Dartmouth Health News: New Providers, Top Rankings & More | 2026 Updates
- The healthcare landscape is undergoing significant changes as we move further into 2026.
- Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D plans are facing substantial modifications for 2026.
- Beyond payment rates, a complete redesign of Part D is underway, aiming to lower out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries and strengthen patient protections.
The healthcare landscape is undergoing significant changes as we move further into . Recent developments span drug approvals, Medicare policy adjustments, and hospital rankings, all impacting patients and healthcare professionals alike. This article provides an overview of key updates as of .
Medicare Changes for 2026
Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D plans are facing substantial modifications for . Government payments to MA plans are increasing by an average of 5.06% compared to , a rise of 2.83 percentage points from initial projections. This translates to over $25 billion in additional payments to MA plans. The effective growth rate, which influences plan benchmarks, is finalized at 9.04% for , up from 5.93% previously. This increase is largely due to updated Medicare Fee-for-Service expenditure data.
Beyond payment rates, a complete redesign of Part D is underway, aiming to lower out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries and strengthen patient protections. Seniors are advised to carefully review their current plans to ensure continued coverage of necessary medications and services, or to explore alternative plans offering better value. Premiums are also expected to change, making a thorough review essential.
FDA Drug Approvals and Policy Updates
January marked a period of significant activity for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Numerous drug approvals and policy changes were implemented across various specialties, including oncology, rare pediatric diseases, diabetes management, contraception, ophthalmology, and vaccine policy. These changes reflect evolving clinical evidence and patient needs.
Specifically, the FDA approved Darzalex Faspro in combination with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone for adults with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are not eligible for autologous stem cell transplant. Multiple myeloma is a cancer affecting plasma cells in the bone marrow, often causing bone pain, anemia, kidney dysfunction, and fractures. The approval was based on the Phase 3 CEPHEUS trial, which involved 395 patients. Results showed that over half of patients receiving the Darzalex Faspro-based regimen achieved minimal residual disease negativity, a marker of deep treatment response, compared to just over one-third receiving standard therapy alone. The median follow-up period for the trial was 22 months.
Hospital Rankings and Recognition
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center continues to be recognized for its quality of care. In , Becker’s Hospital Review ranked Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center among America’s top 100 hospitals. In , both Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital received recognition from U.S. News & World Report for their performance in maternity care. Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center was designated as high-performing in maternity care nationally, while Cheshire Medical Center was acknowledged for its achievements in maternity care access.
Dartmouth Health also received commendation from the American Heart Association for its adherence to the Get With The Guidelines initiative, demonstrating a commitment to research-based guidelines in stroke and heart disease care. This initiative aims to ensure all patients have access to life-saving care.
Expansion of Healthcare Providers
Dartmouth Health has been actively expanding its team of healthcare professionals. In November , the health system added 84 new providers spanning 40 healthcare disciplines across nine locations. This was followed by the addition of 11 new providers in February , representing nine healthcare disciplines across seven Dartmouth Health locations. Earlier in January , six new providers joined, covering four healthcare disciplines across eight locations. In October , 39 new providers were added, representing 19 healthcare disciplines across eight locations.
New Leadership at Dartmouth Health
Dartmouth Health and Dartmouth Hitchcock boards welcomed three new trustees beginning their terms in January : Patrick J. Lanier, James A. Heckman, and Michael F. Rotondo.
Project ECHO and Kidney Transplant Care
Dartmouth Health is also involved in initiatives to address specific health concerns. A Project ECHO series is being offered to address the risks associated with youth vaping, with sessions held weekly from September through December. Dartmouth Health and the University of Vermont (UVM) Health Network have partnered to enhance kidney transplant care, with surgeries performed at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and pre- and post-transplant care provided at UVM Medical Center.
These developments collectively highlight the ongoing evolution of the healthcare system, with a focus on improving patient access, quality of care, and affordability.