NOMINATIONS CLOSED 2/28/26

Top 50
Value-Based Care Thinkers

2026 Annual Report

Recognizing the leaders shaping the future of value-based healthcare — executives and innovators advancing outcomes, access, and accountability. Powered and published by Pearl Health.
Healthcare executives
Health system & ACO leaders
Policy & innovation leaders
REPORT TIMELINE

Where We Are Now

STAGE 1
Nominations Closed
Ended on February 28, 2026
STAGE 2
Judging Period
Judge panel review completed
STAGE 3
Report Drafted
April 27, 2026
STAGE 4
Top VBC Thinkers Dinner
May 12, 2026
ABOUT THE REPORT

Honoring Leaders Who Are Shaping Value-Based Care

The Top 50 Value-Based Care Thinkers Report, powered by Pearl Health, recognizes the leaders advancing value-based care through bold leadership, meaningful innovation, and disciplined execution.

Leaders from health systems, ACOs, and provider organizations driving measurable outcomes in value-based care

Executives at payers and technology companies building the infrastructure of tomorrow's care delivery

Policy leaders and researchers shaping the legislative and regulatory environment for value-based models

Founders and investors backing the next generation of value-based care innovation

Honesty is the foundation of trust and trust is the foundation of good outcomes in VBC. Performance will be judged not only on utilization but on consumer experience in years to come.

Value based care is the future of health care. It’s not just a different way of paying providers but its construct can solve many of our the problems facing our health care system from reducing provider burden to making our citizens healthier. It creates financial alignment between payers and providers to drive better outcomes while lowering costs.

For value-based payment to achieve its promise we must work to create a system where all play by the same rules and uniform benefits, enrollment with primary-care focused systems, capitation, and meaningful measures create competitive markets that reward only those who deliver better, cheaper care.

It’s an honor to be recognized with such a distinguished group of colleagues. Value Based Care continues to evolve but never at the pace we desire. We must continue to be resilient in our pursuit and drive forward that improving efficiency, quality and consumer experience can not be accomplished without — nor come at the expense of — clinician well being.

A comprehensive look at the people and ideas shaping value-based care in 2026.

What's Included in the Report

INSIDE THE REPORT

The Top 50 Value-Based Care Thinkers of 2026

Full profiles of the 50 honorees selected by an unbiased, expert judging panel.

Executive Profiles & Perspectives

In-depth features on each honoree's work, philosophy, and contributions to the field.

Insights into Emerging Care Models

Spotlight on innovative care delivery approaches gaining traction across the industry.

Future Outlook on Value-Based Care

Expert perspectives on the forces shaping value-based care over the next decade.

ARCHIVE

Past Reports & Interviews

Explore previous editions of the Top 50 Value-Based Care Thinkers and conversations with the leaders shaping the future of value-based care.
Each year, Pearl Health recognizes 50 influential thinkers advancing value-based care. Dive into past reports and featured interviews with honorees to hear their perspectives on the industry’s evolution.
SELECTION PROCESS

Our Methodology

Awardees are selected through a structured, rigorous process administered by Pearl Health, designed to ensure objectivity, credibility, and meaningful recognition.
1

Open Nominations

The process begins with an open nomination period, allowing the healthcare community to nominate leaders making a significant impact in value-based care.

2

Independent Judging Panel Review

A diverse panel of judges with deep healthcare expertise evaluates all nominations against defined criteria.

3

Evaluation of Leadership Impact

Judges assess each nominee's demonstrated leadership, strategic influence, and measurable impact on value-based care outcomes and delivery models.

4

Assessment of VBC Contributions

Special weight is given to contributions that advance the broader value-based care movement — including policy engagement, research, and ecosystem building.

Selection Criteria

Nominees are evaluated on leadership, innovation, execution, and contributions to advancing value-based care across the healthcare system.

EXCLUSIVE EVENT

Top VBC Thinkers Dinner

Hosted by Pearl Health, this private dinner brings together the 2026 honorees and distinguished past recipients — an evening of peer dialogue among those shaping the future of value-based care.A comprehensive look at the people and ideas shaping value-based care in 2026.

May 12, 2026

By invitation only — current and past Top 50 honorees

A private gathering of influential voices in value-based care

An Evening Reserved for Celebrating Value-Based Care Leaders

A curated gathering where awardees connect, exchange ideas, and advance the future of value-based care over dinner.

BY INVITATION ONLY
EARLY ACCESS

Get Early Access to the Report

Join hundreds of healthcare leaders already on the list. Be the first to receive the 2026 Top 50 Value-Based Care Thinkers report.