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Deductibles. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Medical advisors. ACA. HMO. Preferred Provider Organization. EPO. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Explanation of Benefits. COBRA. SHOP. Single coverage. Family coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Confused? It's understandable. Who understands this complex system? Certainly not the average business owner. Nor the typical worker. Choosing the appropriate healthcare insurance for our business – or for our families – appears to require it requires a PhD in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It Is Costly

Based on recent research, the average family spends $twenty-seven thousand annually for their health insurance (up 6% compared to last year). Typical employer health insurance cost is expected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, a 9.5% jump compared to 2025.

Currently the government is shut down because political disagreements regarding subsidies that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Seriously Consider Universal Healthcare?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program here in America? I'm convinced we're approaching that point since this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting national healthcare. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an insurance system – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system doesn't change. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Could Function

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee making moderate income pays approximately 5.3% toward medical coverage. The company must contribute approximately thirteen point seventy-five percent.

Does this appear expensive? Unless you contrast it to what the typical US resident spends. I can name dozens of clients that are easily contributing between eight to fifteen percent of payroll costs for medical benefits. And keep in mind that with comprehensive systems, those payments also cover retirement benefits, sick pay, parental benefits and job loss protection along with funding healthcare facilities. When you add those costs versus what we pay on retirement programs, unemployment insurance and paid time off, the gap narrows.

Execution in the US

For America, a national health premium would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a framework that is already in place. It ought to be income-adjusted – wealthier individuals would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. And, like many our government's military, IT, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than federal agencies.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program represents a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than individual transactions to benefit firms and insurance providers).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, instead of going through the complicated (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers that we must do every year. Due to simplification, there would exist a better understanding about benefits by our employees – as opposed to the current system where they have to decipher the complications of existing plans. And there would definitely exist less liability for companies as we no longer would be privy to workers' medical records for purposes of weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that government play important functions in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone through a national insurance system enhances our economy's infrastructure. It represents superior, easier system for entrepreneurs which hire the majority of the country's workers and generate half the economic output. It enables employees to be healthier, have better attendance and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Are there numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. But with all the healthcare cost increases we've seen recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working very well. I understand that we're not a small, Scandinavian country where big changes can be readily adopted. However extending Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would remain a better and less expensive approach for not only controlling healthcare costs but providing access for all citizens.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to comprehensive research. Perhaps a positive aspect in this present circumstances could be that we undertake a hard look in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms need to happen.