M&A outlook: More big deals; insurers, private equity stepping in

Why This Topic Matters

Health care consolidation affects how practices, hospitals, and insurers organize care, share resources, and manage risk. Understanding these trends helps readers track likely changes in business relationships, referral patterns, and regulatory oversight.

Article Sections

1. Predictions: Mergers and acquisitions

   An overview of expected health care deal activity and the broad market forces encouraging continued consolidation in 2016.

2. Insurers step up

   A discussion of expanding payer involvement, including insurer-provider alignment and interest in networks that support population health management and shared-savings arrangements.

3. Government steps in

   Coverage of increased regulatory attention to proposed deals and the role of state and federal oversight in reviewing large transactions.

4. Another expected development

   A look at expected partnerships between larger and smaller hospitals and the broader continuation of consolidation across facilities.