsky, Strategy& Principal, PwC 

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 hear Barrett Baker of Project Horizon from the Sunflower Network, and Dan Solchanyk from Razom, discuss how to strengthen Ukraine’s healthcare infrastructure both for the near and the long term. Topics include:

• Sunflower Network’s mission is to deliver aid and infrastructure to communities in crisis. Project Horizon furthers this mission by building a hospital in Ukraine, empowering local healthcare workers with the infrastructure needed to deliver high quality care to their patients, and setting the stage for a larger rebuild of Ukraine’s healthcare system
• Razom Health: Providing critical supplies, equipment, training and preparing for long-term sustainability
• Challenges and strategies to find the right balance between speed, providing high quality enduring solutions, and mitigating risks
• Examples of how determination and perseverance of the Ukraine communities are pioneering innovative healthcare solutions

Speakers:
Barrett Baker, Project Lead, Sunflower Network
Dan Solchanyk, Program Director, Razom Health
Igor Belokrinitsky, Strategy& Principal, PwC 
Jenny Colapietro, Health Industries Vice Chair, PwC 

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 hear Chris Barnett, Chris Barnett, CEO of ABA Centers of America, discuss his approach to a comprehensive healthcare system, with a specific emphasis on new models, technologies, and algorithms that promote inclusivity for improved behavioral health care outcomes. Topics include:

• The origin of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and how it seek to change lives by helping change behavior of patients on the spectrum, improving their lives and those around them. 
• Examples of offering play-based therapies to achieve better outcomes and experiences for patients that are non-verbal
• Challenges and issues faced in the behavioral health space and solutions to help prevent workforce burnout and increase benefit options for staff
• How ABA is using AI and technology to gain better data and insights

Speakers:
Chris Barnett, CEO, ABA Centers of America 
Jenny Colapietro, Health Industries Vice Chair, PwC
Igor Belokrinitsky, Strategy& Principal, PwC

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 hear PwC specialists discuss their recently published article: How a local-first strategy in China can help global pharma and life sciences players reduce risk and drive growth. Topics include:

• Sharing key strategies for pharma companies contemplating localization in China, offering valuable insights on maximizing business growth while mitigating risks in the Chinese market
• Three approaches organizations can consider to competing at a local level in China
• Impacts to different functions across the value chain such as R&D, supply chain, and IT

Speakers:
Nalneesh Gaur, Partner, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Cybersecurity, PwC 
Ben Rhee, Principal, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Enterprise Strategy and Value, PwC
Igor Belokrinitsky, Strategy& Principal, PwC 

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

People across the world are suffering from behavioral and mental health challenges. Tune in to hear Eric Hren, Chief Growth Officer at Innowell, discuss how technology can help provide better services and solutions for patients, clinicians and employers. Topics include:

• Getting to know Innowell: What it does, what it offers, and the problems it solves
• Reaching various populations by increasing digitization to improve wellbeing and productivity, providing real-time care and reducing waitlist time
• Designing technology to be inclusive across all populations as well as accessible to various care settings
• Future growth of Innowell: Providing preventative care and solutions to unlock better outcomes for patients, clinicians, and organizations

Speakers:
Eric Hren, Chief Growth Officer, Innowell
Igor Belokrinitsky, Strategy& Principal, PwC

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 hear PwC specialists discuss the functionality and benefits of using GenAI in health care. Topics include:

• How GenAI is being used today
• GenAI helping health insurers drive affordability of healthcare
• Health organizations managing risks posed by GenAI

Speakers:
Inshita Wij, Strategy& Director, PwC
Sri Murthy, Strategy& Director, PwC
Igor Belokrinitsky, Strategy& Principal, PwC 

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 hear PwC specialists discuss using GenAI in the pharma and life sciences industry. Topics include:

• Key considerations for new technology and deploying GenAI responsibly
• Key elements to consider for monitoring regulatory activity
• The future of technology, adoption and upskilling within organizations

Speakers:
Siddhartha Bhattacharya, Cloud & Digital Principal, PwC
Ilana Golbin Blumenfeld, Products & Technology Director, PwC
Igor Belokrinitsky, Strategy& Principal, PwC 

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 hear how the SCAN Group is expanding their Medicare Advantage plan by launching new care entities that aim to address problems of older adults. Topics include:

•Addressing national-scale industry issues such as affordability and equity, and the role SCAN Group is playing

•How attributes and mindset make the legal department a great fit to oversee health equity

•Initiatives and data-driven solutions to help close the gap around racial disparities

•What’s next for the SCAN Group: New affiliations, products, and innovation

Speakers:
Sachin Jain, M.D., CEO, SCAN Group
Renee Delphin-Rodriguez, Chief Legal Office and General Counsel, SCAN Group
Igor Belokrinitsky, Strategy& Principal, PwC 

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