Behind the Numbers 2027: Understanding what's driving healthcare costs—and what it means for the future of healthcare

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.