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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Fixed payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. PPO. EPO. POS. High Deductible Health Plan. HSA. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? You should be. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Neither the average worker. Selecting the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

Our Medical System Is More Than Complex, It's Expensive

According to recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand each year on medical coverage (increasing by 6% from last year). The average employer health insurance cost is expected to exceed $seventeen thousand for each worker by 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Now federal operations is shut down because political disagreements regarding subsidies which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

How soon might we genuinely evaluate universal healthcare coverage here in America? I have to believe we're getting closer because this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm proposing that our already existing Medicare program – an established insurance framework – merely extend to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. The way medical professionals receive payment would change. Trust me, they will adjust.

The Way National Health Insurance Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from workers and companies. In similar programs, a worker making moderate income must contribute about five point three percent to their healthcare. Their employer pays about 13.75%.

Does this seem expensive? Unless you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients who are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that with inclusive programs, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding medical services. When you add those costs compared with what we pay for our retirement plans, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework already established. It should be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and employer contribution. Similar to much of our government's military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program should be outsourced by private contractors rather than a government office.

Advantages for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for small businesses like mine. It would place small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors that can pay for superior coverage. It would make management significantly simpler (a payroll deduction processed similarly to social security and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complicated (and fruitless) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would be a better understanding about benefits among workers – contrasted with existing arrangements where they have to interpret the complexities of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to our employees' medical records for purposes of risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as possible. However I recognize that government has a significant role in our lives, from providing defense to funding essential systems. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of American employees and generate half of our GDP. It makes it possible employees to enjoy better health, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist a million considerations I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's evident that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. I understand that we're not a compact European nation where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would still be a better and less expensive strategy for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access to everyone.

Time for Honest Assessment

We as Americans, we need to reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank significantly behind numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Maybe one positive aspect in this current situation is that we undertake serious examination in the mirror and agree that major reforms need to happen.