德勤：美国医疗保健高管对2025年更加乐观

A recent survey from Deloitte suggests that U.S. healthcare executives have a more positive outlook on the sector this year, driven by higher expectations for revenue and profitability despite potential regulatory uncertainty.

The Deloitte Center for Health Solutions conducted the survey based on responses collected in August-September from 80 C-suite executives from large U.S. health systems and health plans, each with more than $500M of revenue. 

Their responses indicated the top trends the executives identified as having the most significant impact on their strategies this year.

While nearly 60% of respondents held a favorable outlook for the sector in 2025, compared to 52% about a year ago, Deloitte argued that improved views on revenue and profitability underscored the confidence boost.

According to the firm, 69% and 71% of U.S. healthcare executives project a rise in revenue and profitability this year, respectively.

"After several years of stabilizing their businesses, 2025 could mark a turnaround period for the health care sector, driven by innovation, resilience, and strategic growth," Deloitte wrote.

However, their research further suggested that 44% of executives indicated a potential impact on their business strategies from regulatory uncertainty as President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office and the new Congress begins its term.

After his reelection, Trump indicated plans to rein in pharma middlemen known as pharmacy benefits managers, which negotiate with drugmakers and pharmacies on behalf of insurers regarding which drugs require coverage.

Meanwhile, the new Congress is unlikely to extend the enhanced subsidies granted for those getting health insurance through Affordable Care Act exchanges, a potential setback for hospitals.

Passed under the Biden administration, the subsidies had halved premium payments for millions and doubled enrollments added through ACA exchanges, improving the industry's payor mix and profitability.

Leading PBM operators: CVS Health (CVS), Cigna (CI), UnitedHealth (UNH), Elevance Health (ELV), and Humana (HUM) fell in reaction.

For profit hospital operators: HCA Healthcare (HCA), Community Health Systems (CYH), Surgery Partners (SGRY), Tenet Healthcare (THC), SunLink Health Systems (SHY), Universal Health Services (UHS), Select Medical Holdings (SEM), Acadia Healthcare (ACHC), LifeStance Health Group (LFST)