In this episode

With the end of the 2024 election cycle, we’ll see changes to health policy. The Health Management Academy’s Stephanie Bernardes, VP of Health Policy and Strategy, breaks down how different outcomes might affect health policy, as well as top-of-mind changes that will be predictably coming by the end of 2024. She explores how different election outcomes could shape healthcare policies in 2025 and beyond. She provides insights into potential regulatory shifts, the impact on health systems, and key areas of focus for policymakers.

• Election outcomes will shape future healthcare regulations.
• AI is becoming a key consideration in health policy.
• Health systems must stay proactive in policy engagement.

“We don’t know exactly what’s going to happen, but we do know that regulatory oversight is not going away. If anything, it’s increasing.”

– Stephanie Bernardes

Key takeaways

Bernardes covered recent and upcoming changes in health policy. Her recommendation: By staying informed, engaging in policy discussions, and preparing for different regulatory outcomes, healthcare organizations can navigate the evolving landscape of health policy post-election.

The election will shape healthcare priorities, but uncertainty remains.

With the election just weeks away, healthcare leaders are analyzing party platforms, candidate promises, and policy trends to anticipate potential shifts. Bernardes emphasized that while campaigns outline broad policy directions, actual implementation depends on numerous factors, including congressional dynamics and regulatory agencies’ interpretations.

Beyond political rhetoric, the media plays a significant role in shaping public and policymaker perceptions of healthcare priorities. Bernardes pointed out that journalists help translate complex policy topics for the public, which in turn can influence legislative focus. “What are the reporters saying? How are the reporters translating some of these political, wonky, maybe deep, policy things to their readers? Because that will tell you a lot about what the voters care about,” she said.

Another key factor in shaping policy is the role of federal agencies, which continue to implement and enforce regulations regardless of who is in office. Even when political leadership changes, many ongoing healthcare initiatives—such as efforts to expand value-based care and streamline interoperability—are likely to continue in some form.

Healthcare organizations must be ready to adapt to new regulations.

Regardless of the election outcome, regulatory oversight in healthcare is increasing. Bernardes stressed that health systems and providers should be proactive in preparing for potential shifts rather than waiting to react once policies are enacted.

She explained that policy changes are not just about new laws but also about how they are enforced and interpreted by agencies. This means healthcare organizations must stay flexible and informed to remain compliant. “It’s not just about the laws that get passed; it’s about how they’re enforced and interpreted,” she said.

Additionally, state governments will play a major role in healthcare policy implementation. Organizations operating across multiple states must pay attention to both federal and local regulations, as state policies often vary significantly.

Artificial intelligence and digital health are key areas of policy attention.

AI is transforming healthcare, but regulation is struggling to keep up with rapid innovation. Bernardes noted that while policymakers recognize AI’s potential, they are still developing frameworks to ensure ethical use, data protection, and fair reimbursement models. “[With] AI regulations, we don’t know what’s coming. We’re making educated guesses,” she said.

One major challenge is that government agencies are often reactive rather than proactive in regulating new technologies. Bernardez explained that while innovation moves quickly, regulatory bodies take time to assess risks and establish guidelines. “The government is trying to catch up with innovation, but innovation is moving faster than regulation,” she said.

As AI becomes more integrated into clinical workflows, future policy decisions will determine how it is used in diagnostics, patient care, and operational efficiency. Healthcare leaders will need to stay informed about evolving regulations to ensure compliance and maximize the benefits of AI-driven tools.