In Part 1 of Radio Advisory’s What CEOs need to know in 2026 series, we explored how responsibility for protecting access is diffusing as the safety net continues to fray. But that’s only one way control over healthcare delivery is shifting. In Part 2, we turn to other subtle — but significant — ways power is moving away from traditional centers of influence.

As utilization and costs rise, purchasers are reaching the limits of their traditional approaches to spend management. In 2026, new players are stepping in as purchasers seek specialized solutions for specific treatments and conditions, increasingly delegating outcomes management to third party vendors. At the same time, a growing ecosystem of advisors and external voices is reshaping the options available to patients and clinicians alike.

In this episode, hosts Rachel (Rae) Woods and Abby Burns are joined once again by Advisory Board experts Natalie Trebes and Max Hakanson. Together, they break down how the diffusion of ownership over rising healthcare costs — and the expanding influence of new players on clinical decisionmakers — are redefining the power dynamics every healthcare leader must navigate.

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A transcript of this episode as well as more information and resources can be found on RadioAdvisory.advisory.com.