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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Non-preferred providers. Premium health services. Out-of-pocket expenses. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Benefit advisers. Insurance brokers. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. EPO. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Not the typical business owner. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for our business – or for our families – seems like demands advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Expensive

Based on recent research, the average family pays $twenty-seven thousand each year for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). The average employer health insurance cost is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently federal operations is shut down because partisan disputes over subsidies that experts say will lead to premium increases up to 100% for millions of Americans.

When Might We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing national healthcare. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure remains intact. The way our healthcare providers get paid would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would need payments from workers and companies. In comparable systems, a worker earning average wages must contribute approximately five point three percent to their healthcare. The company pays approximately 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you contrast that with what the typical US resident spends. I know dozens of businesses who are easily contributing between 8% to 15% of payroll costs to their healthcare costs. Remember that with inclusive programs, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When including those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the difference decreases.

Execution in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would raise our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both an employee and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's defense, IT, welfare services and infrastructure, the program could be managed by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

Universal healthcare coverage would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for better plans. It would make administration much easier (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to insurance companies and insurance providers).

It would enable simpler to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) theater of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist improved comprehension about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system which require them to interpret the complications of existing plans. Additionally there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer have access to workers' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that public institutions play important functions in our lives, from providing defense to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances economic foundations. It's a better, easier system for small businesses that employ the majority of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there a million considerations I'm not addressing? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses we've seen in recent years, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes are easier to implement. However extending Medicare for all, despite the additional taxes that would be incurred, would remain a better and less expensive strategy for not only managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage for all citizens.

Need for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, must reduce our own arrogance. Our healthcare system isn't so great. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, based on major studies. Perhaps a bright spot in this present circumstances is that we take serious examination at ourselves and agree that big changes are necessary.