A report from Forrester outlines five expected changes that could reshape healthcare in 2027 as consumers increasingly use AI, digital health tools, and direct-to-consumer treatment options:
- AI becomes the first stop for healthcare guidance: More than half of U.S. consumers are expected to turn to public AI tools first when seeking health information, potentially changing how patients find providers and access care.
- Health insurers introduce alternative plans: Five of the 10 largest health insurers are expected to launch alternative health plans designed to simplify coverage and provide more predictable costs, particularly as insurance premiums continue to rise.
- AI agents take on routine care: AI agents could handle 20% of routine care check-ins, including medication renewals, chronic condition monitoring, care navigation, and wellness support. Healthcare organizations will need to determine which tasks can be safely managed by AI and when clinician involvement is necessary.
- GLP-1 use and direct-to-consumer treatment expand: One in five Americans is expected to take a GLP-1 medication. The direct-to-consumer approach used for these treatments could expand into areas such as women’s health, dermatology, and longevity care, allowing patients to access more services through digital platforms.
- At-home testing creates new healthcare access gaps: An estimated 25% of consumers are expected to regularly use at-home diagnostic tests to monitor their health and confirm information from digital health tools. However, differences in affordability and access could widen health disparities, making it important for healthcare organizations to help patients access testing and understand their results.
These predictions point to growing changes in how patients seek care, interact with providers, and access treatment, creating new considerations for healthcare organizations as they plan for 2027.