Many specialty provider organizations are facing formidable strategic challenges as the result of the growing payer preferences for integration. Health plans are looking for best practice models that take a whole person approach to care delivery—integrating primary care, pharmacy, behavioral health, social services, and long-term services and supports. This leaves specialty provider organizations with strategic questions: Will hospital systems, primary care providers, or retail clinics become the new competition for the delivery of specialty services to complex consumers? Should we pursue some form of partnership with these types of organizations to deliver integrated care? Or should we develop . . .

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Health Care System

The United States health care system encompasses a mixture of private and public entities that are either non-profit or for-profit. Health care coverage may be financed through federal and state government programs or can be purchased through the health insurance marketplace. In contrast, a smaller proportion of the U.S. population is uninsured. The resulting effects of a decentralized system has led to considerable challenges for provider organizations—including cost pressures, a push towards alternative payment models, and market consolidation. Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for provider organizations in reducing excess costs and utilization, particularly as payers look for innovative approaches that can demonstrate a return-on-investment in terms of cost and consumer outcomes.


On January 21, 2026, the Maryland Department of Health announced that the state expanded its advanced primary care delivery system to cover approximately 1.2 million residents enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid. The expansion, which took effect January 1, aims to improve preventive care and reduce unnecessary hospital visits by focusing on coordinated care and addressing social determinants of health. The state now operates three advanced primary care programs designed to give care teams more time… Read