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As patient access, affordability, and regulatory challenges intensify, patient support programs are being forced to evolve. Guidehouse’s 2026 Patient Support Programs (PSP) Trends examine how biopharma manufacturers are adapting PSP strategies to meet fast-changing patient, payer, and policy demands.

 

Based on a survey of pharmaceutical executives, the report highlights how organizations are rethinking operational models, shifting service offerings, and leveraging technology to improve access and support business priorities.

Our report explores:
  • Key trends and priorities shaping patient support programs
  • The most-used services and the challenges manufacturers face in implementing them
  • How AI, insourcing, and reimbursement complexity are impacting the PSP landscape

Report insights

40%

are using both external and internal HUB services

14%

feel "very prepared" to adapt to the Inflation Reduction Act

80%

say copay assistance programs are the most-used PSP

About the report

What are the biggest challenges facing patient support programs today? accordion-circle-plus accordion-circle-plus-hover accordion-circle-minus accordion-circle-minus-hover
Leaders cite affordability pressures, payer dynamics such as copay accumulator and maximizer programs, reimbursement and prior authorization delays, and data integration and governance challenges as top obstacles.

Organizations are adopting more technology enabled, hybrid operating models, bringing some services in house while relying on partners for scale, speed, and advanced capabilities such as AI.

AI is being used to automate reimbursement workflows, improve data visibility, and generate insights that help reduce delays and improve patient and provider experiences—though adoption and maturity vary widely.

Policy changes such as the Inflation Reduction Act, PBM reform, and evolving CMS rules are prompting manufacturers to reassess affordability programs, eligibility criteria, and overall PSP design.

The report outlines practical actions, including rebalancing investments upstream, adopting hybrid operating models, embedding payer strategy into PSP design, and tying program performance to measurable outcomes.

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Guidehouse is a global AI-led professional services firm delivering advisory, technology, and managed services to the commercial and government sectors. With an integrated business technology approach, Guidehouse drives efficiency and resilience in the healthcare, financial services, energy, infrastructure, and national security markets.

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