Patient expectations will push healthcare to evolve by 2030, according to 23 payer executives.
Leaders said AI, new models of care and a push toward convenience will transform healthcare in the next five years.
Becker’s connected with 23 leaders to learn how healthcare will be different in 2030.
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Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: How will healthcare be different in 2030?
David Agler, MD. Chief Medical Officer at First Choice Health: By 2030, the concept of access to healthcare will start to change. For simple visits and advice, a maturing AI will create new ways for patients to interact with the healthcare system, raising ethical concerns about care quality versus convenience. Life-saving gene therapies will expand to more diagnoses and their exorbitant costs will intensify pressure on PBMs and pharmaceutical companies to ensure access. And obesity treatments indicated for nearly half the population will be more readily available, finally yielding a significant positive impact on obesity and its related diseases. Getting the right care to the right people might just make the system better.
Margaret Anderson. Interim President, Senior Vice President and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Health Alliance Plan: By 2030, healthcare will be more personalized, proactive and digitally connected — especially within regional health plans like ours. Advancements in data analytics, wearable technology and virtual care will allow us to predict health needs and intervene earlier, improving outcomes while reducing costs. Members will experience more seamless care coordination, with local providers working closely together through shared digital platforms. Our commitment is to ensure these innovations remain accessible and equitable, so every member
benefits from a healthier future, right here in our community.
Lila Benayoun. COO at MetroPlusHealth: I truly believe the future of healthcare is both drastically different and exceedingly bright because we’ve lived some of its darkest days. Recently, stories of prioritizing profits over healthcare have become all too common. This passionate anger and frustration is what will fuel dramatic change to the healthcare industry in the future.
The solution to this outcry is right in front of us. Nonprofit health insurance that puts people over profit. It’s a seemingly radical stance compared to the systems we’ve become accustomed to, but I believe by 2030 it will be leading the way to providing equitable and high-quality care to all those who need it, regardless of their ability to pay.
Henish Bhansali, MD. CMO at Medical Home Network: My vision is for two fundamental shifts. First, I hope to see AI integrated into care delivery by automating routine tasks: ambient scribing, appointment scheduling and providing clinical decision support — allowing clinical teams to practice at the top of our human license — to look patients in the eye and reestablish rapport, and care for them in the relational way we used to. I look forward to this evolution of healthcare delivery, reminiscent of ‘the way medicine used to be,’ and supercharged with tools to deliver outstanding patient outcomes. The second is for Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare value-based care programs like [the Medicare shared savings program] to align more closely in their quality metrics and structural design. Currently, MSSP lacks utilization management and network management tools, cannot offer supplemental plan benefits, such as dental or vision, and inherently attracts beneficiaries who prioritize choice over cost premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. Aligning these models by 2030 will be crucial to consistently delivering high-value, cost-effective care across Medicare populations.
Brett Bingham. Chief Network Development Officer at Banner Plans and Networks: The rate of change in healthcare is accelerating, but how can we best embrace technological advancements while using the efficiencies gained to maximize our positive impact on society? Rapid developments and AI are reshaping how we live and think, with some changes positive and others negative. One concerning trend is the growing prevalence of mental and emotional health and a disconnect from in-person connections in our communities.
AI’s expanded role in diagnosing care, particularly through smartphones and wearables, will increase our capacity to provide more hands-on care, emotional support and service to our communities. Last week, a mentor and close friend shared how, nearly 50 years ago, his high school class predicted a future of greater efficiency and more free time to serve families and communities. While we’ve made incredible progress, I fear we haven’t fully realized the promise of that vision — to use the time we’ve gained to serve others.
As healthcare leaders, we are charged with driving this transformation, and the next five years will be pivotal. This is our moment to not just embrace innovation, but to lead in reshaping the future of care. Together, we can create a healthcare system where technology empowers us to focus on the human aspects of care and gives us more time to serve.
Eric Cannon, PharmD. Chief Pharmacy Benefits Officer at Select Health: We have been talking about precision or personalized medicine for years, and it will continue to reign supreme in 2030 due to smarter AI, technology and drug innovations. And because of the continued rise in healthcare costs, I believe patients will become even more savvy consumers, shopping for the best prices, care and/or experiences, based on their specific situations and needs. With more savvy consumers the need to surface real time information for them will be a requirement for success in the market.
Rushil Desai. President and CEO at Aetna Better Health of Illinois: By 2030, healthcare will be more personalized, proactive and patient-centered. Advances in genomics and data analytics will enable tailored treatments based on individual risk factors, moving away from the one-size-fits-all model. Artificial intelligence will play a central role in diagnostics and clinical decision-making, predicting health issues earlier and allowing for timely interventions — while the human touch in care remains essential.
At the same time, value-based care will become the standard, prioritizing outcomes and patient satisfaction over volume of services. Providers, payers and community organizations will increasingly collaborate to address the full spectrum of health needs, from medical care to health related social needs. This integrated, outcome-driven approach will lead to better health, more equitable care and a more sustainable healthcare system.
Garfield Collins. Cofounder and Chief Administrative and Partnership Officer at Zing Health: In 2030, healthcare will have to focus more on chronic conditions with an increasingly ageing population with a longer life expectancy. This will also cause a higher prioritization on mental health, caring for older adults and more conversations around palliative and end of life care. Unfortunately, we will continue to have access to care issues for underserved communities coupled with an expected shortage of healthcare professionals. The use of AI and automation will continue to play an increased role and we will have to balance those opportunities with not losing the personalized patient experience that will be required.
Louis DeStefano. Senior Vice President, Growth at Oscar Health: We are at a pivotal moment for U.S. healthcare. The current one-size-fits-all employer insurance model is a relic from the 1940s and is out of step with the evolving expectations of today’s workforce. We have the opportunity to change course through the individual market. Everyone should be able to shop, buy and enroll in health plans and healthcare services they value most. Individual choice will drive the future of health insurance and create an innovative, sustainable and effective healthcare system for all Americans.
Emily Durfee. Director, Corporate Venture Capital at Healthworx (CareFirst): While the basic tenants of healthcare will stay the same, there will be a few meaningful changes by 2030. First, healthcare will continue to pivot toward preventative care and solving the underlying blockers in care. This will enable folks to stay well, instead of only caring for them when they are sick. Second, healthcare will leverage new technologies like AI more effectively. This will show up most meaningfully in administrative and back-end systems, which should lead to meaningful improvements in transparency, personalization and experience of patients. And third, payers and providers will continue to develop innovative value-based partnerships and arrangements to align incentives around healthcare outcomes.
Kimberley Graham. Patient Access Director at AltaMed Health Services: The landscape of healthcare in 2030 is contingent upon several significant factors, including potential cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. The policies of the current presidential administration, and the continuing expansion of artificial intelligence. A primary concern would be, if funding for Medicare and Medicaid is cut, beneficiaries may experience increased premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, leading to reduced access to essential services. For example, seniors might defer necessary treatments, worsening health outcomes. These same cuts could lead to fewer providers accepting Medicare and Medicaid due to lower reimbursement rates, further widening the gap of accessible care for low-income individuals and the elderly.
On a brighter note, the advances in artificial intelligence are both exciting and promising. If used appropriately AI has incredible opportunities for healthcare to streamline a lot of the administrative burden healthcare organizations currently manage. Although exciting, implementation must pair with great care and thought to provide appropriate oversight and ensure safe practices.
Ali Khan, MD. Medicare Chief Medical Officer for Aetna, a CVS Health company: In 2030, the United States population will be older than ever before. By this time, all baby boomers will be older than 65 years old — one in every five Americans is projected to be retirement age. By 2034, older adults could outnumber children for the first time in US history. This marks a demographic turning point that will significantly reshape the healthcare landscape, and it’s already underway. It has brought an increased focus on supporting aging populations, but this demographic shift has also presented some additional challenges among older populations, including an increase in the number of adults with chronic conditions and caregiving gaps. Because of this, continuing to prioritize healthy aging among older adults will be more important than ever.
Healthcare organizations play an essential role in encouraging and helping older adults to prioritize their overall well-being as they age. At Aetna, we recognize this. We have positioned our Medicare Advantage plans in a way that supports the healthy aging of our members. Our plans include coverage for preventive care services like exams, screenings and immunizations. Most plans also include a basic fitness membership through SilverSneakers, making it easy for members to stay physically active. We also offer Special Needs Plans tailored to support members with specific health conditions and those dually eligible for Medicaid. Our plan benefits and resources will support and empower our aging population to live longer lives marked by health, purpose and profound connection.
Nancy Klotz, MD. CMO at Brighton Health Plan Solutions: By 2030, healthcare will have significantly advanced beyond its traditional transactional roots, firmly embracing a value-based care model that prioritizes quality, outcomes and the patient experience. This transformation will be accelerated by the strategic integration of healthcare technology and artificial intelligence, which will streamline administrative processes, reduce burden across stakeholders — including providers, health plans and patients — and enable more personalized, efficient and data-driven care delivery. As these innovations mature, they will serve as catalysts for a more equitable, sustainable and outcomes-focused healthcare system.
Mark Mugiishi, MD. President and CEO of Hawaii Medical Service Association: By 2030, rapidly evolving health technologies and artificial intelligence will be widely adopted, transforming the care delivery ecosystem and reducing administrative burdens. AI-powered tools could help doctors diagnose diseases more accurately and efficiently, leading to better patient outcomes. These advancements will further enable progress on the quintuple aim of affordability, a healthier population, seamless patient/member experience, reduction in health disparities and physician satisfaction. Significant financial investments will be necessary to reach this point, and we could see more consolidation of health plans and care delivery, both vertically and horizontally. Collaboration and coordination of these efforts will be crucial to sustain the health care industry across the nation
Emily Newell. Vice President, Carrier Strategy at Take Command: By 2030, it’s no surprise that technology will play an even more central role in healthcare — but what’s truly driving that shift is the changing makeup of the workforce. In just five years, Millennials and Gen Z will make up the majority of employees, and these generations have grown up in a digital-first world. They expect seamless, electronic communication and experiences that mirror the convenience of the tech they use every day and this will naturally shape how healthcare is delivered and accessed.
When it comes to healthcare as a workplace benefit, personalization will be paramount. Younger generations aren’t looking for one-size-fits-all solutions — they want benefits that feel tailor-made to their lives and needs. That’s where options like individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements could really come into focus, offering the kind of flexibility and customization that align with their expectations.
Rajan Shah, MD. Senior Medical Director at Centivo: By 2030, healthcare will continue trending toward a virtual-first model, reducing significant barriers to access — especially for those in rural or underserved areas. Artificial intelligence will play an expanded role in the primary care setting, with AI clinical agents supporting providers and care teams in managing patient panels through improved quality, engagement, clinical data interpretation and population risk stratification. Leading primary care models, such as Centivo Care, will continue to emphasize a personalized approach to medicine by delivering whole-person care that incorporates social determinants of health and their impact on overall outcomes. In this holistic model, your phone and connected wearables become your medical home, enabling continuous, coordinated care. The shift toward value-based care will deepen, with a stronger focus on prevention and measurable outcomes rather than service volume.
Philip Randall. Director, Population Health & Community Programs at Banner | Aetna: By 2030, I envision a healthcare system that is more holistic, coordinated and accessible with a stronger emphasis on health literacy and prevention.
As AI continues to evolve, the technology will likely play a significant role in enhancing care coordination, interoperability, personalized medicine and more.
Virtual care will expand, improving access and reducing costs, but its true success hinges on scaling quality — not just volume — through seamlessly integrated solutions that keep patients at the center.
The future will also require new, proactive healthcare roles that blend technology and human touch to serve patients better.
Ilan Strygler, MD. Chief Health Correspondent and Medical Affairs Officer and Senior Vice President at AltaMed Health Services: By 2030, healthcare will no longer be limited to what happens within clinic walls — it will follow the patient home, into their communities, and into their daily decisions. We will shift from reactive care to proactive, personalized and community-centered systems. Data and AI will guide real-time treatment decisions, but trust, empathy and cultural connection will remain at the heart of care.
One of the greatest challenges we’ll face is a deepening physician shortage, especially in underserved areas. By 2030, we must embrace innovative, cross-border and community-driven strategies to expand the healthcare workforce — accelerating licensure pathways, supporting international medical graduates and investing in pipeline programs rooted in equity.
Healthcare in 2030 isn’t about more technology — it’s about smarter, more human-centered systems that listen better, act earlier and build health equity from the ground up.
Don Stiffler. Chief Revenue and Growth Officer at Commonwealth Care Alliance: I believe our healthcare system will continue to see evolution and change as it relates to a more proactive rather than reactive model of care that is more patient centered and patient controlled. Healthcare providers and payers will work to improve the overall health of populations by identifying at-risk individuals and implementing more targeted intervention for these complex, fragile at-risk individuals. The models by which these interventions will become accessible for individuals will continue to evolve to more of a remote and virtual healthcare setting.
Jennifer St. Thomas. Senior Vice President, Commercial and Medicare Markets at Mass General Brigham Health Plan: Healthcare is a rapidly changing industry, and by 2030 we anticipate the continued growth of innovative, customizable solutions to meet members where they are. At Mass General Brigham Health Plan, we have already started to lay the groundwork with solutions that expand access to mental healthcare and women’s healthcare through in-person, remote and self-guided care options.
Saria Saccocio, MD. Chief Medical Officer at Essence Health: By 2030, I envision a healthcare system, especially within Medicare Advantage, where AI enhances the relationship and engagement between members, their care teams and their health. At Essence Healthcare, we see AI not just as a tool, but as a critical component of primary care as a service: Reminding members about appointments, supporting healthy habits, and helping them prepare for primary or specialty visits. AI care assistants will check in on lifestyle choices and offer meaningful engagement to reduce loneliness, creating a more connected, personalized experience. This is the kind of proactive, whole-person care that Medicare Advantage was meant to deliver.
Anthony Thompson. Senior Vice President, Healthcare Network Strategy at CDPHP: In 2030, healthcare will have a surge in transparency and consumer informed decision making. Given the growing access to information, and misinformation, on treatments, care plans and healthcare strategies, I believe there will be an increase in consumer directed care planning that will be informed by how well providers/health plans connect with their members. The performance inside value based models will be more at the review of the consumer which will push us to truly focus on outcomes, member experience and cost efficiency. It’s going to get exciting!
Ty Wang. Co-Founder and CEO at Angle Health: We believe that by 2030, healthcare in the U.S. will look radically different — driven by AI, structural convergence and new financing models. AI will power everything from personalized care plans to predictive engagement to displacing administrative functions in their entirety, thus enabling a system that’s far more efficient, personalized and delivering truly proactive care. The traditional silos between payers and providers will give way to integrated “payvider” models that align incentives with consumers, improving both health and financial outcomes. At the same time, we are seeing a major shift towards independent TPAs and alternative health plans like level-funding, giving employers more transparency, flexibility and control. This combination of tech, integration, innovation and startup challengers will finally put the patient — not the bureaucracy — at the center of healthcare.
