AI maturity is not only a function of technical capability—it’s a reflection of how an organization leads, engages its people, and operationalizes change.

Hospital and health system M&A activity continued with momentum in the first quarter of 2026, with 22 hospital and health system transactions announced—the highest first-quarter activity since 2020, according to the Kaufman Hall Mergers and Acquisitions Q1 Report.

This week’s Gist Weekly covers key healthcare industry developments including hospital financial performance trends, emerging care delivery strategies, and notable policy and regulatory updates shaping providers, payers, and the broader healthcare landscape.

Leadership development improves retention, quality and financial performance. Learn why it’s one of the highest-ROI investments in healthcare.

Explore five key takeaways from Kaufman Hall’s Spring Rating Agency update, including hospital credit trends, rating stability, and financial performance insights shaping 2025.

Explore how AI is reshaping healthcare—and what remains unchanged—in this Gist Healthcare Podcast episode, featuring insights on innovation, challenges, and real-world impact.

Explore how rising ACA Marketplace premiums—driven by higher healthcare costs and expiring subsidies—are reducing affordability and leading to declining coverage rates nationwide.

Budget request includes healthcare cuts, stricter vetting slows physician pipeline, insurers reduce prior auths

Explore Kaufman Hall’s Q1 2026 M&A report highlighting renewed hospital and health system deal activity, key trends, and how financial pressures, market uncertainty, and strategic partnerships are shaping healthcare consolidation.

Hospital financial performance is tenuous in early 2026. Hospital expenses remain elevated, while revenues are pressured by an eroding payer mix. Kaufman Hall's recent issue of the National Hospital Flash Report covers these and other key performance metrics.

Explore Kaufman Hall’s infographic on declining tobacco use, highlighting recent trends, key data points, and what falling single-digit usage means for public health and healthcare systems.

CMS memo outlines expectations for hospital food and nutritional services, GLP-1 pill approved, new HHS/CMS advisory committee announced