🔒2026 Economic Forecast: Fresh faces to lead health care

Central Massachusetts healthcare systems experienced program closures, leadership transitions, and mergers this year amid federal funding shifts and a mounting behavioral health crisis. Next year, the industry will adjust further to these trends.

New leadership

In 2026, new faces will lead some of Worcester’s anchor institutions. Among many new healthcare leaders named in 2025, Dr. Michael Collins announced he would step down as chancellor of UMass Chan Medical School, and Saint Vincent Hospital, the second largest hospital in Central Massachusetts, is looking for a new CEO.

More hospital cutbacks

While most regional hospitals were profitable in 2024, they faced financial hits this year with low reimbursement rates, a maxxed-out Health Safety Net, and looming Medicaid cuts. Next year, hospitals will continue trimming programs as they find alternative ways to meet community needs.

Health care will be increasingly home-based

Patients are experiencing exacerbated wait times at Central Massachusetts ERs, partially due to at-capacity step-down facilities. While that problem will persist, hospitals, nonprofits, and universities will work to bring health care to people’s homes, including advanced technology and the use of community health care workers. Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and professional services industries.