Recent Digital Health Trends, Insights, and News – March 2026
AI moves into workflows, telehealth flexibilities (again), preventive care attracts capital.
From AI embedded directly into EHR workflows to extended Medicare telehealth access, February delivered concrete shifts across digital care — alongside strong capital momentum in preventive and behavioral health. The strategy is clear, scale what works.
Here’s what drove that momentum coming into this month.
Technology, News, and Insights
Chicago FQHC launches free maternal telehealth: 2026-02-23
Chicago Family Health Center debuted free prenatal and postpartum telehealth services. The program aims to reduce access barriers and disparities, driving near-term virtual visit growth and stronger care navigation for high-risk pregnancies.
Read the full Crain’s Chicago Business article here >>
Apple Expands Clinical-Grade Hearing Health Features to AirPods Pro
Apple received FDA authorization for new clinical-grade hearing aid and hearing test features in AirPods Pro, allowing users to conduct a hearing assessment and enable over-the-counter hearing assistance directly through their iPhone. This is bigger than a feature update. It signals a steady shift: consumer hardware companies are embedding regulated medical functionality into everyday products, collapsing the gap between wellness tech and clinical care.
Read the full FDA announcement here >>
eClinicalWorks Unveils New AI API Tool for EHRs at HIMSS26
At HIMSS26 in Las Vegas, eClinicalWorks announced its AI API Workbench, a developer platform that enables health systems to build custom autonomous AI agents within their EHR workflows. The tool aims to operationalize AI from passive assistants to actionable automation for front-office and clinical processes, signaling a shift toward AI that actively participates in care delivery rather than just augmenting workflows.
Read the full Healthcare IT News article here >>
Policy and Regulatory
CMS unveils digital health app library for Medicare
CMS launched a centralized library of digital health apps for Medicare beneficiaries to simplify discovery and promote safe use. Short-term, it could streamline referrals and raise visibility for tools embedded in virtual care pathways.
Read the full AHA article here >>
Congress Extends Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities Through 2027
In the latest round of extensions, Congress has once again extended key Medicare telehealth flexibilities — this time through December 31, 2027 under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026. As prior waivers approached expiration, lawmakers opted to preserve expanded access, including care delivered from home and relaxed geographic restrictions.
This marks yet another continuation of pandemic-era policies, reinforcing telehealth’s sustained role in the healthcare system. With a multi-year extension now in place, providers gain greater stability as virtual care continues to solidify its long-term presence in Medicare.
FDA and CMS Launch TEMPO Pilot to Expand Chronic Care Technology
The FDA, in coordination with CMS’s Innovation Center, launched the Technology-Enabled Meaningful Patient Outcomes (TEMPO) Pilot, a first-of-its-kind program designed to expand access to digital health technologies for chronic disease management. The initiative aligns regulatory oversight with Medicare payment models, signaling stronger federal coordination around how digital health tools are evaluated and deployed.
Read the full FDA announcement here >>
Industry Conversations
Investor Focus on Women’s & Hormonal Health Signals Wellness Demand
Pomelo Care’s $92 million Series C raise is fueling a broader industry conversation around women’s and hormonal health as high-growth pillars in digital care. The U.S.-based women’s and pediatric virtual care platform is expanding across reproductive health, menopause, and HRT — areas drawing increased employer benefit interest and rising patient demand.The financing underscores a developing industry dialogue around women-focused preventive health models that blend virtual care, longitudinal support, and wellness integration — highlighting both significant clinical need and growing commercial interest.
Read the full Lawrence Evans & Co. article here >>
Celebrity Capital Meets AI Wellness: Signal or Turning Point?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s $7.5 million investment in AI-powered platform Pro2col is fueling conversation around the commercialization of personalized wellness. As the platform expands across North America, leaders are watching whether AI-enabled, consumer-facing ecosystems can meaningfully reshape engagement in preventive health.
Read the full Businesswire article here >>
Growth, Funding and Innovation
Obesity digital health market seen hitting $14B
A market forecast projects digital obesity tools reaching $14B, reflecting demand for virtual weight-management and GLP-1 support services. Vendors offering remote monitoring, medication orchestration, and behavioral coaching could capture rapid payer and employer uptake.
Read the full Strategic Revenue Insights article here >>
YOU(th) Raises $4.5M to Scale Smartphone-Based Preventive Health
Preventive health startup YOU(th) closed a $4.5 million funding round to expand its AI-powered platform that uses smartphones to screen for 50+ digital biomarkers in under two minutes. The raise highlights growing investor interest in low-friction, scalable preventive health tools designed to reduce barriers to early detection and broaden access.
Read the full TechEu Article here >>
Talkiatry Raises $210M Series D to Expand Virtual Mental Healthcare
Talkiatry, a virtual psychiatry provider, secured a $210 million Series D funding round in February 2026, reflecting strong investor conviction in comprehensive, employer-aligned virtual behavioral health care solutions. This deal accounted for a large share of disclosed digital health funding activity in the period, signaling sustained momentum in virtual care.
Read the full NewMarketPitch article here>>
OpenLoop Resources & News
Telehealth Policies in Congress: Your Monthly Federal Update
Telehealth policy continues to evolve — and staying current matters. This article provides an up-to-date overview of the telehealth and virtual care bills currently in Congress, outlining key proposals, recent developments, and their legislative status. From reimbursement extensions to provider eligibility and access reforms, it gives healthcare leaders visibility into the federal decisions that may impact virtual care delivery and operations.
Read the full OpenLoop blog here>>
How to Increase Patient LTV and Build Predictable Revenue
In a landscape where new patient acquisition is expensive and unpredictable, boosting patient lifetime value (LTV) has become a powerful lever for sustainable practice growth. This guide outlines three practical strategies to increase LTV — including creating new care pathways, developing add-on services, and designing programs that drive repeat engagement.
Read the full OpenLoop blog here >>
How Clinics Can Add Wellness Programs Without Expanding Headcount
As patient demand grows for services like weight management, hormone therapy, and preventive health, many clinics face the same challenge: how to expand without increasing overhead. This article outlines how practices can launch new clinical wellness programs through turnkey partnerships — gaining access to licensed providers, compliance infrastructure, and operational support without hiring internally. The result is a scalable way to meet rising demand, diversify revenue, and stay competitive while keeping staffing lean and focused.
Read the full OpenLoop Blog here >>
*This content is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, please consult a licensed attorney.