Patient Support Programs in 2026: What’s Next?

Patient Support Programs in 2026: What’s Next?

• December 22, 2025

As regulatory shifts, rising patient expectations, and evolving access challenges reshape healthcare, Patient Support Programs (PSPs) enter 2026 at a pivotal moment. To look ahead, we asked Redi Health’s National Sales Directors for their insights on the future of PSPs, the lessons of 2025, and how technology (including AI) will shape the next chapter.

Key Buzzwords Defining 2026

• “Digital.” PSPs must deliver tailored digital health experiences that empower patients and caregivers, while prioritizing data integrity as providers face mounting pressures.
• “Bespoke patient experiences at scale, delivered digitally.” Patients now expect proactive, personalized support similar to consumer industries.
• “Focused.” Leveraging patient-level data and AI, PSPs must keep pace with rapidly evolving access barriers to deliver optimized experiences.

Lessons from 2025

• Direct-to-consumer strategies weren’t fully thought out. The opportunity in 2026 is to refine these approaches while minimizing the burden placed on healthcare providers.
• Siloed support experiences and a lack of real-time, shareable data continue to frustrate patients and providers. Seamless information-sharing, personalization, and outcome measurement are essential.
• Shifting policy and payer landscapes demand agility. PSPs need to stay attuned to drug pricing legislation, payer stances, and manufacturer initiatives. Nimbleness will be critical in 2026.

The Biggest Pain Point Ripe for Innovation

• Digital tools that directly empower patients and caregivers. “The world is happening to them, how can we give them power back?”
• Real-time data and technology that deliver the right communication at the right moment. Transparency, education, and action should align seamlessly with each patient’s journey.
• Using real-time patient feedback to dynamically adjust support, tools, and resources ensures patients are met “where they are” in their affordability and access journey.

“2026 will be defined by digitally driven, personalized, and focused patient experiences.”

The Role of AI in PSPs

• AI has huge potential, but only when backed by secure, compliant, and timely data. “Once people trust it can be deployed compliantly and without risk to patients, its potential is great.”
• There is caution about AI-driven patient communication due to compliance, but strong opportunities exist in data analysis, insights, and patient population cohorting.
• AI’s value depends on definition and execution. “Any inaccuracies or erroneous conclusions can sidetrack progress. But when built on reliable real-time data, AI can meaningfully optimize the patient experience.”

Inform. Illuminate. Empower.

In 2026, patient centricity will be the standard. The most successful PSPs will be those that keep the patient at the center of every decision, delivering digitally driven, personalized, and focused experiences powered by data integrity and real-time adaptability.

At Redi Health, the patient is our sole focus. We’re ready to partner with manufacturers to deliver next-generation PSPs that meet patients where they are, and keep them supported every step of the way.